CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE—A

CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE

A SELECTION OF TOP WINES TO TRY

1. Dornier Cocoa Hill Red 2019

(Price R110) The wine shows aromas of black and red fruit, pepper and a hint of spice. The palate is flavourful and well balanced with pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins and a lingering finish. Drink from 2021 for up to 5 years. PAIRING: Braised oxtail, Boeuf bourguignon, charcuterie platter and smoked kudu carpaccio.

2. Marklew Cape Georgian Merlot 2020

(Price R139) Full ripe berries on the nose followed by flavours on the mid palate that range from cherries to cinnamon buns. The luscious ripe tannins contribute to the weight of the wine and create a dark chocolate finish. Cellar for 3-5 years. PAIRING: Steak, venison and veal. Also a great partner for curries and stew dishes. 3. Warwick Trilogy 2014 (Price R579) The palate is rich and concentrated with intensity and structure. Black berries and cassis follow from the initial aromas though on to a complex aroma of sweet spices and a lovely savoury element. The tannins are firm, but well structured. Cellar for 5-10 years. PAIRING: Rare beef fillet with Chinese barbecue sauce or carpaccio with anchovy cream and truffle oil.

4. Swartland Limited Release Carignan

2020 (Price R149) Mocha chocolate and ripe red fruits, with nuances of spice on the nose. Rich aromas carry through onto the palate, with vibrant red fruits and mocha undertones, combining with rich, dried peach. The fruit is neatly framed by elegant tannins. PAIRING: Coq au vin, barbecue lamb brochettes with lemon and garlic or shepherd’s pie.

7. Boland Reserve Merlot 2018

(Price R159) Concentrated yet ripe Merlot flavours of red cherries, youngberries, plums and red berries. Layers of oak spice and wood shavings integrated with savoury and tomato notes mingling together with a long and lingering finish. A firmly structured and full-bodied wine which will benefit from careful ageing. PAIRING: Grilled sirloin and rump steaks.

5. Stellenbosch Vineyards Shiraz 2019

(Price R125) Complex bouquet of plum, red berries and white pepper flavours. Well balanced with layers of dark fruit and spices, complemented by good integrated tannins and a long soft finish. Drink now or cellar for 7 years from vintage. PAIRING: Brisket, flame grilled rib-eye steak or hearty beef stews.

8. Withington Malbec 2020 (Price R140) An easy-drinking, yet elegant wine with fabulous juicy red-berry flavours that can only come from well nurtured sunripened grapes, gently crushed, slowly fermented and quietly matured. Drink now. PAIRING: Enjoyed on its own, with biltong, dark chocolate or turmeric ravioli with an aubergine parmiggiana filling.

6. Stellekaya Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

(Price R220) Intense, full bodied wine with cedar, blackcurrants and a hint of cranberry. Well-balanced showing characters of sweet fruits and toastiness. The balance between fruit, acidity and wood character is good, ensuring long term cellaring. Cellar for 8-10 years. PAIRING: Slowroasted leg of lamb, beef short ribs or porcini mushroom risotto.

9. Roan Ranger 2019 (Price R125) A blend of Grenache, Cinsaut and Mourvèdre made in the classical slightly wooded Rhône-style. This red blend has perfumed aromas of rose, pomegranate, dried herbs and red fruits. An easy drinking wine, which can be enjoyed slightly chilled. Drink now. PAIRING: Game meats or steak.

‘Rich aromas carry through onto the palate, with vibrant red fruits and mocha undertones’

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