South African Wine

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon displays ripe blackcurrant and dried herb characters on the nose, backed up with spicy oak notes. The palate is smooth and soft with beautiful ripe tannins and a long finish.

About Excelsior

Excelsior Estate is a family-owned wine farm situated in the Robertson Valley of South Africa — one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions, known for its lime-rich soils, warm days, and cool nights that produce structured, fruit-forward reds. The de Wet family has farmed Excelsior for generations, combining traditional South African winemaking values with a commitment to quality and consistency. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark Robertson Valley red: approachable, well-structured, and reliably excellent vintage after vintage. At under $15 with a convenient screwcap closure, it’s one of the best-value Cabs from the Southern Hemisphere.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, BBQ, roasted chicken, pasta with meat sauce, and aged cheddar. A versatile everyday red that works equally well at a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend braai.

Product Details

• Producer: Excelsior Estate
• Region: Robertson Valley, Western Cape, South Africa
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward South African Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

Aslina Wines · Sauvignon Blanc · Stellenbosch · 2024

Aslina Wines Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2024 combines bright fruit, invigorating citrus and lemon zest with a silky, lingering finish. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it balances refreshing crispness with the texture and depth developed through extended time on the lees.

Producer & Story

Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela brings her Zulu heritage and personal vision to Aslina Wines. Originally from Zululand, she crafts wines that reflect both her cultural roots and an innovative spirit. This Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc offers a lively introduction to her work, with fruit-driven freshness and a textured palate.

Tasting Notes

Bright fruit and citrus lead the way, accented by lemon zest. Extended lees contact adds complexity and a silky texture, carrying the wine into a lingering finish without losing its refreshing character.

Winemaker Description

Aslina Wines
Aslina Sauvignon Blanc enchants the palate with an enticing fusion of bright fruit flavors, invigorating citrus notes, and a touch of lemon zest. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc boasts a complex profile, achieved through extended time on the lees, which imparts a silky, lingering finish. A wine that deftly balances refreshing crispness with surprising depth, Aslina Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful journey for the senses.

The versatility of Aslina Sauvignon Blanc makes it an ideal companion for a wide array of light meals. Its lively fruit and citrus character beautifully complements seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or seared scallops, as well as fresh, zesty salads and tangy goat cheese. For a true culinary adventure, pair it with a delicate ceviche or a vibrant, herb-infused chicken dish. Best enjoyed chilled, Aslina Sauvignon Blanc will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Women owned. 

Pairing & Serving

Serve chilled with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, ceviche, fresh salads, goat cheese or herb-infused chicken. Its citrus character and textured finish suit a range of light meals.

Details

• Producer: Aslina Wines
• Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: South Africa
• Region: Stellenbosch
• Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Winemaking: Extended time on the lees
• Dietary attribute: Vegan

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.

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

Mooiplaas Wine Estate · Stellenbosch · 2024

Xavier Flouret Fynbos Chenin Blanc 2024 is a vegan-friendly white from Mooiplaas Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Made from 100% Chenin Blanc, it combines generous tropical fruit with a fresh, mineral finish and the rounded texture of extended lees contact.

Founded in 1806 and owned by the Roos family since 1963, Mooiplaas is home to a 50-hectare private nature reserve dedicated to preserving the Cape Floral Kingdom. The Chenin Blanc vines grow on a western slope at 285 meters above sea level, in Oakleaf soils derived from Cape Granite, with decomposed granite over a deep clay base.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw in color, Fynbos offers ripe pineapple, guava and mango alongside golden apple, quince, lychee and summer melon. The palate has good weight and balance, with gentle acidity, layered minerality and a clean, refreshing finish.

Winemaker Description

Mooiplaas Wine Estate
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.

Winemaking

Winemaker Bertus Basson works with bush-vine Chenin Blanc. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a portion fermenting spontaneously with wild yeast. Extended lees contact adds texture while preserving the wine’s fresh fruit character.

Food Pairings

Serve with grilled fish, crayfish, prawns, shrimp, creamy pasta, roast chicken or turkey. It also complements mild cheeses and lightly spicy dishes.

Details

• Producer: Mooiplaas Wine Estate
• Label: Xavier Flouret Fynbos
• Winemaker: Bertus Basson
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: South Africa
• Region: Western Cape
• Appellation: Stellenbosch
• Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Soil: Oakleaf soils derived from Cape Granite
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation with extended lees contact
• Dietary Attribute: Vegan-friendly

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.

Quiet Resolve Project 517 Leila’s Dance Rosé Western Cape 2024

Quiet Resolve is a South African project rooted in the belief that exceptional wine can come from unexpected places. Leila’s Dance — named with the easy elegance of South African coastal living in mind — is a vibrant, dry rosé that captures the freshness and energy of the Western Cape. Crafted from 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Cinsault, it is a wine of genuine character and exceptional value.

Pale salmon in the glass, the wine opens with expressive aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon, rose petals, and citrus zest. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with bright flavors of wild berries, white peach, and ruby grapefruit, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish. Dry, food-friendly, and effortlessly drinkable — a rosé made for warm afternoons and relaxed gatherings.

Food Pairing

Excellent as an aperitif or alongside grilled shrimp, salmon, sushi, Mediterranean salads, fresh goat cheese, charcuterie, roasted vegetables, or spicy Asian cuisine. Serve well chilled at 45–50°F (7–10°C).

Blend: 80% Mourvèdre, 20% Cinsault
Appellation: Western Cape, South Africa
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml | ABV: 12.5%

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.

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.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2025

Tim Atkin, MW 90 Points | Secateurs is one of the South African wine industry’s best calling cards, a large volume Chenin Blanc that could only be produced in the Cape. Aged in foudres, it has a stony top note, deftly judged flavors of peach, pear and pink grapefruit, good palate weight and a bright, tangy finish. Hugely drinkable. 

Winemaker Description 

Secateurs – a type of scissors for use on plants. These dry farmed bushvines were planted in the 1960s and 1970s. Fermented and settled in concrete, older casks, and big foudres. Textured, flinty, orange blossom.

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.

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). 

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

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.

A bold and expressive Pinotage from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape, South Africa. Bob's 2025 vintage delivers the grape's signature smoky depth alongside vibrant red fruit — ripe plum, cherry, and a hint of dark chocolate — with a smooth, full-bodied finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in the glass with aromas of ripe plum, smoked meat, and dark berry. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, mocha, and a touch of vanilla lead to a warm, lingering finish with well-integrated tannins.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with boldly flavored comfort foods. Try with turkey meat loaf and spicy tomato chutney, vegetarian three-bean chili, or pulled pork sandwiches with burnt end baked beans.

• Grape: Pinotage
• Region: Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml

MAN Family Wines "Padstal" Chardonnay is a fresh, fruit-driven expression of South African Chardonnay, crafted to highlight purity, balance, and exceptional drinkability. Named after the traditional roadside farm stalls, or padstals, found throughout South Africa, this wine celebrates local hospitality and simple pleasures.

Bright aromas of ripe peach, Golden Delicious apple, citrus blossom, and pineapple lead into a smooth palate layered with juicy stone fruit, lemon zest, and hints of tropical fruit. Gentle oak aging adds subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almond without overshadowing the wine's vibrant fruit character. Crisp acidity keeps the finish fresh, clean, and beautifully balanced.

Food Pairing

An excellent match for grilled shrimp, lobster, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, seafood risotto, salmon, pork tenderloin, and mild cheeses. It also makes an ideal aperitif.

Serving Temperature

Serve chilled at 48–52°F (9–11°C).

Approachable, versatile, and consistently overdelivering for the price, MAN Family Wines "Padstal" Chardonnay is a superb everyday Chardonnay that offers outstanding quality and value from South Africa's renowned Western Cape.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape (Cape Coast)
Wine Type: White Wine
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2025

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.

A. A. Badenhorst · Swartland · 2022

Chenin Blanc-led white blend | Swartland, South Africa | 750ml

In the slopes and valleys of the Paardeberg, cousins Adi and Hein Badenhorst and their extended family make wines rooted in the Swartland. The Kalmoesfontein and Jakkalsfontein farms are home to old bush vines, while the cellar team's back-to-basics approach favors old cement kuipe, basket presses, instinct, and patience.

The 2022 Family White Blend brings eight grape varieties together around a Chenin Blanc core. Yellow rose, peach, sweet sage, and crushed rock salt introduce a wine with generous texture and an exotic edge, balanced by freshness. Citrus-pith, white-tea, and smoky notes add further layers to explore at the table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Advocate, 95 Points · Vintage 2022 | The A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2022 Swartland Kalmoesfontein White Blend is 45% Chenin Blanc, 11% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc, 8% Palomino, 8% Viognier, 8% Roussanne, 5% Muscat d'Alexandrie and 5% Verdelho. I love the balance of the medium-plus mouthfeel and that hint of something exotic that picks up intensity with time. The wine starts off on a delicate note with yellow rose, peach, sweet sage and crushed rock salt. Those aromas gain intensity while the wine remains fresh and balanced all the while. This is a release of 10,000 bottles.

Wine Spectator, 92 Points | Apple seed and dried citrus pith aromas are fortified by impressions of geranium, sandalwood and white tea. Aging gracefully, this Chenin remains tightly wound, showing serious power through the energetic, smoky finish. Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Palomino, Muscat d'Alexandria and Verdelho. Best from 2027 through 2032. 100 cases imported.

Producer Description

Quietly tucked into the slopes and valleys of the Paardeberg, the Kalmoesfontein and Jakkalsfontein farms are home to over 180 hectares of old bush vines. Here, cousins Adi and Hein Badenhorst, their extended family and a hand-picked crew produce AA Badenhorst wines.

Pairing & Serving

Serve chilled, allowing the wine to open in the glass. Suggested pairings include roast chicken, grilled seafood, or a creamy mushroom dish. Wine Spectator recommends a drinking window of 2027 through 2032.

Wine Details

• Producer: A. A. Badenhorst Family Wines
• Vintage: 2022
• Region: Swartland, South Africa
• Blend: 45% Chenin Blanc, 11% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc, 8% Palomino, 8% Viognier, 8% Roussanne, 5% Muscat d'Alexandrie, 5% Verdelho
• Type: White wine
• Size: 750ml

Tesselaarsdal · Chardonnay · 2022

Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay 2022 is a cool-climate South African white with a silky texture, crisp acidity, and an elegant, lingering finish. White pear and lemon toast bring depth to its medium-bodied palate, balancing rounded richness with refreshing lift.

Producer & Heritage

Tesselaarsdal was founded in 2015 by long-standing Hamilton Russell Vineyards employee Berene Sauls. It is named after the historic Overberg farming hamlet of Tesselaarsdal—not far from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge wine appellation—where Berene was born, a descendant of the freed slaves who were bequeathed the land of the Tesselaarsdal valley by former Dutch East India Company soldier Johannes Tesselaar’s widow in 1832.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 91 Points: Sliced pears, apples, wet stones and pastries on the nose. Medium-bodied, bright and clean, with savory, flinty elements underlining the fresh fruit.

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points: This lively white hails from high-altitude vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a cool-climate region. It exhibits inviting green and citrus aromas and has an oily texture and energized acidity backing flavors of white peach and linden tea. Bright notes of lime run through the palate.

Wine Spectator, 91 Points: Crisp and appealing, with a lightly chalky texture carrying well-meshed flavors of ripe Gala apple, slivered almond, pickled ginger and stony mineral. Clean-cut finish, with a waft of white blossoms.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90+ Points: Clean, zesty and citrus-driven, the nose of the 2022 Chardonnay is fresh with hints of oak and plenty of lemon skin and yellow apple. Medium-bodied and with 13% alcohol, the palate is fresh, food-friendly and expressive before ending with a zesty, mineral-driven finish. This little beauty was made with a mix of amphora and oak to bring out and balance dusty minerality with soft, oaky essences. Rating: 90+

Producer Notes · Historical Estate Background

The following producer account is preserved from the supplied listing. Its vineyard plans describe the estate’s aspirations at the time of writing, rather than a verified current planting or harvest status.

The Present
Fifteen years after starting my career in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Anthony Hamilton Russell offered me the wonderful opportunity to join the rest of the Hemel-en-Aarde area as a producer. Today, with the expert assistance of Hamilton Russell Vineyards wine maker, Emul Ross and the Hamilton Russell Vineyards team, I wholly own Tesselaarsdal Wines.

Grape purchases are secured with Babylon Vineyards, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge (unirrigated vineyards)—until Tesselaarsdal’s vineyards is secured and ready for harvest. I will focus production on Pinot Noir as our climate and soil type is best suited for this cultivar.

The Future
The Tesselaarsdal Wines dream is to create wines from its own vineyards in Tesselaarsdal, Overberg. In 2019 we acquired 16 hectares which will be planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

Subtle white pear and lemon toast notes meet a silky, medium-bodied palate. Rounded richness is balanced by crisp acidity, with an elegant finish that lingers. For wine lovers seeking freshness alongside texture, this 2022 Chardonnay offers an appealing balance of both.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled with grilled fish, roast chicken, or creamy mushroom pasta, or share a bottle over an unhurried dinner.

Wine Details

• Producer: Tesselaarsdal
• Founder: Berene Sauls
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2022
• Region: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
• Country: South Africa
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Style: Cool-climate, medium-bodied white

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.