For nearly a decade, we have attended this prestigious tasting event annually, never missing a year. Throughout the years, we’ve been privileged to meet winemakers and tasted some of the finest wines. This year’s event was no exception, showcasing the Cape’s premier flagship red wines all under one roof. Held in the Members’ Lounge at the DHL Stadium in Green Point, it was a memorable event of excellence.
Over 80 of South Africa’s most acclaimed and celebrated wines were showcased, featuring Cabernet, Shiraz/Syrah, Merlot, Pinotage, Cinsault, Grenache, and a variety of niche varieties. The selection also included classic Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, and Cape blends.
What we tasted:
Pinot Noir
Paul Cluver Seven Flags 2020
Its aroma showcases an elegant expression of red and dark berry fruits, gracefully complemented by subtle soft oak notes. On the palate, you’ll experience a delightful combination of firm concentration and freshness, accompanied by enticing savoury notes.
Oak Valley Tabula Rasa PN667 2020
The nose offers a rich blend of dark fruits, including blue and blackberries as well as black cherry, complemented by enticing herbal and vegetal notes of spearmint and beetroot, with a hint of cinnamon spice. On the palate, it’s fresh and linear with a velvety texture, showcasing flavours of cranberry and nectarine, leading to a long, grippy finish.
Newton Johnson Family Vineyards 2022
Layered and dense fruit of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and Turkish delight alludes to the varied vineyard parcels. The broad, chewy texture engulfs the palate, framed by the thicker tannins, soft spices of cinnamon, clove and fennel in the finish.
Iona Kloof 2021
The nose is inviting and perfumed, with floral notes and an abundance of pure red fruits such as cherries, raspberries and strawberries. The palate is soft, gentle and alluring, intricate yet layered, featuring fine, powdery, chalky tannins and lively acidity, all perfectly balanced.
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2023
This Pinot Noir is characterised by its subtlety and is not overly fruity, soft or sweet. Instead, it often exhibits an enticing savoury and primal character, accompanied by a captivating dark, spicy, and complex primary fruit aroma.
Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2022
The nose reveals classic aromas of black cherries and dark plums, with a subtle earthiness that carries onto a powerful palate, offering good structure and weight with delicate hints of herbs. Lively tannins are perfectly balanced with bright acidity and exceptional fruit concentration, creating a wine of finesse and complexity.
Creation Art of Pinot Noir 2022
This wine has a deep pomegranate-seed red colour with strong aromas of rose petal, dark cherry and anise. On the palate it captivates with its complexity, offering rich layers of cherry and plum with earthy mushroom notes and a refined touch of spice, enhancing its elegance.
Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak 2022
The Galpin Peak Pinot Noir exhibits a bouquet of red fruit aromas, such as cherry and raspberry, with subtle floral notes and hints of spice. On the palate, it tends to be elegant and complex, with a well-balanced combination of fruit, earthiness and gentle tannins.
Syrah
Saxenburg Private Collection 2021
An alluring nose with cherries, ripe blackberries and a combination of white and black pepper. These follow through to a palate that is wonderfully weighted, with fine-grained tannins that provide just enough grip. A wine that balances weight and power with brightness and elegance.
Stellenrust Artisons Blueberry Hill 2021
Harvested from a 34 year old block of Shiraz planted to clay soils in the Bottelary area. The wine shows a dense dark core of crushed blueberry and white pepper on the nose. Violets and perfumed blueberry essence invigorate a dense but bright palate of textured fruit and soft tannins.
Metzer Family Wines Syrah 2022
The wine shows pronounced floral notes backed up by white pepper, lilies and violets as well as a hint of olive. Notes of dried flowers are folded into the background. The palate is powerful yet graceful featuring ripe fruit complemented by savoury notes which keeps the wine balanced. The stems from the whole bunch portion add a chalky texture while at the same time maintaining freshness.
Kruger Family Wines Karoo Syrah 2022
The grapes come from a vineyard located on the Roggeveld escarpment, 1,500 meters above sea level, near the Karoo village of Sutherland. The wine presents aromas of smoky reduction, black berries, earth, fynbos and pepper, with subtle notes of violets. On the palate it showcases pure fruit, balanced acidity and a saline finish.
Keermont Topside Syrah 2018
This wine’s bouquet is filled with dark and spicy fruit aromas, accompanied by delightful notes of cloves, violets, and white pepper. The palate begins softly and weightlessly but soon opens up, revealing ripe and sweet cherry fruit, herbal nuances.
Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2022
The wine has an inviting dense, ruby-red colour. Cascading aromas of white pepper, mixed spices, game meat, charcuterrie and Fynbos shrub are further complemented by aromatic scents of raspberry, blueberry and hedgerow fruits. The palate entry is utterly refined, with fine, granular tannins adding beautiful “behind-the-scenes” support for the bold black- and red fruit spectrum. The oak is well integrated and allows the fruit to take centre stage, and the wine has sufficient acidity to keep all the elements in check and in balance.
Ghost Corner Syrah 2021
The nose abounds with plump black cherries offset by savoury notes of parma ham, salty liquorice, black olive and a rosemary and sage herbaceous edge. The palate is elegant and focused, with added hints of white pepper spiciness, refined tannins and a refreshing, lingering, savoury finish.
Bordeaux Blends
Vondeling Philosophie 2019
This wine is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Its aroma bursts with vibrant red cherry and elevated floral notes. The wine is beautifully complemented by sweet vanilla and subtle wood shavings. On the palate, it showcases precision and boldness, with delightful tension. Ripe raspberry and cinnamon take the lead, supported by underlying layers of trimmed cigar and fine tannins, adding to its complexity and appeal.
Thelema Rabelais 2021
The finest red wine of the vintage, blended from Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, honours the man who gave us our name. During our annual vintage review individual barrels are identified and earmarked for the Rabelais blend. Concentrated aromas of dark berries and cedar wood on the nose are complemented by lovely sweet fruit and polished tannins on the palate.
Stony Brook The Max 2019
A Cape Bordeaux-style blend made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Playful yet concentrated red fruit aromatics and a touch of tobacco and cedar. The palate effortlessly balances its plush fruit and moreish tannins in a dry, savoury finish.
Jordan Sophia 2018
Complex, dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis intertwine with rich blackberry fruit and hints of vanilla and spice from the Integrated French oak. Densely layered ripe tannins add to the opulent finish.
Glenelly Lady May 2019
It reveals rich dark berry aromas with hints of mocha and cedar on the nose. The palate offers sweet fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and a long, refined finish. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
De Toren Fusion V 2020
This wine is meticulously crafted using Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals. With its complex flavours of dark sour cherry, a tobacco spiciness and a hint of aniseed, it offers a truly exquisite taste experience. This stunning expression reflects both the superb vintage and the unique terroir, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional and memorable wine.
Delheim Grand Reserve 2020
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Dark ruby red colour with a complex nose of dark fruits dominated by blackberries and blackcurrant followed by notes of tobacco and tomato leaf, fresh lead pencil shavings and cassis. The palate is elegantly poised with dark red fruit and a smooth chalky tannin finish which shows true to the area.
Pinotage
Survivor Reserve 2022
The wine’s aroma entices with aromas of blackberry fruit pastilles, freshly picked ripe cherries and a touch of spicy vanilla. The palate embraces the full-bodied and structured nature of the wine. It unfolds into a harmonious orchestra of flavours, continually evolving with each mouthful, promising a lasting and enjoyable experience.
L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage 2020
A symphony of violets, potpourri, dried cranberries and hints of dark chocolate. Fresh and inviting, yet complex, layered and intriguing. The palate is generous and complex, with fresh cherries and a subtle, sweet spiciness that distinguishes fine Stellenbosch Pinotage.
Fairview Primo 2021
The grapes come from a single vineyard and give the wine a wonderful aroma of raspberries, plums and vanilla. On the palate, the concentrated fruit notes are underpinned by liquorice and pleasant tannins.
Beyerskloof Diesel 2022
This is a robust and full-bodied wine, featuring intense dark fruit flavours that leave a lasting impression. Its depth and balance make for a well-rounded tasting experience, and the pleasant notes of chocolate and cedar on the finish are a result of the oak aging, adding complexity to the overall profile. This wine promises to be a rich and satisfying choice for those who enjoy bold and flavourful red wines.
Bellevue 1953 Pinotage 2018
On the nose, this wine has inviting maraschino cherry and plum flavours, creating an enticing aromatic profile. The palate is further enhanced by a silky tannin structure, which adds a smooth and elegant texture. The wine finishes beautifully, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on the taste buds.
Beeslaar Pinotage 2022
The Beeslaar Pinotage offers a delightful bouquet with a subtle floral fragrance followed by prominent notes of cherries, plums, earth, spice and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, the fruit shines with purity and sweetness, accompanied by a refreshing presence. The tannins provide a solid structure, being firm yet finely balanced.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Stark-Conde Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
The nose reveals a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, dark plum and hints of cigar box, complemented by subtle notes of graphite and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with layers of dark fruit flavors, including black cherry and blackberry, with nuances of dark chocolate and espresso. Fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity provide balance and elegance, leading to a long, satisfying finish with a touch of mineral complexity.
Oldenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This wine has a deep ruby core and a depth of black fruits on the nose. Black cherries, black plums and blackcurrant are present, along with spicier notes of baking spice, cigar box and lavender. A beautifully defined palate with long-grained tannins and a mouth-watering acidity.
Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
A subtle, intriguing nose with blue and blackberries and typical cedar aromas from the Jonkershoek Valley. The palate is fresh, followed by a well-defined tannin structure.
Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This wine is truly expressive, showcasing prominent notes of dark fruit, perfectly complemented by classic cedar and graphite undertones. On the palate, the fruit is rich and tightly packed, lifted by a refreshing juicy acid line and fruit-coated tannins. It presents a powerful and modern expression, promising a memorable and bold wine experience.
Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This wine displays aromas of blackberry and blueberry combine with tobacco, cedar and oak spice to create a complex bouquet. On the palate, concentrated black fruit is supported by oak spice, roasted nuts and a trace of fragrant fynbos. The tannins are robust, yet well-integrated.
Delaire Graff Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Velvet textured, complex and powerful. Cassis, dark fruit and spicy flavours dominate in a layered and lingering delivery.
David Finlayson GS 2021
The wine entices with prominent Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of cassis and blackcurrant fruit on the nose, while also revealing a fresh and minty herbaceous character, complemented by notes of mocha and vanilla. The wine’s structure is firm, with well-defined tannins that add to its depth and complexity.
Fine Red Blends
De Grendel Sir David Graaff 2015
In honour of the life and legacy of Sir David Pieter De Villiers Graaff, the 1st Baronet of Cape Town. Made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The wine presents an intense and deep red colour, revealing a complex aroma of musk, cinnamon, cloves, red cherries, cigar box and all spice. It has a broad, juicy, and silky-smooth palate with heaps of red fruit, roasted almonds, and maraschino cherries. Fine, textured tannins crescendos to an exceptionally long finish.
De Trafford Elevation 393 2017
This wine reflects the vineyard site high up (393 metres) on the easternslopes of the Helderberg mountain and made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Dense fruit aromas of blackcurrant along with spices, mostly cinnamon and cloves. Deep youthful red colour, intense spice, leather, mulberry and sweet dark plum nose. A little pepper and savoury herbs. Intense fine-grained tannins on the palate.
Hartenberg The Megan 2019
The Megan is a tribute to Megan Mackenzie, wife of Ken “Stork” Mackenzie whose family still owns Hartenberg Estate. A blend of Grenache and Shiraz. Enchanting perfumed florals and notes of violet, intertwined with sweet spice and the deep allure of black fruit and underbrush on the nose. The palate unveils a silky-smooth and elegant character, revealing savoury and smokey undertones. Hints of tobacco and luscious mulberry mingle with blackberries, all harmoniously supported by well-integrated, ultra-fine tannins.
Merlot
Villiera Monro 2020
Monro Merlot is a special selection of old vineyard Merlot grapes made from juice pressed out from the weight of the skins. Matured in oak barrels for 18 months. A full concentrated flagship red from Villiera. Intensely aromatic with forthcoming berry fruit and hints of chocolate, spice and vanilla. It is well balanced with velvety texture but with enough grip to ensure good length.
Ladybird Claypot 2020
A deep ruby red colour, with a beautiful perfume of wild cherry, plum, vanilla pod, dark chocolate and oak spice. The seductive, aromatic fruit profile is lifted by a bright acidity, and supported by plush, silky and integrated tannins.
Cabernet Franc
Gabrielskloof Landscape Cabernet Franc 2022
Blackberries, liquorice and cloves form part of a perfumed vintage that is alive with a fresh herbaceousness. The palate, adding a savoury counterpoint to brighter, red-fruited notes.
Hogan Mirror for the sun 2023
The wine exhibits a captivating bouquet, with an enchanting blend of red and black berries, complemented by alluring herbal notes, hints of Ceylon tea and rose fragrances. On the palate, the fruit presents itself with clarity and freshness, coupled with lively acidity and remarkably delicate tannins.
Raats Cabernet Franc 2020
The nose entices with its perfume and a garrigue character of Cape fynbos, rosemary, lavender and thyme with spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves and star anise. Intense brooding blackberry fruit, graphite and a streak of minerality add to the complexity of the nose.
Uva Mira The Mira 2021
The nose is expressive with aromas of ripe red cherries, blackcurrants, and a hint of fresh herbs, underscored by delicate floral notes and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is refined and elegant, offering a harmonious blend of red fruit flavours, including raspberry and cranberry, complemented by subtle hints of cedar and tobacco. The wine’s vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins create a well-balanced structure, leading to a long, smooth finish with a whisper of minerality.
Categories: Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar
