South Africa is celebrated for its diverse and high-quality wines, reflecting its unique terroir and innovative winemaking. The country’s signature grape is Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, producing robust red wines with distinctive flavors of dark fruit, smoky bacon, and earthy undertones. Stellenbosch, one of the most renowned wine regions, excels in producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, known for their depth, complexity, and aging potential. South Africa also boasts exceptional white wines, particularly from Chenin Blanc, which ranges from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex, often with flavors of apple, pear, and honey. The coastal region of Walker Bay is acclaimed for its cool-climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, delivering elegant, balanced wines with vibrant acidity. Additionally, the country produces world-class Sauvignon Blanc, often characterized by zesty citrus, tropical fruit, and herbaceous notes. With a rich heritage and a commitment to sustainability and innovation, South African wines continue to gain recognition and acclaim on the global stage.
Attractive deep yellow colour. Intense honey, apricot, nuts and passion fruit nose. The palate is sweet and concentrated with just enough acidity and oak tannins to compliment and deliver a long, lingering finish.
Delicious with hard cheese, pate’, biscotti, lemon and orange rind cake, various nuts and slightly tart fruit desserts. Or a dessert all on its own – a real treat after the meal!
Attractive medium deep true red colour. Lovely blackberry and bright cherry aromas with an array of spices and a little fruitcake too. New oak component nicely integrated. Palate shows a lot of energy and a tight structure with fine tannins and a long dry finish. Best 2020 to 2030.
Ideal with a variety of fine, roasted meat dishes.
Medium deep, bright red colour. Red berries, cherries and spicy tomato paste nose with a little fynbos character. Some blueberry and black currant too, with well integrated new French oak.
Bright red fruit and spice palate and a lovely fine texture. The rich, but refined berry fruit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot make up the core with the wonderful spice of the Syrah and Cabernet Franc adding another dimension.
Enjoy with duck, charcuterie and most roast meat.
Drink now to 2030
Impressive, deep red colour. Rich intense nutty fruitcake nose with a mix of black and red wild berries. Some tobacco, smoke, toast and some cedar from the fine French oak. Big, intense palate with thick, broad tannins, though still quite fine. Long finish and loads of potential.
Delicious with a thick chunk of free-range beef.
Deep, dark red colour. Big, rich blue / blackberry nose with cedary notes. Great intensity and complexity. Rich, ripe dark fruit and pepper and spice palate. Big, mouthfilling tannins. Slightly sweet fruit comes out as the wine opens up. Drink 2015 to 2022. Best with a thick chunk of steak on the braai.
Medium deep purple red colour. Forthcoming spicy, blueberry fruit, herbal (fynbos) notes and white pepper on the nose. Great intensity and complexity, though in a lighter, more lifted style than usual and similar to the 2007. Palate also shows more elegant, firmer tannins with more mineral notes dominating. Needs time, drink 2018 to 2028.
Delicious with a venison and mushroom casserole.
Medium deep ruby red colour. An expressive nose of concentrated blueberries steeped in spices with a subtle hint of Eucalypt and fynbos (garrigues). Soft easy drinking palate reveals a heap of delicious flavours that were suggested on the nose. Enough acidity and soft tannins to carry the wine to a long appealing finish. Drink now to 2027. Enjoy with slow roasted pork belly or a mild North Indian vegetable curry.
Straw yellow colour. Peach and apricot nose with lemon, honey and floral aspects complimenting. A little less expressive than the 2018 at this stage in a more typical, restrained De Trafford style. Complex, substantial palate. Fresh, elegant and restrained, but with power and length. Opens up with time in the glass or a decant. Excellent with most fish dishes, shellfish and sushi. Drink now to 2029.
