South Africa

Such is my enthusiasm for the wines of South Africa that I list them first.  Why the enthusiam? It is because, for me, these wines combine the best of the "old" world and the best of the "new" in wine making terms. Many grape varieties seem to grow better in South Africa than they do anywhere else - Chenin Blanc being a prime example.  Another would be the wonderful Mourvèdre which you can find as a single varietal wine in the south of France and, as Monastrell, in Spain but somehow it gains another dimension in Swartland (particularly but not exclusively).  The selection here includes some truly great wines and I have seldom, if ever, encountered a bad bottle.  Please give them a go!

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White Wine

Price

per Bottle

Dozen Price

per Bottle

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Primordial Soup White Blend Non Vintage

£7.20

£6.45

Western Cape

This blend of unspecified grape varieties grown in the Swartland, where absolute ripeness is guaranteed, is fresh and clean with a citrusy feel to it.

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False Bay Chardonnay 2017/18

£8.20

£7.35

Coastal Region

Although unoaked this is made from sun ripened fruit, giving it much greater depth and flavour.

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False Bay Wild Yeast Chenin Blanc 2019

£8.30

£7.45

Western Cape

Possibly my favourite Chenin Blanc. Consistently good - rich and apricoty.

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The Curator White Blend 2016

£8.60

£7.75

Swartland

I've stocked this before - an exciting blend of Chenin, Chardonnay, Viognier by the formidable Adi Badenhorst.

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Barton Chenin Blanc 2017

£10.85

£9.75

Walker Bay

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Barton Sauvignon Blanc 2017

£11.60

£10.45

Walker Bay

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The Tea Leaf Chenin Blanc 2016

£13.25

£11.90

Piekenierskloof

The Chenin vines are surrounded by Rooibos tea bushes which impart tea flavours to the wine.

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Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2017

£13.50

£12.15

The Amos Block, Swartland

Starting to show signs of age but still very fine Sauvignon. Limited availability.

Red Wine

Price

per Bottle

Dozen Price

per Bottle

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Percheron Shiraz / Mourvèdre 2018

£8.20

£7.40

Western Cape

Still on great form - Rhône style wine with lots of fruit and real quality. Exceptionally good value for money.

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False Bay Pinotage 2017

£8.30

£7.45

Western Cape

Very good 'modern' style Pinotage - not too heavy. Limited availability of this vintage.

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Percheron Old Vine Cinsault 2018

£8.40

£7.55

Western Cape

Slightly lighter than the wine below - really enjoyable.

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The Curator Red Blend 2012

£8.45

£7.60

Swartland

From the wonderful Adi Badenhorst - a joyful blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier.

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Withington Wines Roan Ranger 2015

£8.60

£7.75

Darling

Brilliant new wine, a Rhône blend of Cinsaut, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

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Barton Rouge 2015

£8.95

£7.99

Walker Bay

An "almost Bordeaux" blend containing 40% Merlot - very well made and drinkable.

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Darling Cellars The Capeman SMG 2017

£8.99

£7.99

Darling

A new blend (Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Grenache) for this popular wine - and a new label.

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Darling Cellars Chocoholic Pinotage 2017

£11.40

£10.20

Darling

This is amazing! It really does taste chocolatey and almost more like a light port. Very moreish.

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Spice Route Grenache 2012

£11.70

£10.55

Swartland

A great wine - really Rhône-ish. Limited availability.

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Vondeling Baldrick Shiraz 2014

£12.20

£10.99

Voor-Paardeberg, Paarl

Don't be put off by the jokey name - this is a serious wine (or should that be 'cunning'?)

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Spice Route Mourvèdre 2015

£12.95

11.65

Swartland

Just one of my favourite wines on the entire list... New vintage.

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Barton Winemaker's Reserve 2012

£15.20

£13.70

Walker Bay

Classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet. Really classy stuff. An absolute joy to drink.

Sparkling Wine

Price

per Bottle

Dozen Price

per Bottle

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Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2015

£13.60

£12.25

Western Cape, South Africa

Another old favourite returns! The great South African sparkler which ages beautifully. One of the few sparkling wines outside the Champagne region to include Pinot Meunier in the blend.

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