South African Wine

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc — Western Cape, South Africa 2024

Indaba — the Zulu and Xhosa word for a gathering of minds — was built on the belief that exceptional South African wine should be within everyone's reach. Sourced from family farmers working decomposed granite, calcareous clay, and ancient shale soils along the Western Cape's sunshine coast, Indaba Sauvignon Blanc is a consistently over-delivering value wine that has earned "Best Value" and "Best Buy" accolades year after year. Sustainably farmed, stainless steel fermented, and aged three months on lees for added texture.

The 2024 pours pale yellow with green reflections. The nose is vibrant and immediately inviting — guava, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon-lime, and green fig with a lift of citrus blossom. On the palate, it's fresh and zesty with racy acidity and a clean, mineral-tinged finish that lingers. Stylistically approachable and food-friendly, this is a crowd-pleaser in the best possible sense.

"Enticing citrus and tropical fruit aromas lead to fresh, zesty flavors of pineapple, lemon-lime, mango and green fig, supported by a spine of racy acidity. The mineral-tinged finish happily lingers." — Indaba Winemaker

• Producer: Indaba Wines, Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Western Cape WO
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Fermentation: Stainless steel; aged 3 months on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Guava, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon-lime, green fig, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, goat cheese, light salads, grilled chicken

An outstanding everyday Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa's Western Cape — sustainably made, consistently awarded, and priced to enjoy any night of the week.

Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc — Constantia, South Africa 2024

Klein Constantia is one of South Africa's most historic and celebrated estates, situated in the Constantia Valley on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula — a site with a winemaking legacy stretching back to the 17th century and home to the legendary Vin de Constance. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of genuine craft and ambition: sourced from 42 individual vineyard blocks across the estate, each fermented separately to allow the terroir of each parcel to express itself before careful blending. Grapes are harvested at 4am to preserve freshness, and the winemaking is a meticulous balance of wild and inoculated fermentation — 80% wild (some ferments taking up to two months to complete), 20% with Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae for complexity and natural microbial protection. Ten percent is aged in neutral 500L oak barrels, and the wine spends six months on gross lees before blending and bottling.

The 2024 pours light and bright. The nose is perfumed and atypically complex for Sauvignon Blanc — grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, and hints of mango, with a citrus blossom and umami thread. On the palate, it's moreish and textured with a crisp entry, quince, light walnut, flinty mineral elements, and a fresh salinity that gives it real energy. The finish is long, vibrant, and expressive — fanning out beautifully with aeration. Real texture for the variety.

"Atypical for a Sauvignon Blanc — real texture to this Savvy, which is unusual for the variety, fanning out nicely on the finish." — Neal Martin, Vinous, 91 Points

• Producer: Klein Constantia, Constantia Valley, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Constantia WO
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vineyard: 42 blocks, harvested at 4am
• Fermentation: 80% wild (up to 2 months), 20% Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae; 10% neutral 500L oak
• Aging: 6 months on gross lees
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 91 (Neal Martin)
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, mango, citrus blossom, umami, flinty minerality, fresh salinity
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, asparagus, light herb-driven dishes

A 91-point Constantia Sauvignon Blanc of remarkable craft — 42 blocks, 4am harvest, wild fermentation, and six months on lees from one of South Africa's most historic estates.

Indaba Chenin Blanc — Western Cape, South Africa 2024

Indaba — the Zulu and Xhosa word for a gathering or meeting of minds — was founded on the belief that great South African wine should be accessible to everyone. Sourced from the Western Cape, where Chenin Blanc has thrived for centuries as the country's most widely planted white variety, this bottling captures everything that makes the grape so beloved in its adopted homeland: freshness, generosity, and effortless drinkability.

The 2024 pours a bright, pale gold. The nose is inviting and fruit-forward — honeyed pear, golden delicious apple, and luscious tropical fruit with a lift of citrus blossom. On the palate, it's full and richly textured yet finishes clean and crisp, with a dash of citrus and a subtle mineral thread that keeps it lively and refreshing from first sip to last.

"South Africa's signature white — vibrantly infused with honeyed pear, golden apple, and tropical fruit with a clean, crisp finish." — Indaba Winemaker

• Producer: Indaba Wines, Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Western Cape WO
• Varietal: Chenin Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Honeyed pear, golden apple, tropical fruit, citrus, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, Thai cuisine, summer salads, soft cheeses, and light pasta dishes

An outstanding everyday Chenin Blanc from South Africa's most expressive white wine region — fresh, generous, and priced to enjoy any night of the week.

Stellenbosch Cabernet from South Africa's Most Trailblazing Winemaker

Ntsiki Biyela is one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers — the first Black woman to earn a winemaking degree in South Africa, and the founder of Aslina Wines, named in honor of her grandmother. Her Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of genuine character: bold, structured, and deeply expressive of the Cape's finest red wine appellation.

Winemaker Notes

Aslina Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch Natural 2023 750ml

Full-bodied with hints of minty character, cigar box, and lots of dark fruit. Bold on the palate with chewy tannins and a long, satisfying finish.

About Ntsiki Biyela

Growing up in Mahlabathini, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsiki was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) from Stellenbosch University. She has since consulted in Bordeaux, collaborated with Californian winemakers, and sits on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy — which provides technical training and personal development for young South Africans entering the wine industry.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
• Producer: Aslina Wines
• Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised lamb, venison, aged hard cheeses, and Cape Malay-spiced dishes.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela has an incredible history as the first female black winemaker in South Africa. Her new label, Aslina, is named in honor of her grandmother. The Chardonnay is a pale straw color and full of lush yellow fruit with minerality and brilliant acidity.

Memo Summary Notes

The Aslina Chardonnay 2024 is a standout white wine from South Africa, crafted by Ntsiki Biyela, the country’s first Black female winemaker. Her brand, Aslina, is named in honor of her grandmother, and this specific vintage recently gained significant acclaim, with the 2023 version being named "Wine of the Year – South Africa" at the 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship

Aslina Wines Chardonnay 2024 is a remarkable showcase of South African winemaking. This wine stands out because it embodies the unique terroir of the region, showcasing rich fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity. The expert craftsmanship behind its creation ensures that each bottle delivers a consistent and memorable experience, making it a top choice for wine enthusiasts.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Aslina Wines Chardonnay is a delicious blend of citrus, stone fruits, and a hint of oak. It offers a crisp and refreshing taste, making it perfect for pairing with seafood dishes or simply enjoying on its own. Because of the careful aging process in oak barrels, this wine has a complex character that evolves beautifully with every sip, enticing both novice and experienced drinkers alike.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Aslina Wines Chardonnay 2024 is not just a wine; it's an experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Chardonnay delivers quality and sophistication. Its versatile flavor makes it suitable for various dishes, from grilled chicken to creamy pasta. So, next time you're selecting a bottle, remember that Aslina Wines is a choice that will impress your guests and enhance your dining experience.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 92 Points | “Grapefruit, lemongrass and golden apples on the nose, alongside salted almonds. Medium-bodied, cool and mineral, with zesty and reductive undertones. Made in clay vessels.”

Tasting Notes

A racy, flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with green pineapple, gooseberries, and quince on the nose, alongside a refreshing salinity of ocean spray and kelp. The palate delivers green citrus, lemongrass, and litchi, with an edgy textural linearity from flint and oyster shells. Cool, mineral, and utterly distinctive.

About the Wine

The Amphora Sauvignon Blanc is part of the Gabriëlskloof Range — a selection of boutique-style wines from this acclaimed Bot River estate that consistently over-deliver on quality and value. True to its name, this wine is fermented and aged in clay amphora vessels, a winemaking technique that preserves freshness and imparts a unique mineral texture without the influence of oak. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of striking individuality and coastal character.

Food Pairing

A natural match for oysters, grilled linefish, sushi, ceviche, and fresh goat cheese. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vessel: Clay Amphora
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Gabriëlskloof

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2024

Ken Forrester is widely regarded as the "King of Chenin" — no producer in South Africa has done more to champion the grape or elevate its reputation on the world stage. Founded in 1993 on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the estate farms old vines on decomposed granite soils with the benefit of cooling maritime influences from False Bay. The Reserve Chenin Blanc is their benchmark expression: textured, layered, and built to age, yet approachable from release. The 2024 vintage was shaped by a warm, dry summer that concentrated the fruit beautifully, with just 2,000 cases imported to the US.

The wine pours a bright, pale straw. The nose is perfumed and generous — ripe pineapple, honeydew melon, baked apple, nectarine, and subtle floral notes with a whisper of hazelnut. On the palate, it's rich, creamy, and silky with vivid acidity, a subtle streak of chalky sapidity, and layers of tropical and yellow fruit. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with refreshing hints of quinine and grapefruit pith. Drink now through 2030.

"A lovely, silky white, with vivid acidity and a subtle streak of chalky sapidity layered with flavors of yellow apple, pear, lemon meringue and chamomile, plus a rich touch of hazelnut." — Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points

• Producer: Ken Forrester Vineyards, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Stellenbosch WO
• Varietal: Chenin Blanc (Old Vine)
• Terroir: Decomposed granite, Helderberg Mountain slopes
• Production: 10,000 cases made; 2,000 cases imported
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 91 | James Suckling 91
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, honeydew, baked apple, nectarine, hazelnut, chalky minerality, quinine finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled prawns, scallops, roast chicken with herbs, butternut squash risotto, aged goat cheese

Dual 91-point old vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa's undisputed King of Chenin — textured, mineral, and built for the table.

Winemaker Description 

Xavier Flouret Fynbos Chenin Blanc is a vibrant white wine from Stellenbosch, South Africa. Crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc, it offers aromas of ripe pineapple, guava, and mango, with a crisp, clean palate featuring subtle acidity and tropical fruit flavors.

Its refreshing finish makes it an excellent pairing for shellfish, spicy dishes, or mild cheeses.

Ken Forrester Reserve Sauvignon Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022

Ken Forrester is one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers — a passionate advocate for Chenin Blanc and the broader potential of Stellenbosch as a world-class wine region. His Stellenbosch farm, situated on the cool slopes of the Helderberg, benefits from the maritime influence of False Bay and long, slow ripening conditions that produce wines of genuine complexity and freshness. The Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is crafted from grapes grown in this cool-climate environment, where extended hang time allows the fruit to develop layered aromatic character while retaining the brisk, mineral-driven acidity that defines the style.

The nose shows lovely complexity: a mix of tangy grassy notes and fig leaf intertwined with peach and nectarine nuances — aromatic, fresh, and inviting. On the palate, brisk acidity and minerality take center stage, a direct reflection of the long hang time in this cool coastal region. Clean, focused, and refreshing — a Sauvignon Blanc that is equally at home at the aperitivo hour or at the table.

"Lovely complexity with a mix of tangy grassy notes, fig leaf, peach and nectarine nuances. Brisk acidity with minerality on the palate — typical of the long hang time in our cool region." — Ken Forrester, Winemaker

• Producer: Ken Forrester Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grassy, fig leaf, peach, nectarine, brisk acidity, mineral finish
• Style: Light-bodied, crisp, aromatic
• Drink: Now through 2025
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, chicken, seafood pasta, goat cheese, light salads, aperitivo

Cool-climate Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc at its most expressive — Ken Forrester Reserve is fresh, mineral, and made for the table.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Under screw cap, the De Wetshof Estate 2024 Robertson Limestone Hill Chardonnay offers a simple delivery of citrus, pomelo and wild sage. The wine focuses on brightness and is extremely drinkable, but perhaps it's a little less complex compared to all the other very different Chardonnays in this portfolio. You get a pretty note of latex or natural rubber, which I really like. This wine is unoaked, and that's what sets it apart.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tim Atkin MW 92 Points | Kara-Tara is Stark-Condé winemaker Rudger van Wyk’s own project, entirely focused on Burgundian grapes. This stylish Chardonnay marries grapes from Elgin, the Overberg and Paarl. Poised between citrus and stone fruit flavours, with subtle toast and wet stone undertones. 2022-27′.

Producer Description 

Kara-Tara is a joint-venture between Rüdger van Wyk (2018 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) and José Conde of Stark-Condé Wines. Translated from the Khoisan, the language from the first people in Southern Africa, it means “deep dark shadows” and refers to the Karatara river that runs through Rüdger’s home town, near Knysna which is located in South Africa, on the Cape South Coast, facing the Indian Ocean.

This wine has the classic notes of lemon and grapefruit you’d expect from Chardonnay, with hints of almond and a fine mineral finish.

Winemaker Description 

A beautiful structured medium-bodied Shiraz with juicy ripe plum and dark berry flavours. Has fine textures of sweet spice, new leather and a hint of savoury, refreshed with a juicy, plummy finish.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Pairings: This is a versatile "braai" (BBQ) wine. It pairs excellently with:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, or spicy sausages.

• Casual: Wood-fired spicy pizzas or hearty pasta bolognese.

• Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or lentil stews with earthy spices.

Winemaker Description

This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe, juicy berries with dark chocolate undertones.

The perfect balance between sweetness and acidity makes for a refreshing approachability. It is a versatile food wine, best served slightly chilled. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is the ultimate "guilty pleasure" wine for those who prefer their reds without the bite of heavy tannins or dryness. Hailing from South Africa’s Western Cape, this wine specifically targets the gap in the market for high-quality, non-sparkling sweet reds. 

Jam Jar was created by acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats with the belief that "sweet wine lovers deserve a well-crafted option." Unlike many budget sweet reds, this uses high-quality Shiraz grapes (some from 14-18 year old vines) and avoids artificial flavors or colorings. It’s a popular choice for sangria bases or for those transitioning from sweet cocktails to red wine.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Salt River Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of five different vineyard sites located around Stellenbosch. The anchor of the wine is the now a 35year-old bush vine vineyard grown on the slopes of Bottelary. The other components are trellised and bush vine vineyards, with various different aspects, planted in granitic soil. These vineyards have combined exceptionally well in creating the saline mineral style of Sauvignonn.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

This wine displays a pale straw colour with brilliant green edge. On the nose the wine
opens with crisp green apple and lime blossom. This evolves to incorporate a complex
melange of lemongrass, petrichor and subtle blackcurrant leaf. The palate is bright
and refreshing with a focussed tension that suggests longevity and a characteristic
oyster shell salinity.

Food pairing: Best served cold and drunk as an aperitif or with fresh summer oysters,
fresh grilled yellowtail with salsa verde or salmon roses with kewpie mayo and caviar.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Opening with a citrus and mineral-driven nose, the 2023 Bon Vallon Chardonnay displays notions of wet concrete and petrichor before aromas of lemon oil sway out of the glass. Medium-bodied, the palate displays fresh notions of citrus blossom with spiced white tea while delivering vibrant acidity with a balanced structure possessing freshness and finesse. Only 48,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested on the lees for between 80 and 120 days.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

This wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 4%
Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. The grapes originated from Tokara vineyards on the
slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch

Bosman Family Vineyards · 'Twyfeling' Cinsaut · Wellington · 2024

Just an hour from Cape Town, in the sun-baked valley of Wellington, the Bosman family has been farming the same land for eight generations — one of the Cape Winelands' most enduring stories of heritage, community, and environmental stewardship. Their 'Twyfeling' (“Doubt” in Afrikaans) Cinsaut is their modern take on what Wellington bush vine Cinsaut can be: a wine that questions the assumption that South Africa's most underrated red grape is anything less than world-class. Vegan. Certified Sustainable. Made by a woman winemaker. At $24.99, it’s one of the most compelling and fairly priced Cinsauts coming out of South Africa right now.

The 2024 is harvested in three components, hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and slightly crushed. Spontaneous fermentation with daily punch-downs and pump-overs, with 10% whole-bunch and 10% stem-contact components adding freshness and complexity. Extended skin contact post-fermentation, followed by 12 months in 225L and 500L French oak barrels. Deep plum in the glass with a purple rim. The nose is fresh and inviting — lively berry, cherry, tobacco, and savoury spice. On the palate: medium-bodied but bold, with an elegant structure, luscious berry and cherry fruit, and a long, refined finish. Drink now through 2029.

• Producer: Bosman Family Vineyards (est. 8 generations · Woman winemaker)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: 100% Cinsaut (bush vines)
• Vinification: Hand sorted · 3-component harvest · 10% whole bunch · 10% stem contact · Spontaneous fermentation · Extended skin contact · 12 months French oak (225L & 500L) · Gently filtered
• Certifications: Vegan · Certified Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh berry, cherry, tobacco, savoury spice, medium-bodied, elegant structure, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, roasted duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, aged gouda

Eight generations of Wellington heritage, bush vine Cinsaut, and a woman winemaker’s modern vision — South Africa’s most exciting red grape at its finest.

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of red fruits with flavors of fragrant cherry, black pepper, and notes of wood. Hints of raspberry lead to a lingering finish.

About the Wine

The David & Nadia Topography Pinotage 2024 is a definitive example of the "New Wave" South African wine movement. David and Nadia Sadie are leading figures in the Swartland region, celebrated for their minimal-intervention, terroir-focused approach that reimagines Pinotage as an elegant, fresh, and cerebral wine rather than a heavy or rustic one.

This is Pinotage for people who think they don’t like Pinotage.

Tasting & Pairings

Fragrant cherry, raspberry, black pepper, and subtle wood notes. Fresh, elegant, and medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Serve at cellar temperature or with a slight chill.

• Grilled lamb chops with Ras el Hanout — North African spices complement the peppery fruit.
• Pulled pork or smoked duck — the wine’s freshness cuts through rich, smoky meats.
• Mushroom risotto or roasted squash — savory herbs and earthy flavors are a natural match.
• South African braai (BBQ) — the traditional pairing, and for good reason.

Boekenhoutskloof · The Chocolate Block · Swartland · Western Cape, South Africa · 2024 · 750ml

Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa's most acclaimed estates, and The Chocolate Block is the wine that put Swartland on the world map. Created by winemaker Marc Kent, it is a Syrah-led blend — 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 1% Viognier — sourced from old-vine parcels in the granite-rich soils of the Swartland. The name is no accident: this is a wine built for pleasure, with the kind of dark, brooding generosity that makes it impossible to put down. Over 1.1 million bottles are produced each vintage, yet the quality never wavers. At $37.99, The Chocolate Block remains one of the most compelling values in the New World red wine category.

Deep, inky ruby in the glass with an intense nose of blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, and a whisper of cured meat and potting soil — dark, brooding, and utterly compelling. On the palate: medium-to-full bodied with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, and cherries, framed by cacao-powdery tannins that add texture and complexity. Cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, and hints of garrigue carry through to a velvety, persistent finish. James Suckling awarded 92 points; Wine Advocate 92 points. Drink now through 2030, or cellar for added complexity. Pair with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, or a serious cheese board.

• Producer: Boekenhoutskloof · Winemaker Marc Kent
• Wine: The Chocolate Block · Swartland
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
• Blend: 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, 1% Viognier
• Style: Full-bodied, structured New World red
• Scores: James Suckling 92 · Wine Advocate 92
• Drinking Window: Now–2030
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, blueberry, ripe plum, black currant, cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, velvety finish
• Pair With: Grilled ribeye · Lamb chops · Braised short ribs · Aged cheese

Old-vine Swartland Syrah, cacao-powdery tannins — South Africa's most beloved red, vintage after vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
This creamy, medium-bodied red has aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, cracked pepper and thyme. It’s juicy and smoothly integrated with tasty savory undertones to the dark fruit.

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) — 92 Points
The Boekenhoutskloof 2024 Swartland The Chocolate Block, a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault and 1% Viognier, may not aim for intellectual nuance, but it more than compensates with pure, comforting charm, like a big, shaggy dog asleep by the fireplace. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers generous black fruit and bold cherry flavors with a smooth, reassuring texture, offering plenty of pleasure. Conceived by vintner Marc Kent as an accessible, crowd-pleasing expression of Swartland fruit, the wine reflects Boekenhoutskloof’s belief that serious craftsmanship and broad appeal need not be mutually exclusive. Production is substantial, with 3,741 barrels made, translating to just over 1.1 million bottles, making it an ideal choice for a long wooden table at a steakhouse surrounded by friends and shared plates.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2015

Decanter 96 Points | This is world class with lovely floral, spicy, marmalade, barley sugar, apricot and crme brle aromatics. The palate brings lively acidity and layers of delightful fruity flavors. Incredibly long.

Winemaker Description 

The drought prompted a shorter harvest, which resulted in faster ripening fruit yielding berries with concentrated flavours and well balanced acidity. With the renovated cellar, we could make use of dedicated tanks intended for perfect maceration and fermentation of the Muscat.

Throughout the season we harvested in batches - from the riper berries that have great acidity to the raisins for sugar concentration.

Each batch is kept separate and treated differently. These batches make up the perfect ratio between sugar, alcohol and acidity which allows the wine to stop fermentation naturally and without intervention.

The wine was aged in a combination of 50 % newFrench oak, Hungarian oak and French Acacia. It was left for a period of 3 years in barrel on the gross lees before racking out and blending. It spent a further 6 months in tank before bottling.

Region Constantia, Western Cape.

Winemaker Description 

The aromas that rise from the glass are a complex blend of black cherry, herbs, apricot jam and lavender. The dark fruits and hints of herbs delight the palate as the layers of green bell pepper and vanilla emerge. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Aslina "Umsasane" Red Blend 2022 is the flagship wine from Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker. The name "Umsasane" refers to the umbrella acacia tree and was the nickname of Ntsiki's grandmother, Aslina, symbolizing her role as the family's "anchor and protector."

Technical Profile & Composition

The 2022 vintage is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from the Stellenbosch region, known for producing world-class Cabernet.

• Winemaking: The wine is aged for approximately 16 months in French oak barrels, with about 15–20% being new oak. This adds structure without overpowering the fruit.

• The "Umsasane" is a bold wine that requires hearty flavors to match its structure:

  • Meats: Roast beef, grilled ribeye, or lamb chops with rosemary.

  • Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom steaks or a rich lentil stew.

  • Cheese: Aged Gouda or sharp Cheddar.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the Savage Wines 2023 Savage White is the only wine in the portfolio that sees a little bit (10%) of new oak. The intent is to offer a textural interpretation of these two grapes. The wine shows natural freshness, white flowers, wood spice and a hint of reduction. The 2023 vintage was cooler, like 2017, making for a classical growing season. This wine has a long saline finish with orchard fruit and pear with a mid-weight approach. The wine is left on the lees for as long as possible to augment that impression of salinity and to create longevity.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Winemaker Description 

Illimis is a small project made by young winemaker, Lucinda Heynes. With roots as a viticulturist, she crafts honest, minimal intervention wines showcasing particular talent with Chenin Blanc and Cinsault. Her Transparency range expresses the wines’ origin with clarity, finesse and complexity. This red blend boasts expressive aromas of red fruit and floral perfume. Lively purity and acidity on the palette, chalky tannin followed by a long finish. Serve slightly chilled.

Southern Right · Sauvignon Blanc · Walker Bay · 2025

Southern Right is the Walker Bay estate of Hamilton Russell Vineyards — one of South Africa's most respected wine families — and their Sauvignon Blanc is a deliberate statement of intent: this is Sauvignon Blanc as fine wine, not Sauvignon Blanc as a varietal exercise. Sourced from 35 different parcels across varied soil types in Walker Bay, the wine is built on the tension between Old World minerality and New World texture. Iron and clay-rich soils add structural complexity and body; sandstone soils contribute bright, tensile character and a marked saline minerality. A small 7–8% portion of the blend is barrel-fermented in neutral oak for four months, adding just enough texture without obscuring the variety's natural precision. Certified Sustainable (Integrated Production of Wine, Biodiversity & Wine Initiative). At $19.99, this is South African Sauvignon Blanc at its most serious and most rewarding.

The 2025 opens with a lively bouquet of passion fruit, guava, gooseberry, Conference pear, and a subtle lift of white pepper and dried ginger. On the palate: crisp, lean, and beautifully balanced — bright acidity, fine weight, and a saline mineral thread that runs through to a clean, peppery finish. Drink now through 2027.

“Sauvignon Blanc as fine wine… tight 'Old World' minerality and length with hints of 'New World' texture and body.”
— WA: 89 · Vinous: 89 (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Southern Right (Hamilton Russell Vineyards)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Walker Bay, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc (7–8% barrel-fermented in neutral oak)
• Soils: Iron & clay-rich · Sandstone · 35 parcels
• Certification: Certified Sustainable (IPW & Biodiversity & Wine Initiative)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passion fruit, guava, gooseberry, Conference pear, white pepper, dried ginger, saline mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, goat cheese, summer salads, light seafood pasta

WA:89 · Vinous:89 — Walker Bay minerality, 35 parcels, certified sustainable — Sauvignon Blanc as it was meant to be made. (Vintage 2025).