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
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 2 | 97 (DC) |
Inc. GST
SG$729.71 |
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Decanter (97)This has a gorgeous, lifted nose that combines perfumed fruit and oak spice to heady effect. Soft, plush and fresh on the palate, with pinpoint raspberry acidity and lingering rose perfume. It’s matured in barriques and 500-litre French oak barrels, half new, the other half recently used – the oak plays an integral part and it’s applied with great skill. Displaying exceptional tannic finesse, this is a thrilling and emotive Syrah. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$736.19 |
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The Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is an exquisite red wine, handcrafted by Richard Kershaw, one of South Africa's most acclaimed winemakers. Born in England, Kershaw brings over 20 years of international wine-making prowess to this elegant Syrah. The grapes are sourced exclusively from Klein River, a tiny enclave in South Africa’s cool climate Walker Bay region. This pristine, maritime terroir rich in decomposed granite and clay, fosters a complex synergy between soil and vine. Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is meticulously crafted through whole-bunch fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, manifesting in intricate spice-filled layers, well-integrated tannins and a lengthy finish. Expressing a flawless balance between intensity and elegance, the Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 transcends the boundaries of traditional Syrah, creating a captivating viticultural masterpiece that elegantly mirrors its unique terroir. |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 95 (CE) |
Inc. GST
SG$328.61 |
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Christian Eedes (95)46% Grenache, 27% Cinsault and 27% Syrah, grapes sourced entirely from Swartland, the portion of Wellington Carignan that marked previous vintages no longer a feature. Approximately 80% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics of red and black fruit, rose, fynbos, olive, earth and spice. The palate has good fruit weight (despite a modest alcohol of 13%) to go with bright acidity and crunchy tannins. It’s a very measured wine – approachable without sacrificing character. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (CE) |
Inc. GST
SG$316.62 |
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Christian Eedes (95)W.O. Swartland. 44% Grenache Noir, 31% Cinsault and 25% Syrah. 80% whole-bunch fermentation. Whereas quite a few New Wave red wines sacrifice fruit depth for freshness, Lourens seems to achieve both. The nose shows top notes of lavender and fynbos before red and black berries, oliver, pepper and spice. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and chalky tannins. Good fruit definition, lots of intricate flavours, the finish intensely savoury. |
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Cape South Coast | 8 | - |
Inc. GST
SG$580.32 |
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Introducing the Minimalist Wines, No Place Like Home Syrah, Elgin 2022, a stellar expression of South African winemaking craftsmanship. Hailing from the cool-climate Elgin region, this wine is a noteworthy testament to the ethos of Minimalist Wines. The hand-harvested Syrah grapes were fermented with native yeasts, then aged in neutral oak to preserve their inherent character. The producer, Minimalist Wines, prides itself on its hands-off approach to vinification, focusing strictly on low-intervention techniques that allow the terroir to shine. In the glass, the No Place Like Home Syrah reveals an elegant balance of ripe berry fruit, peppery spice and supple tannins, making it an admirable addition to any wine cellar as well as complementing a grand cuisine. This 2022 vintage encapsulates the Minimalist Wines ethos, delivering a wine that speaks profoundly of its birthplace – there truly is No Place Like Home. |
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Cape South Coast | 2 | 96 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$635.91 |
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Tim Atkin MW (96)The latest in an impressive run of outstanding Chardonnays from this top Elgin estate - no mean feat in a vintage where some producers struggled with fructose levels - this is bigger and bolder than the 2017 release. More Meursault than Puligny-Montrachet perhaps, with some cream and cashew notes on the palate underpinned by racy acidity |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) |
Inc. GST
SG$635.91 |
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Tim Atkin MW (95)Arguably the most Burgundian of Cape Pinot Noirs, guided by the gentle hand of consultant Martin Prieur, this scented, refined red comesfrom three sites and is made with clones 113, 115 and 777. Savoury red fruit, bright acidity, filigree tannins and deftly integrated wood. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$787.44 |
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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$1,051.22 |
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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 | 94 (DC) |
Inc. GST
SG$343.85 |
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Decanter (94)Exciting flavours of sweet mulberry, black plum, cinnamon and cedar. Super fresh and elegant, concentrated yet light on its feet. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cape South Coast | 2 | 97 (DC) |
In Bond
SG$616.00 |
|||||
Decanter (97)This has a gorgeous, lifted nose that combines perfumed fruit and oak spice to heady effect. Soft, plush and fresh on the palate, with pinpoint raspberry acidity and lingering rose perfume. It’s matured in barriques and 500-litre French oak barrels, half new, the other half recently used – the oak plays an integral part and it’s applied with great skill. Displaying exceptional tannic finesse, this is a thrilling and emotive Syrah. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | - |
In Bond
SG$616.00 |
|||||
The Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is an exquisite red wine, handcrafted by Richard Kershaw, one of South Africa's most acclaimed winemakers. Born in England, Kershaw brings over 20 years of international wine-making prowess to this elegant Syrah. The grapes are sourced exclusively from Klein River, a tiny enclave in South Africa’s cool climate Walker Bay region. This pristine, maritime terroir rich in decomposed granite and clay, fosters a complex synergy between soil and vine. Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 is meticulously crafted through whole-bunch fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, manifesting in intricate spice-filled layers, well-integrated tannins and a lengthy finish. Expressing a flawless balance between intensity and elegance, the Kershaw Klein River Syrah 2017 transcends the boundaries of traditional Syrah, creating a captivating viticultural masterpiece that elegantly mirrors its unique terroir. |
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|
Coastal Region | 3 | 95 (CE) |
In Bond
SG$250.00 |
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Christian Eedes (95)46% Grenache, 27% Cinsault and 27% Syrah, grapes sourced entirely from Swartland, the portion of Wellington Carignan that marked previous vintages no longer a feature. Approximately 80% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics of red and black fruit, rose, fynbos, olive, earth and spice. The palate has good fruit weight (despite a modest alcohol of 13%) to go with bright acidity and crunchy tannins. It’s a very measured wine – approachable without sacrificing character. |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | 95 (CE) |
In Bond
SG$239.00 |
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Christian Eedes (95)W.O. Swartland. 44% Grenache Noir, 31% Cinsault and 25% Syrah. 80% whole-bunch fermentation. Whereas quite a few New Wave red wines sacrifice fruit depth for freshness, Lourens seems to achieve both. The nose shows top notes of lavender and fynbos before red and black berries, oliver, pepper and spice. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and chalky tannins. Good fruit definition, lots of intricate flavours, the finish intensely savoury. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 8 | - |
In Bond
SG$473.00 |
|||||
Introducing the Minimalist Wines, No Place Like Home Syrah, Elgin 2022, a stellar expression of South African winemaking craftsmanship. Hailing from the cool-climate Elgin region, this wine is a noteworthy testament to the ethos of Minimalist Wines. The hand-harvested Syrah grapes were fermented with native yeasts, then aged in neutral oak to preserve their inherent character. The producer, Minimalist Wines, prides itself on its hands-off approach to vinification, focusing strictly on low-intervention techniques that allow the terroir to shine. In the glass, the No Place Like Home Syrah reveals an elegant balance of ripe berry fruit, peppery spice and supple tannins, making it an admirable addition to any wine cellar as well as complementing a grand cuisine. This 2022 vintage encapsulates the Minimalist Wines ethos, delivering a wine that speaks profoundly of its birthplace – there truly is No Place Like Home. |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 2 | 96 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$524.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)The latest in an impressive run of outstanding Chardonnays from this top Elgin estate - no mean feat in a vintage where some producers struggled with fructose levels - this is bigger and bolder than the 2017 release. More Meursault than Puligny-Montrachet perhaps, with some cream and cashew notes on the palate underpinned by racy acidity |
|||||||||
|
Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) |
In Bond
SG$524.00 |
|||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Arguably the most Burgundian of Cape Pinot Noirs, guided by the gentle hand of consultant Martin Prieur, this scented, refined red comesfrom three sites and is made with clones 113, 115 and 777. Savoury red fruit, bright acidity, filigree tannins and deftly integrated wood. |
|||||||||
|
Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$665.00 |
|||||
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$907.00 |
|||||
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. |
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|
Coastal Region | 1 | 94 (DC) |
In Bond
SG$262.00 |
|||||
Decanter (94)Exciting flavours of sweet mulberry, black plum, cinnamon and cedar. Super fresh and elegant, concentrated yet light on its feet. |