2014 South Africa

Cassis fruit, blackcurrant leaf and hints of smoky spice create an immediate sense of complexity on the nose of this Bordeaux blend. As is characteristic of this wine, the refined texture is courtesy of gloriously smooth tannins and a velvety mouth-feel, showing a sophistication that belies its price.

he 2014 Granite Syrah comes from two vineyards in the Paardeberg. It has a very composed bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry and perhaps it is a subconsciously induced reading, but warm granite aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, quite a feminine, supple Syrah that is very well balanced. There are layers of red cherry, strawberry and bergamot scents with a judicious pinch of white pepper that enlivens that finish. This is a very nuanced, terroir-driven Syrah that should give 12-15 years of pleasure.
Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate. 28th April 2017. 

Having trained under the late Didier Dageneau in the Loire, it is no surprise that Duncan Savage is the master of Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, both at Cape Point and under his own label. His proprietary white, a blend of Sauvignon and old-vine Sémillon is a fantastic New World answer to white Graves – grapefruit, lemon peel and almond on the nose. Vibrant and very fresh, this will no doubt gain some flesh and texture with age – there is a lot to like here.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

It’s easy to understand why Chris Alheit’s Cartology is garnering so many plaudits after only a few vintages – this is, in my mind, one of the most exciting of the new wave of South African wines on the market. A very precise bouquet of quince, baked apple, yellow plums and lemon leads into a rich and textured palate. The Chenin dominates at 88 percent, with the Sémillon adding some grassy zing and freshness. Give this a year in the cellar then enjoy over the following five years and beyond.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

2014 is being described by Matthew Day as the vintage of the decade and it is easy to see why. Vivid gold in colour, the nose is open and expressive even at this early stage. Candid orange peel, backed peaches and apricots with a hint of honey dominate the nose, but there is nuance and spice here in the guise of fresh ginger, nutmeg and kerosene. The palate is rich, opulent and fruit forward, coating one’s mouth with sweet marmalade and apricot frangipane, but there is freshness on the midpalate with hints of tangerine and honeysuckle. Well balanced with plenty of concentration on the long, sticky finish. Exceedingly pleasurable and drinkable from the get go.
Simon Herriot, Private Account Manager

An elegantly crafted blend of 52% Syrah, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot. The wine is rich and layered, with spice and violets give way to red cherry and damson fruit on the nose. Succulent and supple on the palate, with fine acidity and velvety tannins, excellent persistence on the finish. Drink 2019 – 2025.
Stuart Rae, Private Account Manager (winter 2018)