South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
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South Africa
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (DC) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,311.77 |
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Decanter (98)Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,269.20 |
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Wine Advocate (98)From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,258.30 |
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Vinous (96)The 2021 Palladius, the wine that has gone through the biggest transition at the domaine, is matured in concrete eggs and clay amphora for 12 months and 12 months in foudres. It has an exquisite bouquet with touches of yellow flower, melted wax, lanolin and light slate aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, taut and fresh, very linear and gaining weight towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. Touches of white pepper and Provençal herb stay long in the mouth. Class shines through here. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$880.07 |
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Vinous (96)The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it. |
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Coastal Region | 4 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$330.79 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)The last two hectares of dry-farmed Syrah on the Helderberg, planted by Bernhard Bredell's grandfather in 1995, were pulled out in 2017, so this Swanesang comes from a new source on the mountain. Rich, dense and Cornas-like, it's another remarkable Syrah from this talented young winemaker, with pepper spice and grip from 30% whole bunches and meaty, stony complexity. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$665.38 |
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Tim Atkin MW (97)This isolated, picturesque 1.6-hectare block at the top of the Jonkershoek Valley was replanted as recently as 2009 after a fire, but has rapidly re-established itself as one of the best vineyards in Stellenbosch. The 2018 Oude Nektar combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec and is typically fine, polished and understated, with leafy elegance, fynbos aromas, red berry and black cherry fruit, subtle wood, fine-boned tannins and stunning palate length. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$335.13 |
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Tim Atkin MW (97)Very few recent South African releases have been as eagerly awaited as this 2018 red from the old Cordoba property on the flank of the Helderberg. And it doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Cabernet Franc-centred, with 24% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the new crescendo is a beautifully refined, detailed red from 21-year-old vines. Violet and cut grass aromas lead into a palate that is fresh, bright and comparatively low in alcohol with filigree tannins, subtle wood, fine tension and the focus and balance to age. What a début! |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$308.97 |
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Tim Atkin MW (98)Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95+ (GS) |
Inc. GST
SG$431.03 |
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Greg Sherwood MW (95+)This really is a sensational expression from Andre and the team at Vergelegen. A blend of 20% Sauvignon and 80% Semillon, this wine screams premium white Bordeaux from the minute you smell the alluring aromatics. All the classical white Bordeaux hallmark notes are there including a crunchy white citrus, grapefruit zest, pineapple pastille fruits, lime peel, dried coconut and reductive hints of black currant and vinyl. The palate is broad and powerful with a leading edge of sweet and sour grapefruit acidity, tangerine juice, green mango flesh and white citrus fruit intensity. Slightly pithy with hints of dried grass, this wine is a never ending profusion of fruit concentration, minerality and dried herb complexity all knitted together in a very tight, intense, classical package. This wine would go down an absolute treat blind with the Bordelaise producers in the Graves or Pessac-Leognan. With pyrazines well and truly conquered in this wine, this expression is lined up for a long and successful ageing period. Drink from release and for another 12 to 15+ years. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$391.81 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Reviewed alongside the 2018 release as they are both on the market, this is Semillon dominated with 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel-aged in one-third new oak, it has flinty, struck match aromas, stylish wood spice, notes of lanolin and grapefruit and a pithy, refreshing finish. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$287.15 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Every bit as good as the 2017, even though the vintage is less celebrated, this is an equal marriage of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with an even lower pH. Grapefruit and elderflower flavours combine appealingly with the stylish vanilla oak, embellished by a herbal undertone. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$265.37 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Proof the remarkable ageing potential of Vergelegen's flagship white wine - and it's only just settling into its stride - this is a gloriously complex blend of Sauvignon Blanc and 36% Semillon, with appealing freshness and zip, good focus, a salty undertone and flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry and fresh toast. |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 18 (JR) |
Inc. GST
SG$289.31 |
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Jancis Robinson (18)Tasted blind. Blackcurrant pastilles on the really interesting, sophisticated nose. Some savoury inkiness and lots of pleasure. Firm and confident and set for the long term. Lots there with tannin evident only on the end for future development. Long. This is the first wine that reminds me of ambitious bordeaux … luscious – a sort of right-bank style. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,127.52 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Made as a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon since 2008, this is the top red at Vergelegen and demonstrates André van Rensburg’s mastery of the variety. It’s a focused, classically proportioned red, combining freshness with concentration, suppleness with structure. Aromatic and refined, it has plenty more to give. |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,023.99 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)First made in 2001, with a break in 2002 and 2010, V is the top wine at Vergelegen and is suitably ambitious stuff, aged entirely in new oak. Polished, elegant and refined, with smooth tannins, notes of graphite and iron and a long, complex finish that promises more in bottle. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$896.44 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Give or take 2% Cabernet Franc, this is a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new wood. It’s a brilliantly focused wine that carries its 14.5% alcohol lightly, with notes of tobacco and aromatic spices, filigree tannins and layers of mint, green herbs and dark fruit. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$785.26 |
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Wine Advocate (97)The 2019 Series C opens with a broad and structured nose that displays elegant oak tones and a juicy and fresh frame of succulent dark red fruits, offering power and finesse with a delightful mineral essence that overflows with plum skin and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied, the Series C offers a fine-grained tannic edge that possesses the focus, elegance and precision of a world-class wine. Vibrant acidity excites the palate with a succulent balance across the mid-palate, revealing layers of complexity as the wine somersaults to a long, lingering, juicy, oak-tinged finish. This is some of South Africa’s finest juice, which has me smitten. Bravo! I’m going to finish the glass! Give it one more year in the bottle and drink it over the next couple of decades. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,041.41 |
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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. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$502.99 |
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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 |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$731.83 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)You can almost count the good producers of Sangiovese outside Italy on the fingers of one hand, so well done Waterford for the impressive first release of this blend with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Herbal and spicy, it has aromas of pine and rosemary, succulent red berry fruit, classic Italian acidity and savoury tannins and stylish second and third use wood. 2021-27 |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (DC) |
In Bond
SG$1,150.00 |
|||||
Decanter (98)Complex nose already: beautifully exuberant nose of damsons and flowers – the Carignan really coming through at this early stage. A herbal, stemmy element is also quite noticeable but well balanced. Full-bodied on the palate but only just, with a lovely sense of fluidity, slightly granular tannins and fine acidity – everything is in its place, and is delicious now, but will improve and build further complexity. If possible, wait until 2026 to broach. Long, so expressive and unique. Various soils: granite, slate, clay, gravel. Three weeks' fermentation and three weeks maceration in 3,300L open-top concrete fermenters. Aged for 12 months on the lees in small barrels (5% new), then a further 12 months on fine lees in large wooden foudres. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$1,105.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$1,095.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2021 Palladius, the wine that has gone through the biggest transition at the domaine, is matured in concrete eggs and clay amphora for 12 months and 12 months in foudres. It has an exquisite bouquet with touches of yellow flower, melted wax, lanolin and light slate aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, taut and fresh, very linear and gaining weight towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. Touches of white pepper and Provençal herb stay long in the mouth. Class shines through here. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$748.00 |
|||||
Vinous (96)The 2021 Treinspoor is Sadie's Tinta Barocca that the man himself likens to Nebbiolo, also opining that it is a wine that needs considerable ageing. These vines were planted in 1974, and the blend includes 40% whole clusters. It has a complex, succinctly defined bouquet with melted tar and graphite infused dark berry fruit, a hint of Lapsang Souchong. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly-tuned acidity, almost Burgundian in texture yet with more pepperiness towards the finish. So elegant and harmonious - this is stunning from every angle you look at it. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 4 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$252.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)The last two hectares of dry-farmed Syrah on the Helderberg, planted by Bernhard Bredell's grandfather in 1995, were pulled out in 2017, so this Swanesang comes from a new source on the mountain. Rich, dense and Cornas-like, it's another remarkable Syrah from this talented young winemaker, with pepper spice and grip from 30% whole bunches and meaty, stony complexity. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$555.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)This isolated, picturesque 1.6-hectare block at the top of the Jonkershoek Valley was replanted as recently as 2009 after a fire, but has rapidly re-established itself as one of the best vineyards in Stellenbosch. The 2018 Oude Nektar combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec and is typically fine, polished and understated, with leafy elegance, fynbos aromas, red berry and black cherry fruit, subtle wood, fine-boned tannins and stunning palate length. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$254.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)Very few recent South African releases have been as eagerly awaited as this 2018 red from the old Cordoba property on the flank of the Helderberg. And it doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Cabernet Franc-centred, with 24% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the new crescendo is a beautifully refined, detailed red from 21-year-old vines. Violet and cut grass aromas lead into a palate that is fresh, bright and comparatively low in alcohol with filigree tannins, subtle wood, fine tension and the focus and balance to age. What a début! |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$230.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish. |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95+ (GS) |
In Bond
SG$340.00 |
|||||
Greg Sherwood MW (95+)This really is a sensational expression from Andre and the team at Vergelegen. A blend of 20% Sauvignon and 80% Semillon, this wine screams premium white Bordeaux from the minute you smell the alluring aromatics. All the classical white Bordeaux hallmark notes are there including a crunchy white citrus, grapefruit zest, pineapple pastille fruits, lime peel, dried coconut and reductive hints of black currant and vinyl. The palate is broad and powerful with a leading edge of sweet and sour grapefruit acidity, tangerine juice, green mango flesh and white citrus fruit intensity. Slightly pithy with hints of dried grass, this wine is a never ending profusion of fruit concentration, minerality and dried herb complexity all knitted together in a very tight, intense, classical package. This wine would go down an absolute treat blind with the Bordelaise producers in the Graves or Pessac-Leognan. With pyrazines well and truly conquered in this wine, this expression is lined up for a long and successful ageing period. Drink from release and for another 12 to 15+ years. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$306.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Reviewed alongside the 2018 release as they are both on the market, this is Semillon dominated with 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel-aged in one-third new oak, it has flinty, struck match aromas, stylish wood spice, notes of lanolin and grapefruit and a pithy, refreshing finish. |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 2 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$208.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Every bit as good as the 2017, even though the vintage is less celebrated, this is an equal marriage of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc with an even lower pH. Grapefruit and elderflower flavours combine appealingly with the stylish vanilla oak, embellished by a herbal undertone. |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$190.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Proof the remarkable ageing potential of Vergelegen's flagship white wine - and it's only just settling into its stride - this is a gloriously complex blend of Sauvignon Blanc and 36% Semillon, with appealing freshness and zip, good focus, a salty undertone and flavours of grapefruit, gooseberry and fresh toast. |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 18 (JR) |
In Bond
SG$208.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (18)Tasted blind. Blackcurrant pastilles on the really interesting, sophisticated nose. Some savoury inkiness and lots of pleasure. Firm and confident and set for the long term. Lots there with tannin evident only on the end for future development. Long. This is the first wine that reminds me of ambitious bordeaux … luscious – a sort of right-bank style. |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$977.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Made as a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon since 2008, this is the top red at Vergelegen and demonstrates André van Rensburg’s mastery of the variety. It’s a focused, classically proportioned red, combining freshness with concentration, suppleness with structure. Aromatic and refined, it has plenty more to give. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 3 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$884.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)First made in 2001, with a break in 2002 and 2010, V is the top wine at Vergelegen and is suitably ambitious stuff, aged entirely in new oak. Polished, elegant and refined, with smooth tannins, notes of graphite and iron and a long, complex finish that promises more in bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$765.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Give or take 2% Cabernet Franc, this is a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new wood. It’s a brilliantly focused wine that carries its 14.5% alcohol lightly, with notes of tobacco and aromatic spices, filigree tannins and layers of mint, green herbs and dark fruit. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$663.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (97)The 2019 Series C opens with a broad and structured nose that displays elegant oak tones and a juicy and fresh frame of succulent dark red fruits, offering power and finesse with a delightful mineral essence that overflows with plum skin and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied, the Series C offers a fine-grained tannic edge that possesses the focus, elegance and precision of a world-class wine. Vibrant acidity excites the palate with a succulent balance across the mid-palate, revealing layers of complexity as the wine somersaults to a long, lingering, juicy, oak-tinged finish. This is some of South Africa’s finest juice, which has me smitten. Bravo! I’m going to finish the glass! Give it one more year in the bottle and drink it over the next couple of decades. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 99 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$898.00 |
|||||
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$408.00 |
|||||
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 |
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|
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$612.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)You can almost count the good producers of Sangiovese outside Italy on the fingers of one hand, so well done Waterford for the impressive first release of this blend with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Herbal and spicy, it has aromas of pine and rosemary, succulent red berry fruit, classic Italian acidity and savoury tannins and stylish second and third use wood. 2021-27 |
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