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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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
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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