CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE: A

CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE

A SELECTION OF TOP WINES TO TRY

1. False Bay Crystalline Chardonnay

2020 (Price R69.99) A vibrant, fresh and elegant style of Chardonnay. Delicate floral and pear notes, with minerality in abundance. Complex and a beautiful length on the palate, without being fatty. Unoaked and understated, but persistent on the finish. Drink now or cellar for up to 2 years. PAIRING: Creamy pastas, chicken salads and Cape Malay curry.

2. False Bay Whole Bunch Cinsault

Mourvédre 2020 (Price R69) An elegant light salmon colour wine. A freshness on the nose from vibrant red berries and pomegranate, enhanced by soft floral notes. The Mourvèdre component brings structure and persistence to the palate. Drink now or cellar for up to 2 years. PAIRING: Thai red curry, tuna steak, salmon sashimi or shellfish.

3. False Bay Old School Syrah 2019

(Price R69.99) Prominent dark fruit notes on the nose, complemented by a variety of spiced aromatics - particularly black and white pepper. The palate shows fresh acidity and great structure, whilst developing into a spicier character and ending with wellbalanced, ripe tannins. Drink now or cellar for 3-4 years. PAIRING: Pepperoni pizza or red meats.

4. Stellekaya Merlot 2018 (Price R146) Deep crimson in colour. This wine showcases attractive dark berry fruit with savoury and earthy notes. Elegant with juicy soft tannins and good acidity. Drink in 6-8 years. PAIRING: This wine pairs well with beef Carpaccio, drizzled with homemade mayonnaise, topped with rocket and Parmesan shavings. 7. Wildeberg Red 2019 (Price R495) Predominantly Syrah that’s been judiciously blended with a little Cabernet Franc. Aged in French oak for 12 months means the palate has an particularly impactful feel. Drink now or cellar for 3-5 years. PAIRING: Ideal with roast leg of lamb, duck and grilled vegetables.

10. Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2016

(Price R279) Complex combination of dark fruits, white pepper, dark chocolate and a hint of mint supported by subtle spicy undertones. Big and round palate with silky smooth tannins. Rich, ripe fruit on the back palate combined with a well-balanced acidity. Drink now. PAIRING: Kudu fillet with couscous and a red wine reduction.

5. Stellekaya Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

(Price R189) This wine shows earthy and minty notes with enticing flavours of dark fruit, tobacco and chocolate. The palate is inviting and balanced with a backbone of acidity and an integrated tannin structure. Drink in 8-10 years. PAIRING: Pairs well with slow-roasted leg of lamb, beef short ribs or porcini mushroom risotto.

8. Trizanne Reserve Syrah 2018

(Price R272) Wild strawberries, cranberries, hints of pomegranate and crushed rose petals all neatly integrated with the oak. A medium-bodied palate with crisp acidity, a lovely saline/spicy thread throughout that lends energy and tension towards the precise and detailed finish. Cellar for 5-8 years. PAIRING: Grilled lamb with roast vegetables.

11. Boland One Formation Pinotage

Shiraz Grenache 2017 (Price R95) Upfront dark, ripe fruit, particularly of blackcurrant and plums, juicy and approachable with some savouriness – all harmonising with a smooth, lingering taste. Drink now through to 2024. PAIRING: Grilled beef rump or braised pork.

6. African Pride Forager White 2019

(Price R85) Ripe tropical fruit, peach and apricot flavours from Chenin Blanc with fresh aromas of pear, lime and green apple from the Grenache Blanc. Rounded by very subtle oak. Long and persistent finish. Drink now or cellar up to 2 years. PAIRING: Pairs well with seafood and complements fragrant, rich dishes like Moroccan lamb tagine or wild mushroom risotto.

9. Rainbow’s End Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 (Price R195) Dark black in appearance. A balanced and structured Cab. A mix of New World (fruit driven cassis and blackcurrant), as well as Old World style notes with earthy, bramble, meaty and wet soil. Silky smooth tannins with a lingering dark chocolate aftertaste. Cellar for up to 6 years. PAIRING: Beef, pork, lamb or poultry. 12. Withington Malbec 2019 (Price R120) An easy-drinking, yet elegant wine with fabulous juicy red-berry flavours that can only come from well nutured sun-ripened grapes, gently crushed, slowly fermented and quietly matured. A sappy wine with the oak in delicate support with its brown spice and vanilla. Drink now. PAIRING: Biltong, chocolate or ravioli with Aubergine Parmiggiana filling.

13. Kranskop Merlot 2017 (Price R120) Mid to deep ruby; shy-ish, but prune, blackberry and dark choc slowly emerge. Full-bodied and properly dry with a meaty, biltong-like flavour, crushed coriander and dusty tannins in nice firm finish. Drink now or cellar until 2024. PAIRING: Hearty lamb moussaka, beef shin stew with butter beans or oxtail casserole slow-cooked in red wine.

14. Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Red 2017

(Price R78) A classical South African, Bordeaux styled blend. It is medium-bodied and approachable, but with beautiful concentration and length. Enticing notes of dark cherries, plums and spice on the nose with soft tannins on the palate. Drink now or in 5 years. PAIRING: Game, full-flavoured red meat dishes as well as pasta and pizza.

15. Silver Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2020

(Price R79.99) Tropical flavours of litchi, melon and gooseberry dominant on the nose. Crisp acidity, and long mouthfeel. Drink now. PAIRING: Enjoy with seafood like tempura prawns and line fish.

16. Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2017

(Price R270) This is a smooth easy drinking wine with an intense dark purple colour. Oak perfume with blackberry and hazelnut on the nose. Broad smooth tannins. A ripe and succulent wine. Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. PAIRING: The soft earthy notes of this wine will match a mushroom tortellini with rosemary butter.

17. Saronsberg Earth in Motion 2020

(Price R78) Prominent tropical aromas with the Sauvignon Blanc contributing delicate gooseberry, exotic fruit and a hint of minerality. The Chenin Blanc provides white pear, litchi and floral notes. It is a clean, fresh wine with ample body, a succulent fruit core and generous aftertaste. Drink now or in 1-3 years. PAIRING: On its own or with seafood, white meat, mild cheeses and salads.

18. Saronsberg Seismic 2017

(Price R159) Dark colour with flavours of cassis, red berry and integrated oak. The tannin is firm and well-balanced with a fullbodied, elegant finish. Cellar for 6-12 years. PAIRING: Paired with a wide variety of dishes whether from your own grill or designer cuisine in the kitchen.

19. Bushmanspad Cabernet Franc 2016

(Price R179) True varietal character with ripe, red cherry flavours, spice and creamy brown chocolate and light black pepper. Delicate mid-palate with a strong but elegant oaky aftertaste which carries the red cherry flavours beautifully. Drink in 8-10 years. PAIRING: Cold roast beef on walnut bread or Porterhouse steak with a dab of Dijon.

20. Rhebokskloof Chenin Blanc 2019

(Price R85) Luscious and aromatic with an abundance of fresh and juicy tropical fruit. Nicely textured with a long, crisp finish. A wine for any and every occasion. Cellar for 3-4 years. PAIRING: Light salads, any seafood, light pasta dishes or chicken.

21. Laibach Merlot 2017 (Price R155) This Merlot has a deep dark colour. Good nose with some bitter chocolate and hints of blackberries. Mediumbodied with good tannin structure to support an array of flavours. The wine has got a good grip and freshness with good complexity and depth. Drink now or in 3-5 years. PAIRING: Serve with red meat and pasta dishes.

22. Doolhof Single Vineyard Merlot 2017

(Price R299) Aromas of blackberries, plums and cassis with hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied and complex with a juicy mouthfeel. The palate is layered with plush fruit, hints of chocolate. Silky smooth tannins that lead to a long and smooth finish. Cellar up to 2027. PAIRING: Grilled T-bone with herbed butter, Osso Bucco or a dark chocolate flourless cake.

23. Hilton The Dalmation Syrah 2017

(Price R629) Dark ruby in colour, a subtle nose of dark fruits with a whiff of violets. Luscious blackberry notes and a hint of spice on the palate supported by subtle French oak integration – well rounded, finely balanced, smooth tannin structure and a long finish. Drink between 2022-2028. PAIRING: Beef Bourguignon Pie.

24. Nitida Grande Matriarch MCC 2016

(Price R239) A grand meet-cute. Strawberry syrup and ruby grapefruit waltz hand-in-hand through a red fruit grove. Rose petals and flakes of potpourri shimmer in shades of rose gold. 100% Pinot Noir. Drink now. PAIRING: Slivers of ostrich carpaccio.

25. Allée Bleue Blue Owl Pinotage 2019

(Price R89.99) Abundant strawberry and ripe cherry flavours on the nose. A slight hint of chocolate, liquorice and coffee gives added complexity. The palate is smooth and soft with beautiful berry fruit that lingers. Elegant tannin structure rounds off this accessible wine. Drink now up until 2021. PAIRING: Lamb roast with baby vegetables or fresh pasta. Or enjoy it on its own.

26. Lomond Romans Bay 1895 2019

(Price R95) Blend of Shiraz 67%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20% and Merlot 13%. Complexed flavours of red fruit, black cherries and hints of spice welcomes the nose. Good complexity wine with well-balanced structure. Soft and juicy tannins make this a very enjoyable wine. Drink now. PAIRING: Beef brisket, grilled lamb or a beef stew.

27. Bosman Generation Merlot 2019

(Price R75) A true classic: medium-bodied with an appealing bouquet of ripe red cherries and mulberry fruit, following through with hints of earthiness and plums on the palate. Drink now. PAIRING: Tomato-based dishes, roast chicken and creamy mushroom steak or stews.

28. DeMorgenzon Maestro White 2017

(Price R245) The nose shows notes of concentrated orange and yellow stone fruits, with a hint of spice, citrus and blossoms. The palate is full-bodied, textured and nuanced with a lingering aftertaste. Drink now. PAIRING: Lemon roasted chicken with pancetta, thyme and garlic, or vegetarian lasagne - served with a rocket, balsamic and Parmesan salad.

29. Lomond SSV 2020 (Price R135) A perfect summer wine for any occasion. Light and vibrant with a subtle mid palate complexity from the Semillon and Viognier to provide intrigue from one glass to the next. Drink now. PAIRING: Truffled cauliflower fritters, edamame beans, asparagus, avo pulp, crispy shallots and yuzu splash.

30. Glenwood Merlot 2019 (Price R165) Medium-bodied wine with layers of mint, chocolate, plum and mulberry. Full and elegant, with a long conclusion. Drink now. PAIRING: Duck Caeser salad, beef, lamb or veal dishes.

31. Anura Pinotage 2017 (Price R145) An elegant and aromatic nose, complemented by subtle, juicy fruit. A velvety palate with prominent notes of black and red berries, featuring spicy undertones of cinnamon. Shows great balance between oak and fruit flavour with a good tannin structure finish. Drink now. PAIRING: Grilled red meats and venison, rich tomato-based pasta sauces, full flavoured mature cheeses and charcuterie.

32. Arendskloof Tannat 2016

(Price R151) Packed with rich, ripe plum, prune and berry fruit. Dark chocolate and an earthy tone. Firm, ripe, soft tannins and a fruity mouth. Well-balanced oak with a long finish and good ageing potential. Drink now. PAIRING: Poultry, lamb or potjie dishes.

33. Eagles’ Cliff Sauvignon Blanc 2020

(Price R71) A delicious medium-bodied wine with crisp and tropical fruit flavours. A zesty palate and fresh finish. Drink now. PAIRING: Chicken salad, grilled fish or on its own.

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