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.
South Africa
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Tim Atkin MW (95)
Donovan Rall only used the first pick for this stunning Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc in 2020, fermenting and ageing it in a combination of concrete eggs and amphoras. It's a salty, complex, dialled back white with notes of gunflint, wild herbs and greengage and high-altitude minerality and precision.Inc. GSTSG$255.61 -
Tim Atkin MW (97)
'White Wine Discovery of the Year' - Donovan Rall has made a habit of winning one or more or my discovery of the year categories and he's done it again with this Chenin Blanc from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in the 1960s. Picked in four stages, it’s a stunning expression of the site, with saline grip, lots of extract and concentration, hay, pear and lime flavours and wonderful energy.Inc. GSTSG$473.50 -
Inc. GSTSG$1,488.33 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$1,317.22 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$1,274.65 -
Inc. GSTSG$1,362.98 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$1,258.30 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$882.25 -
Inc. GSTSG$1,013.05 -
Inc. GSTSG$937.84 -
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent.Inc. GSTSG$253.40 -
Vinous (90)
The 2018 Cat’s Cradle is pure Chenin Blanc that offers beeswax, yellow plum, a touch of butter and a slight adhesive scent on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a light marine influence and a touch of salinity toward the finish. Fine.Inc. GSTSG$253.40 -
Vinous (93)
The 2021 Cat's Cradle comes from a vineyard between parcels owned by Eben Sadie and Chris Alheit - old vine Chenin planted in 1979 on granite soils. It has an open, melted wax and broom scented nose, lemon curd and light custard-like aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a superb line of acidity, fresh and tensile with a tang of sour lemon on the finish. So much character here. Excellent.Inc. GSTSG$390.66 -
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance.
Inc. GSTSG$251.25 -
Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir.
The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance.
Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest.
Inc. GSTSG$251.25 -
Indulge in the splendour of the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021. Hailing from the esteemed Swartland region of South Africa, this unique semillon was crafted by celebrated husband and wife team, John and Tasha Seccombe. Their dedication to artisanal winemaking is vividly expressed in this dawn-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermented vine treasure.
Renowned for its strict selection of old vine parcels, the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 champions a harmonious union of quality and character. Expect a stunning expression of ripe pear and apricot notes, fused with subtle hints of crushed river pebbles and fragrant elderflower. Acidity is expertly balanced, leading into a lingering, mineral finish.
With only a limited production run, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s meticulous attention to detail, and impeccable sense of timing. The Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 is a tasteful masterpiece befitting the discerning palates of fine wine connoisseurs.
Inc. GSTSG$372.13
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Tim Atkin MW (95)
Donovan Rall only used the first pick for this stunning Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc in 2020, fermenting and ageing it in a combination of concrete eggs and amphoras. It's a salty, complex, dialled back white with notes of gunflint, wild herbs and greengage and high-altitude minerality and precision.In BondSG$185.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (97)
'White Wine Discovery of the Year' - Donovan Rall has made a habit of winning one or more or my discovery of the year categories and he's done it again with this Chenin Blanc from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in the 1960s. Picked in four stages, it’s a stunning expression of the site, with saline grip, lots of extract and concentration, hay, pear and lime flavours and wonderful energy.In BondSG$375.00 -
In BondSG$1,310.00
-
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.In BondSG$1,155.00 -
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.In BondSG$1,110.00 -
In BondSG$1,195.00
-
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.In BondSG$1,095.00 -
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.In BondSG$750.00 -
In BondSG$870.00
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In BondSG$801.00
-
Vinous (92)
The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent.In BondSG$181.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2018 Cat’s Cradle is pure Chenin Blanc that offers beeswax, yellow plum, a touch of butter and a slight adhesive scent on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a light marine influence and a touch of salinity toward the finish. Fine.In BondSG$181.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2021 Cat's Cradle comes from a vineyard between parcels owned by Eben Sadie and Chris Alheit - old vine Chenin planted in 1979 on granite soils. It has an open, melted wax and broom scented nose, lemon curd and light custard-like aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a superb line of acidity, fresh and tensile with a tang of sour lemon on the finish. So much character here. Excellent.In BondSG$299.00 -
Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance.
In BondSG$181.00 -
Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir.
The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance.
Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest.
In BondSG$181.00 -
Indulge in the splendour of the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021. Hailing from the esteemed Swartland region of South Africa, this unique semillon was crafted by celebrated husband and wife team, John and Tasha Seccombe. Their dedication to artisanal winemaking is vividly expressed in this dawn-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermented vine treasure.
Renowned for its strict selection of old vine parcels, the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 champions a harmonious union of quality and character. Expect a stunning expression of ripe pear and apricot notes, fused with subtle hints of crushed river pebbles and fragrant elderflower. Acidity is expertly balanced, leading into a lingering, mineral finish.
With only a limited production run, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s meticulous attention to detail, and impeccable sense of timing. The Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 is a tasteful masterpiece befitting the discerning palates of fine wine connoisseurs.
In BondSG$282.00
