South Africa

South African wines have improved dramatically over the last 20 years. There are numerous superb, small family domaines throughout the country. These people have consistently produced wines that can be seen as the standard bearers for the new wave of South African wines. South Africa Below is a selection that shows the fantastic quality and diversity that is available from some of the country's greatest producers.

Sparkling
Villiera Tradition Brut, Stellenbosch    £150.00 per case 
Classic fizz, made from the traditional champenoise blend. Elegant,
with a hint of yeast and delightful fresh acidity. Consistently the best
South African sparkler. An absolute delight.

WHITES
Chenin Blanc 2009, Villiera, Stellenbosch    £106.20 per case
Jeff Grier is the master of understated classic elegance. His Chenin Blanc has
succulent melon and white pear flavours, overlain with subtle yeast character
and a faint hint of oak. Quaffable, yet very satisfying.

Sauvignon Blanc, 2009, Paul Cluver, Elgin   £114.35 per case 
Green pepper aromas are followed by vibrant grapefuit flavours and subtle minerality.
Tremendous length on the finish. Drink now or keep for a couple of years.

Riesling 2009, Paul Cluver, Elgin  £114.35 per case 
Off dry riesling (9.8g/l rs). This has good riesling character, fresh with lime acidity. Intense minerality
and an attractive herbaceous element. Drinking now, but will keep 5 years plus.

Chenin Blanc 2010, Tormentoso, Paarl   £117.12 per case
Dry farmed Chenin from the Perdeberg region of Paarl. Tosaty aromas give
way to intense rich, white peach flavours, with zesty, balanced acidity. A real find.

Sauvignon Blanc, 2010, Edgebaston, Stellenbosch £120.84 per case
Luscious tropical fruit flavours, guava and pineapple, with delicate citric acidity.
Perfect summer drinking.

Chenin Blanc 2009, Ken Forrester, Stellenbosch    £125.20 per case
The master of Chenin Blanc, Forrester delivers a succulent wine with flavours of
apple and quince, balanced by citric acidity. Partial oak maturation adds spice
and complexity.

Chardonnay 2009, Paul Cluver, Elgin  £149.85 per case 
Pristine fruit, with a touch of nuttiness. Creamy richness and subtle oakiness are balanced
by fresh lemon/lime acidity.

Lesca/Finesse Chardonnay, 2008, De Wetshof, Robertson   £152.96 per case 
Simply stunning, elegant chardonnay. Subliminal oak, complex with hints of lemon and apple.
Drink now to 5 years.

Viognier, 2009, Sutherland, Elgin  £173.72 per case 
Perfect for drinking now. Light floral tones give way to flavours of peach and apricot on the palate.
Perfectly balanced acidity is overlain with subtle oakiness.

Chardonnay, 2009, Hamilton Russell, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley  £113.40 per case of 6
Sheer class! Elegant minerality, with Burgundian overtones. Great length and
complexity. Drinking beautifully now, but will mature to perfection over the next 5 years.