Wine Advocate (99)

Flirting with triple digits, the 2021 Series C is constructed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Still incredibly tight yet exuding that special “it” factor, the red blend is layered with gorgeous dark red and succulent black fruit tones with gobs of attractive oak essences that sway with power and finesse. If you're a cult California Cabernet collector, you'll want to add this to your cellar as fast as possible. Just under 20,000 bottles rested for about two years in French oak barrels, 81% new. It's utterly profound.

Greg Sherwood MW (96+)

The 2021 Series M is a blend of 41% Merlot, 35% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in French oak barrels with a 26% new oak portion. The aromatics are enticing and alluring, offering up notes of dark berries, exotic Asian spices, plum compote, black liquorice, graphite and wood smoke with subtle dried bay leaf nuances. Despite being dominated by Merlot and Malbec, the Series M often boasts a structure more in common with Cabernet Sauvignon blends, but in the cooler 2021 vintage, this wine remains very much in a Bordeaux right bank leaning style boasting precociously sumptuous notes of supple black currant fruits, mulberries, black plum with hints of cocoa powder, chargrilled charcuterie and pithy blood orange peel. Beautifully plump and opulent in the mouth, the tannins are velvety, supple and sweet, enveloping the palate and finishing with incisive saline acids and complex notions of baked blackberries, preserved plums and star anise. A wonderfully complete wine that already offers abundant pleasure in its youth. Drink on release and over the next 10 to 15+ years.

Decanter (94)

Exciting flavours of sweet mulberry, black plum, cinnamon and cedar. Super fresh and elegant, concentrated yet light on its feet.

The Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage 2017 is an exemplification of sublime craftsmanship from the verdurous commercial vineyards of the Voor-Paardeberg mountains in South Africa's Paarl Wine Route. Produced by Vondeling Wines, renowned for their relentless devotion to ecological farming, this Pinotage is an intoxicating blend of 85% Pinotage, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Grenache Noir from their sustainably managed 10-year-old vines. The grapes underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel, culminating into a well-rounded texture.

The Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage 2017 presents a regal burgundy hue with a captivating bouquet of cherries, plums and succulent ripe fruit, augmented by whimsical hints of oak, vanilla and spice. On the palate, it unfurls with a certain finesse, delivering an elegant fusion of berries, dark chocolate and soft tannins. This wine gracefully unravels all the harmonious complexities of a mature Pinotage, making Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage 2017 a true magnum opus for every fine wine enthusiast.

Experience the exquisite taste of the Vondeling Philosophie 2015, an exceptional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. This rare wine, hailing from Voor-Paardeberg, South Africa, boasts a captivating deep red hue and intoxicating nose of blackberry, cedar, and cigar box. The Vondeling winery follows traditional winemaking processes, including handpicking and sorting grapes, to maintain optimum quality.

The wine, matured for 24 months in French oak barrels, imparts a perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and well-integrated tannins. The palate is layered and complex, featuring flavours of blackcurrant, cherry, and spice with a long, elegant finish. Vondeling Philosophie 2015 is the winery's flagship wine, reflecting not only their philosophy but also their passion for creating wines of distinction.

This collectable limited production wine, with only 4,200 bottles released, truly exemplifies the winery’s dedication to crafting the finest quality wares. Vondeling Philosophie 2015 is an absolute must-try for discerning connoisseurs.

Tim Atkin MW (95)

Often among my favourite Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignons, this textbook Helderberg red was blended with 3% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc in 2017. Scented, refined and effortlessly dense and complex, with aromatic 30% new wood, mocha, cedarwood and cassis flavours and a long, balanced, herbal finish. 2022-29