MIXED CASE

Two highly distinctive, award-winning gins make up this mixed case. The No Frills is a fragrant London Dry Gin, while the Seekat is a vivid, aromatic blend with lingering appeal.

West Coast Distillers

NO FRILLS GIN, LANGEBAAN

SEEKAT GIN, LANGEBAAN

Gin

The No Frills gin is made with six botanicals in a juniper-focused style with hints of coriander and nartjie citrus fruit. The goal of the distiller was to create a smallbatch premium gin at an affordable price. Locally sourced glass and a fun paper-wrapped label are integral to this objective. West Coast’s gamble has certainly paid off, as proven by its many awards for best-value craft gin. –jb

Gin

The Seekat gin features an enticing blend of eleven botanicals, including some uniquely South African additions. Floral notes from local fynbos (South African shrubland vegetation like rooibos and honeybush) and hibiscus mingle with citrus hints and spicy undertones. This is a highly aromatic gin with a spicy, lifted finish. Drinks very well on the rocks.

43%

Juniper, cucumber, white pepper, lime

Mandarin, coriander, cucumber

Finish Tangy and inviting

Spicy, juniper, floral, eucalyptus

Citrus, juniper, herbal, spiced

Finish Aromatic and distinctive

42%

Tempranillo

G Mez De Segura

WEB EXCLUSIVE – NEW PRODUCER

Bodega Gómez de Segura is a 53-hectare estate in the highly esteemed Laguardia municipality, in the high-altitude Alavesa sub-zone of Rioja. Established in 1948, the third generation of the Goméz de Segura family is now running the winery. The family attributes their success to their old-vine plantings of Tempranillo and Viura, which thrive in the Mediterranean climate of Rioja Alavesa with its warm days, cool nights and freedraining clay-limestone soils. The bodega is committed to sustainable wine production techniques and environmental conservation. Chemical pesticides and herbicides are strictly prohibited, and vineyard fertilizers are made from natural sheep manure.

Tempranillo

$ WEB

This Gómez de Segura Crianza cuvée is made from 100% old vine Tempranillo aged in French and American oak casks for one year and a further year in bottle before release. The nose has a tempting mix of bright red fruit, deeper black fruit notes, and sweet brown sugar undertones. Brisk acidity lifts the weighty palate and balances the very ripe dark-fruit flavours. Ripe, bold tannins frame the finish, giving way to lingering savoury, smoky notes. 2024-2034–jb

14%

Red currant, cassis, brown sugar, earthy

Ripe dark fruit, milk chocolate, tobacco

Spanish chuletón with fire-roasted red peppers

$ WEB

This Tempranillo-based Rioja is made using the carbonic maceration technique. The grapes are not crushed before fermentation which allows an intracellular reaction within the grape gradually causing them to burst, mixing with the yeast and starting fermentation in the traditional manner. This process gives vibrant fruit flavours and softer tannins. The 2021 is medium in body with mouth-watering acidity and a fine, chalky texture. Notes of earthy dark fruit define the nose and linger on the palate. 2023-2025–jb

13.5%

Cassis, plum, pencil shavings, earthy

Tart black fruits, earthy, subtly savoury

Marinated grilled hanger steak

The Vendimia Seleccionada (or harvest selection) red is very youthful, with its deep purple colour, tangy acidity and pronounced fruity flavours. This is a medium-weight offering with softer, more approachable tannins. Dark fruit and chocolatey tones reign here, with subtle smoky earthiness to add a touch of interest. The Tempranillo grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged just six months in new French oak casks and six months in bottle before release. 2023-2026– jb

13%

Dark cherry, plum, milk chocolate, dried herbs

Cherry, plum, tobacco, earthy

Medley of grilled vegetables with a balsamic reduction

The Reserva de la Familia is a premium Tempranillo-based Rioja from Goméz de Segura. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by over 24 months in bottle. This extended ageing period allows the wine to harmonize before release. The 2017 is a powerful wine with excellent depth of flavour. Notes of dark fruit, bright citrus hints and subtle barnyard hints bring a lot of complexity to the nose. Very fresh with fine-grained yet still tightly wound tannins. Decant an hour and serve with boldly flavoured (though not spicy) dishes. 2024-2036–jb

The Finca Ratón Reserva Rioja is made from a unique, south-facing vineyard slope of stony clay-limestone soils, boasting 65-year-old Tempranillo vines. The southerly exposure and low yields from this site ensure optimal ripening of concentrated, flavourful grapes. Aged 12 months in new French oak barrels and over two years in bottle, the 2017 is weighty and moderately firm with a dense, layered texture. Intense aromas of ripe dark fruits and floral nuances give way to herbal, savoury nuances on the long finish. 2023-2037– jb

14%

14%

Cassis, plum, blood orange, barnyard hints

Cherry, plum, blood orange, clove

Red wine-braised wild boar

Blackberry, cherry, plum, violet

Baked dark fruit, smoky, savoury

Tapas-style cured meats, cheeses and warm marinated olives