The Society’s ‘The Beautiful South’ Tasting

Vibrant, innovative and exciting, South Africa is a country for wine lovers to watch, and the Cape’s output of high-quality, uniquely South African wines just keeps getting better.Across the Atlantic Ocean, the South American winelands of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are home to some of the world's most dynamic producers, and unsurprisingly their popularity with our members continues to soar.This joint tasting offers the chance to explore these southern giants’ wines in the company of many of the vineyard’s representatives who will be on hand to talk to us about their wines. The wines are grouped alphabetically by country and producer.

The Society’s sweetness code:White wines from bone dry [1] to lusciously sweet [9]♦ = sparkling wine○ = white wine♡ = rosé wine● = red wineS = screwcap closure

ARGENTINA

CatenaMichelle Shepherd and Charlotte PooleThe imposing Bodega Catena Zapata winery, modelled on an ancient truncated Mayan pyramid, is set against a stunning backdrop of vast, open skies and the awe-inspiring Andes. It is in these remarkable high-altitude surroundings in Mendoza that the Catena family has helped to bring Argentine wines critical recognition around the world.Nicolás Catena, who in 2009 became the first person from South America to receive the prestigious Decanter Man of the Year award, always believed that Argentina could produce world-class wines. He realised, after closely studying the effects of altitude on growing conditions, that it was possible to plant vines at high elevation, and use cooler temperatures along with greater sun exposure to ripen grapes while preserving natural acidity.

1. ○ [2] Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2014Long-flavoured, fresh and delicious Argentine chardonnay. A blend of fruit from two high-altitude vineyards in the coolest year since 2001, this is a fine-textured and understated wine with an appley freshness tinged with an oatmealy lees flavour and a hint of oak. Drink now to 2027. 13.5%ref AR3451 £18.00 bottle £216 dozen

2. ● Catena Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection for The Wine Society 2014We are delighted to have worked with Catena’s gifted winemaker Alejandro Vigil to make this blend exclusively for The Wine Society. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 18 months after blending, resulting in a lovely, ripe and balanced cabernet with rich blackcurrant, cedar and spice aromas and a full yet fresh palate. Drink now to 2022. 14%ref AR3481 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

MendelAnabelle SieleckiMendel is an old bodega situated at Drummond, Mendoza. Built in 1928, the winery was bought by the Sielecki family in 2002, who then formed a partnership with the highly respected Roberto de la Mota who makes the wines. Here a more European style is preferred with a focus on structure as opposed to the softer, fruitier styles often seen throughout Argentina, and they produce wines which are designed to develop in bottle.

3. ○ [2] Mendel Mendoza Semillon 20162016 was a very cool year and the whites from Argentina are unusually fresh and vibrant. This comes from a 70-year-old vineyard in Paraje Altamira, and has a greengage and light oak aroma. 15% of the wine was barrel fermented and aged for about four months. Drink now to 2020. 13%ref AR3531 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

4. ● Mendel Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2013A fine cedar-and-violet scented cabernet from a 15-year-old vineyard in Perdriel at about 1,100m altitude. Fresh, firm, fine linear cabernet of great class, aged for a year in oak barriques. Drink now to 2023. 14.5% ref AR3281 £13.50 bottle £162 dozen

Mendoza is by far the largest and most important wine-growing province in Argentina. Situated in the west of the country, its continental climate accounts for around 70% of total production with the alluvial and clay subsoils, ample water supply and altitudes in excess of 1,000m being ideally suited to grape production.

Susana BalboCecile TerrienSusana Balbo graduated with a degree in oenology in 1981 – the first woman in Argentina to do so. Drawing on experience gained as a winemaker not only in Argentina, but also Spain, Chile, Italy, Australia and California, she fulfilled her dream of running her own winery by founding Dominio del Plata in 1999. She is seen by many as the queen of malbec but is always looking to experiment with blends, techniques and many other grape varieties, such as torrontés.

5. ○ [2] Faldeos Nevados Torrontés 2016Fresh, peach-and-grape scented torrontés with a seam of lemony freshness. Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape, here blended from two regions, Cafayate and Altamira. Drink this year and next. 13% Sref AR3471 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

6. ● Susana Balbo Private Edition Blend for The Wine Society 2016A lovely Argentine exclusive from one of the country’s finest winemakers. The blend is 30% cabernet sauvignon, 35% cabernet franc and 35% petit verdot and is aged in barrel for about 10 months. A ripe yet fresh-tasting wine from a cool year combining a firm palate from the petit verdot, attractive blackcurrant fruit from the cabernet sauvignon and a cedary top note from the cabernet franc. Drink now to 2022. 13.5% ref AR3631 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

7. ● Susana Balbo Chacayes Single-Vineyard Malbec Mendoza 2016Buyer Toby Morrhall tasted six 2016 malbecs from different sub-regions of the Uco Valley and this Chacayes wine was the best, so he asked for it to be bottled separately for us. 2016 was a cool year producing intensely aromatic, floral malbecs which combine intensity and persistence of flavour. Drink now to 2022. 13.5% ref AR3641 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

Malbec is a black grape variety once popular in Bordeaux, still the backbone of the ‘black’ wines of Cahors, and given a new lease of life by its obvious success in Argentina where it is the country’s most important high-quality wine grape. Wines made from malbec, or cot as it is sometimes known in France, tend to be deeply coloured, intensely flavoured with black fruits, and sometimes exhibit a hint of violet or game aromas. The wines can range in style from soft and fruity to more structured, sophisticated examples capable of long ageing.

55 Malbec55 malbec is a company founded by Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach in 2009. Both had worked together at Bodegas Catena, Alejandro in viticulture and winemaking, and Jeff in marketing. They make small quantities of two wines called Teho and Zaha, aiming to express the unique terroirs of their estate vineyards.

8. ○ [2] Zaha Tunuyan Mendoza Chardonnay 2015This is a superb chardonnay made in an unusually firm and taut style, with a steely backbone. Made from a late-ripening selection of chardonnay planted at 1,200m at Los Arboles in the 1970s, the wine was fermented and aged on its lees in tank with no oak. Drink now to 2020. 14%ref AR3581 £20.00 bottle £240 dozen

9. ● Zaha Toko Vineyard Paraje Altamira Malbec 2014Ripe yet fresh Argentine malbec, with a caressing silky palate. The soils in the cool Altamira region, predominantly sandy and silty with some limestone, give an exquisite, fine-grained texture to the wine, especially after about 14 months in barrel. The malbec is co-fermented with about 8% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot for extra complexity. Drink now to 2024. 13.5%ref AR3591 £25.00 bottle £300 dozen

CHILE

GandoliniStefano GandoliniStefano Gandolini is one Chile’s most gifted winemakers. He founded the Gandolini winery in 2011 with the desire to combine the best attributes of the old world with the most exciting characteristics of the new. Gandolini focuses exclusively on cabernet sauvignon, and the vineyards are located in the Maipo Andes. Stefano believes this area to be one of the only locations in South America where world-class cabernet can be produced.

10. ● Gandolini Las Tres Marias Vineyards Maipo Andes Cabernet Sauvignon 2013Top-quality Chilean cabernet from Alto Maipo. The 2013 vintage, a little richer than the maiden 2011, is soft and plummy with a wonderfully caressing, velvety texture. Aged 21 months in barrels, beneath the puppy fat is a firm structure which will allow this wine to mature beautifully. Drink now to 2022. 14.5% ref CE8971 £25.00 bottle £300 dozen

Viña KoyleCristobal UndurragaKoyle (pronounced ‘koy-lay’) is a new project from the Undurraga family, who have sold the company that bears their name and bought an estate near Los Lingues, in Alto Colchagua, called Viña Koyle, to make, principally, fine red wines. They now have a total of 80 hectares which includes thirteen different varieties planted on red clay over friable granite soils. The entire vineyard is currently going through biodynamic transformation, a process that takes at least three years.

11. ○ [2] Koyle Costa Cuarzo Rapel Coastal Sauvignon Blanc 2016Excellent Chilean sauvignon from the lovely fresh 2016 vintage. Intense, nettle-scented and crystalline wine from a cool granite and quartz vineyard 9km from the sea near Paredones, in the Rapel Valley. Drink within the next 12 months. 13% Sref CE9301 £7.95 bottle £95 dozen

12. ● Koyle Cerro Basalto Cuartel G2 Carmènere 2015This sweet, cedary scented and fine-flavoured carmenère is one of the best we have tasted from Chile. The hillside vineyard is planted on the top terraces of Cerro Basalto, where the roots plunge deep into the friable, low-fertility schist rock. The altitude, restrained vigour and small yield explain the outstanding quality. Drink now to 2025. 14% ref CE9271 £15.50 bottle £186 dozen

Originally from the Médoc region of Bordeaux, carmenère has truly found its home in Chile after it disappeared from Europe in the late 19th century only to be found field planted amongst the merlot grapes in Chile, where they were originally thought to be one and the same. A notoriously late ripener, carmenère often produces deep purple wines with touches of spice and ripe bramble fruit.

13. ● Koyle Cerro Basalto Alto Colchagua 2014This, the second vintage of this wine, is even better than the superb debut. Cerro Basalto is a hillside vineyard of decomposed schist. The blend comprises 38% monastrell (mourvèdre), 25% garnacha, 19% cariñena and 18% syrah. It is aged for two years in oak barrels, resulting in a rich, savoury and structured wine scented with black olives, leather and herbs. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% ref CE9261 £17.00 bottle £204 dozen

Matetic VineyardsJulio BasitasThe Matetic family are of Croatian origin and arrived in Chile over 100 years ago. In 1998 the family launched a new venture in the form of Matetic Wines in the Rosario Valley, an offshoot of the San Antonio Valley. Here they planted in a cool-climate area of well-drained, low-vigour soils some 18km from the cooling sea.

The Matetic methodology is focused on the natural environment, even down to the native alpacas used to graze between the vines to keep down competing vegetation. All the grapes are picked by hand and sorted again at the winery to ensure that only excellent, healthy fruit is vinified and they have established an enviable reputation for both their ecological credentials and the quality of the wine; in particular through their premium wines under the EQ label. The EQ stands for ‘equilibrium’ and represents the harmony that can be achieved between soil, climate and vine and this is an ethos that the company has adhered to in all its endeavours.

14. ○ [2] Matetic Corralillo San Antonio Riesling 2016With a well-balanced, round and yet fresh palate, this is a delicious, ripe and peachy Chilean riesling. Drink now to 2019. 14% Sref CE9401 £8.95 bottle £107 dozen

Riesling (pronounced reece-ling) could claim to be the finest white grape variety in the world on the basis of the longevity of its wines. After suffering a drop in popularity during the late 20th century, due to often high levels of residual sugar, dry riesling is hugely fashionable once again. Alsace producers would claim to be the masters of this style but many cool-climate Australian and South American producers are giving them a run for their money.

15. ○ [3] Matetic Corralillo Gewürztraminer 2016An intense, cool-climate Chilean gewürztraminer from the 2016 vintage. With an intense rose perfume and a full yet fresh palate, this is a delicious buy. Drink now to 2019. 13% Sref CE9391 £8.95 bottle £107 dozen

“Gewürz” is the German word for spice, and it aptly describes the wine with its pungent aromatic, spicy nose reminiscent of lychees. The grape’s skin has a slightly pink hue which imparts colour to the wine, and wines made from gewurztraminer tend to be low in acidity and high in alcohol. Gewurztraminer makes an excellent match with strong French cheeses and is often served with the pungent “Munster” cheese. Sweeter styles of gewurztraminer can even work well with white chocolate.

16. ● Matetic EQ San Antonio Syrah 2013Classic tarry, cool-climate syrah nose backed with a rich and velvety palate which conceals the deep structure of this concentrated wine made from small yields. Drink now to 2022. 14%ref CE8201 £16.50 bottle £198 dozen

UndurragaJorge SmithUndurraga has two winemaking cellars, with a total capacity of an incredible 23 million litres. One is located at Quinta de Tilcoco and the other on the Santa Ana Estate in Talagante. They are both modern facilities and are where the fermentation, processing, and bottling take place. However, despite their ultra-modern winery, they still use their cool, underground cellars, dating back to the 19th century, which provide the perfect environment for ageing their reserva wines.

17. ○ [2] Undurraga Candelabro Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016Leyda produces some of Chile’s best sauvignons thanks to its cool climate. This is a lovely and fruity example with an attractive nettly aroma and flavour. Drink now to 2019. 13.5% S ref CE9221 £7.50 bottle £90 dozen

18. ○ [2] Undurraga Cauquenes Estate Maule Viognier-Roussanne-Marsanne 2016The second vintage of this remarkable-value wine is as stunning as the first. The blend of 60% viognier for peachy perfume, with 30% roussanne and 10% marsanne for structure produces a really satisfying wine. Fleshy yet structured. Drink now to 2019. 14% S ref CE9161 £7.50 bottle £90 dozen

19. ● Undurraga TH Alto Maipo Cabernet Franc 2013Lovely cedary, raspberry-fruited cabernet franc with a little merlot and cabernet sauvignon to contribute further complexity, aged for 16 months in Allier barriques, 30% of which were new. From a high-density vineyard in Chile’s Maipo region with alluvial soils with 60% gravel subsoil. Drink now to 2020. 14% ref CE9181 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

20. ● Undurraga TH Las Gaviotas San Antonio Pinot Noir 2013This Chilean pinot noir comes from an unusual alluvial stony vineyard with some limestone 8km from the sea and 10km south of the Maipo River. The cool climate and relatively high density of vines give a fine and more structured expression of pinot noir than is typical in Chile, with less overt fruit and more minerality from an attractive cooler vintage. Drink now to 2020. 13.5% ref CE8521 £12.95 bottle £155 dozen

The ‘TH’ stands for ‘Terroir Hunter’– a range which seeks out wines that combine the best match of climate, soil and grape variety. This range was brought in after the purchase of Undurraga by millionaire José Yuraszeck in 2006 and they have been a huge success here at The Wine Society for a number of years.

SOUTH AFRICA

BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF Gottfried MockeBoekenhoutskloof lies at the edge of the valley in Franschhoek. Although the estate was established in 1776, it was properly restored and its vineyards planted in 1993, with vines now consisting of syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, grenache, semillon and viognier.Marc Kent has long been a pioneering figure in the South African wine industry; he was the first to put the Cape syrah on the map with his now legendary 1997 vintage at Boekenhoutskloof. Under his leadership, the winery has since become one of the leading lights in South Africa, regularly winning awards for its wines.

21. ○ [2] Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Franschhoek 2014Rightly lauded as one of the great Cape whites, this wine represents part of Franschhoek’s – and South Africa’s – history. From vines of at least 80 years of age, imbuing an intense richness and concentration reminiscent of Bordeaux, this opulent wine’s waxy lanolin and yellow-peach aromas unfurl and delight. A dinner-table showstopper. Drink now to 2020. 13%ref SA12511 £20.00 bottle £240 dozen

The Franschhoek valley lies to the south-east of Paarl and enjoys a warm climate tempered by its relative proximity to the ocean, and the sheltering influence of the coastal mountains. Known as the ‘wine and food capital of the cape’, Franschhoek was first settled by the French Huguenots and wine has been produced here for over 300 years. In fact, South Africa owes much of its contemporary winemaking techniques and skills to these original immigrants.

22. ● Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch 2014Offered here for the first time this is one of the Cape’s finest examples of cabernet sauvignon. Elegant, balanced and fresh, with black fruits and a touch of oak. 14%ref SA12451 £32.00 bottle £384 dozen

23. ● Magnum of Boekenhoutskloof ‘The Chocolate Block’, Western Cape 2014A seductive blend driven by plush Swartland syrah, with grenache, cinsault and viognier in support, and 12% cabernet sauvignon from Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Captivating aromas of violets and Christmas-pudding-spiced berries lead to an intense but smooth, velvety palate. Drink now to 2024. 14.5%ref SA11674 £38.00 magnum £228 6 magnums

DE MORGENZONCarl van der Merwe    De Morgenzon is an award-winning property in the Stellenboschkloof, just outside the old university town of Stellenbosch. It is a large and beautiful estate owned by Wendy and Hylton Appelbaum, known particularly for its chenin blanc and for its idiosyncratic practice of playing baroque music in the vineyards, as well as its ecologically and socially sensitive principles. At 200 to 400 metres above sea level, the 55-hectare vineyard is quite high, with panoramic vistas of Cape Town, Table Mountain and Cape Point. However, instead of ‘mountain vineyards’ the team prefers to call their land ‘garden vineyards’, as the vines are interspersed with specially chosen wild flowers to introduce an element of biodiversity. The diverse soils have a primarily granite base. Cellarmaster Carl van der Merwe, formerly of Quoin Rock, has refined the wines and gained international recognition as a result.

24. ♦ [2] De Morgenzon Cap Classique Chenin Blanc NV, Stellenbosch100% chenin blanc, this traditional-method bubbly has great freshness and finesse, with a delicate mousse. Drink now to 2020. 12.5% ref SA12911 £19.50 bottle £234 dozen In order to be labelled ‘Cap Classique’ the sparkling wine must be made according to the local adaptation of the Champagne traditional method, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle.

25. ○ [2] De Morgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2016From mature vines yielding small volumes of pristine fruit, this is a concentrated yet refined barrel-fermented chenin with great length on the palate and certain ageing potential. Drink now to 2023. 14%ref SA12861 £25.00 bottle £300 dozen

South Africa has the largest area of chenin blanc plantings in the world and it is the most widely planted variety in the country, today making up around 17% of all plantings. Whilst cultivated in every wine-growing region, chenin’s high acidity is found to be particularly useful in the warmer areas of the Cape. Chenin used to be treated as a workhorse grape, but there is a growing band of ambitious producers who have been making really fine, concentrated and rich styles of wine from the variety.

26. ● De Morgenzon DMZ Syrah, Stellenbosch 2013De Morgenzon have a marksman’s touch with the syrah grape. This experimental bottling under cork (the DMZ range normally comes with a screwcap) is a serious South African expression of the grape: ripe and rounded with ample dark fruit and a supple pepper-and-spice palate. Drink this year and next. 14.5% ref SA12281 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

GLENELLYJulie MaitlandThis 125-hectare estate was a fruit farm until 2003, at which point it was acquired by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, who left Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Bordeaux after 30 years to produce South African wine with a distinctly French touch. The first vintages were made at Quoin Rock, but a winery was installed at Glenelly in 2009. The property was first granted to French Huguenot settlers in 1682, and is perfectly situated just outside the picturesque old university town of Stellenbosch itself, with stunning views out over the town and the Simonsberg mountains beyond. The gravel soils here are well suited to the 54.5 hectares of red grape varieties (cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, petit verdot, merlot and cabernet franc), and there is also 5.5 hectares of chardonnay for the estate’s two white wines. Winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain joined Glenelly at the end of 2007, after five years at neighbouring Rustenberg, and earlier internships in Alsace, with Angélus and Fieuzal in Bordeaux, and Screaming Eagle in California.

27. ● Glenelly Estate Reserve, Stellenbosch 2011Formerly labelled ‘Grand Vin’, the Estate Reserve sports a smart new label and is enhanced by intelligent oak usage. The blend is dominated by an equal split of shiraz (whose dark spice is evident in the rich aroma) and cabernet sauvignon, with lesser portions of merlot, and petit verdot adding freshness and structure. Drink now to 2021. 14.5%ref SA13071 £14.95 bottle £179 dozen

The slow oxygenation of the wine as a result of spending time in barrel helps to reduce the fresh, grapy primary aromas of young wines, deepens and stabilises the wine’s colour, softens its tannins and increases the complexity of flavour compounds. American oak (quercus alba) generally imparts a more obvious vanilla and coconut flavour to the wine than the creamy, spice influence of European oak (quercus petraea and robur).Likewise new oak barrels impart more oak flavour than older barrels.

28. ● Glenelly Lady May, Stellenbosch 2011Classically honed cabernet-dominated blend, endowed with 100% new oak that is now well integrated, and rich, tobacco and cedar-infused flavour enrobed in fine chalky tannins.Drink now to 2022. 14.5%ref SA12681 £26.00 bottle £312 dozen

45km east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the oldest wine region, established in 1679, and the second oldest town in South Africa. The soils vary from sandy alluvial loam along the valley floors to deep moisture-retaining decomposed granite on the hillsides, whilst the climate is tempered by the Atlantic Ocean which sweeps into False Bay and keeps average daily summer temperatures at around 20˚C. South Africa currently has 101,957 hectares under vines, of which approximately 18% is planted in the Stellenbosch region.

KANONKOPJohann KrigeKanonkop in Stellenbosch is a leading South African estate with a raft of awards to its name. Kanonkop means ‘Cannon Hill’ and originates from the days when cannons were fired to signal the arrival of Dutch trade ships into Cape Town harbour. Kanonkop is renowned for its red varieties, and chooses to specialise in only a few wines. This estate is probably the most famous producer of pinotage internationally and was one of the first estates to grow the grape. Other grapes grown here are cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc.

29. ♡ [2] Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rosé, Stellenbosch 2017A substantial South African rosé made to be enjoyed with food, though its pretty, pale colour and well-balanced acidity make it a great sipping pink too. Drink this year and next. 14% Sref SA12671 £8.75 bottle £105 dozen

There are three principle ways in which rosé can be made: the saignée method involves making rosé as a by-product of red wine fermentation, where a portion of the pink juice from the grape must is removed at an early stage, and is then fermented separately to produce rosé. The ‘maceration method’ involves leaving the juice in contact with the grape skins for between six to 48 hours, depending on the depth of colour desired. New world rosés can be made by blending red and white wines together, however this is not permitted in the EU, with the notable exception of rosé Champagne.

30. ● Magnum of Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend, Stellenbosch 2014A rich, savoury blend of the essential pinotage, with merlot and cabernets sauvignon and franc. A great value bottle for a party and an ideal match for spicier food. Drink now to 2019. 14% ref SA11734 £18.00 magnum £108 6 magnums

31. ● The Society’s Exhibition Pinotage, Stellenbosch 2014Produced for us once again by Kanonkop, this rich and spicy full-bodied red was fermented in traditional open concrete vessels for velvety fruit and soft tannins. Deep and vibrant in colour, it shows typical plum and red-fruit aromas and flavour, with a smooth fleshy palate. Drink now to 2021. 14% ref SA11541 £10.50 bottle £126 dozen

‘Pinotage is the juice extracted from women’s tongues and lions’ hearts. After having a sufficient quantity one can talk forever and fight the devil.’ (Kanonkop Estate)

32. ● Kanonkop Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Simonsberg Stellenbosch 2012A generous and spicy South African cabernet with ripe brambly fruit and classic notes of lead pencil and tobacco with fine tannin structure and length. Drink now to 2026. 14% ref SA12661 £25.00 bottle £300 dozen

PAINTED WOLFJeremy BorgThe Painted Wolf Wine Company was founded in 2007 by Jeremy and Emma Borg. Jeremy’s focus is on Rhône varieties and pinotage, sourced largely from low-yielding, unirrigated vineyards in Paarl and the Swartland. The Borgs put great energy into wildlife conservation and the company name and wine range reflect their affection and support for the African Wild Dog, or Painted Wolf, through Tusk Trust. For more information visit tusk.org.

33. ○ [2] Painted Wolf ‘Peloton’ Blanc, Coastal 2014A multi-varietal blend where no single grape dominates, this is a savoury dry white, with creamy texture and considerable complexity for its price. Drink within the next 12 months. 13% S ref SA10621 £8.95 bottle £107 dozen

34. ♡ [2] Painted Wolf ‘Ros’ Pinotage Rosé, Paarl 2017Fresh from the new southern hemisphere harvest and a new source this year. Pretty and pale in colour, with bright cherry notes on the nose and gentle creamy fruit on the palate. Rounded, dry, savoury and delicious. Drink this year and next. 12.5% Sref SA12521 £7.75 bottle £93 dozen

Paarl lies to the north of Stellenbosch and about 40 miles north-east of Cape Town. Similar to the Rhône Valley in southern France, the warm summers and wet winters in Paarl make it well suited to the production of fine wines. Summer runs from October through to March, with warm weather tempered by cool Atlantic breezes prevailing through the harvest season. Winter is colder, but moderated by the region’s relative proximity to the ocean. The high mountains surrounding the district trap the winter clouds, dropping good quantities of rain which helps to maintain the vineyards with minimal irrigation.

35. ● Painted Wolf ‘Peloton’ Rouge, Coastal 2014Sporting new, ‘more bicycly’ livery, according to often-on-two-wheels winemaker Jeremy Borg, this Cape blend is deep and vibrant in colour, with oak-spliced aroma, and a fresh spicy palate. Drink now to 2019. 14% S ref SA12531 £8.95 bottle £107 dozen

The spicy sweet fruit so present in this wine marries well with spices so try a shepherd’s pie enlivened with curry powder and tomatoes, all topped with a duvet of mash made from a mix of spuds and other root vegetables.

PAUL CLUVER WINESLiesl CluverPaul Cluver senior was the first to plant grapes in the Elgin Valley region south-east of Stellenbosch. This cool valley has been the home of the Cluver family since 1896, and the large estate, of which the winery and vineyards are just a small part, is still family-owned and run. Paul and his wife Songvei are now supported by four of their five children in the running of the winery, and their daughter Inge’s husband, Andries, is chief winemaker.The family estate is in fact part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning that half of it is set aside in perpetuity for conservation. Paul Cluver himself is a champion of conservation, having practised sustainable farming since 1970, and social and environmental responsibility remain cornerstones of the family ethos.

36. ○ [2] Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay, Elgin 2015Classy and succulent barrel-fermented, cool-climate Cape chardonnay from Paul Cluver’s beautiful Elgin vineyards. Seductively creamy and toasty on the nose, with hints of white peach and real brightness of fruit, supported by a fresh core of acidity and pithy citrus-zest flavour. Drink now to 2021. 13% SFor tasting only

A predominantly white-wine producing district in the Cape South Coast region, Elgin is a relative newcomer on the South African wine scene with cool-climate, high-altitude vineyards to the east of Cape Town. The region has made a name for itself with the production of particularly fine chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.

37. ● Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir, Elgin 2014A lovely bright pinot from the Cluver family who pioneered vineyard plantings in the cool Elgin region which has proved so successful for pinot noir. Drink this year and next. 13.5% Sref SA11961 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

RUSTENBERGMurray BarlowFirst established in 1682, with wine first bottled in 1892, Rustenberg is still family owned and one of the leading producers in the prime Simonsberg-Stellenbosch ward. The Barlow family has been at Rustenberg, which lies just outside the university town of Stellenbosch itself, since the 1940s, reuniting two old estates (Schoongezicht and Rustenberg) which had been divided in 1810. Simon Barlow is the current owner and head of the family, and his son Murray took over as cellarmaster in 2011. On such a large property (the estate has c.110 hectares of vineyard) it is no surprise that myriad grape varieties are planted. There is a fantastic range of aspects, soils and elevations for the viticulturists to work with, providing Murray and his team with a wide and complex range of building blocks with which to put together their blends, and in particular the flagship Estate wines.

38. ○ [2] Rustenberg Chardonnay, Stellenbosch 2015The magnum was one of our Society Wine Champions this year so we jumped at the chance to take some in bottles too. Generous and creamy barrel-fermented chardonnay with perfectly balanced freshness. Drink now to 2020. 14% Sref SA12161 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

Love it or hate it, chardonnay is arguably the most versatile of the white wine grapes. Without a dominant flavour of its own it can take on a wide variety of aromas depending on where it is grown and how it is made. Barrel-fermented chardonnay tends to be richer and more full-flavoured than its unoaked counterpart with flavours of toast, butter and even crème-brûlée.

39. ● Rustenberg Buzzard Kloof Syrah, Simonsberg Stellenbosch 2015Impressive, ageworthy 100% syrah from a cooler site on this excellent South African estate. Its dense and aromatic black fruit aromas are embellished with French and American oak and opulent texture. Drink now to 2025. 14.5% ref SA13061 £16.00 bottle £192 dozen

SPRINGFIELD ESTATEJeanette Bruwer‘Good wine is grown, not made’ is the motto for Springfield Estate. The Estate is a traditional, family-run wine farm in Robertson, which believes in producing wine as naturally as possible. Viticulturist and winemaker Abrie Bruwer is passionate about wine and his policy of minimal intervention in the cellar has established the estate’s reputation as a serious producer of world-class wines. Abrie’s sister Jeanette co-ordinates the marketing of the estate wines, and spends a great deal of time travelling to promote Springfield both locally and abroad, now with the help of the next generation, Jenna.

40. ○ [2] Springfield ‘Life from Stone’ Sauvignon Blanc, Robertson 2016Pristine and mineral-toned sauvignon from the Bruwer family in Robertson. ‘Life from Stone’ alludes to the high proportion of quartz in the soils in this particular block of vineyard.Drink this year and next. 12.5% Sref SA12051 £9.95 bottle £119 dozenVery low stock

The lime-rich soil on the estate ranges from extremely rocky to clay, with sandy soil next to the Breede River where vineyards are protected against floods by low dykes. The climate in this area can be harsh and extreme. The south-easterly winds blow the ocean air in from the Atlantic over 100km away and this produces variable summer temperatures of around 30ºC during the day to 15ºC and below at night. The lower-lying vines, such as those in the sauvignon blanc vineyards, are prone to frost during the growing period and a low annual rainfall of around 200mm means that controlled irrigation is essential to relieve grape stress.

41. ○ [2] Springfield Estate ‘Life from Stone’ Sauvignon Blanc, Robertson 2017Vibrant, fresh and aromatic South African sauvignon blanc with fragrant aromas of lime blossom and passion fruit. Drink now to 2019. 12.5% S ref SA13051 £9.95 bottle £119 dozen

42. ○ [2] Springfield Estate ‘Miss Lucy’, Robertson 2017A new take on the Cape white blend, ‘Miss Lucy’ was designed to complement seafood and ‘as a tribute to the sea, dad’s first home’ (and winemaker Abrie Bruwer’s first love).For tasting only

VILLIERACathy BrewerVilliera is a large, family-owned estate on the borders of the Paarl and Stellenbosch wine regions. The estate takes its name from the Villiers family, who were former property owners. Since 1983, Villiera has been run by the Grier family. Cousins Simon and Jeff Grier are in charge of viticulture and winemaking respectively and have steadily raised the quality of the wines. Cathy Grier Brewer, Jeff’s sister, is in charge of sales and marketing and is a regular visitor to Society tastings. The 180 hectares of vineyards are split into roughly 40% red and 60% white grapes. The family is a model of social and environmental responsibility, with a crêche, after-school club and clinic on the farm, solar panels on the winery roof and its own 220 hectare wildlife sanctuary.There are trials for the conversion to organic viticulture as well as plans to improve the drip irrigation system, but the farm has already been insecticide free since the early 2000s, and uses a flock of Peking duck as natural pest control.

43. ○ [1] Villiera Down to Earth Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, Stellenbosch 2016A partner to the much-loved Down to Earth red, this is a fruity blend of sauvignon blanc with a little semillon that despite its South African origins has more than a hint of Australia about it: fragrant and light but nicely rounded on the palate. Delicious. Drink over the next 12 months. 13.5% Sref SA12491 £7.75 bottle £93 dozen

Wineries have been in operation in Stellenbosch since the early 17th century, making it the most densely cultivated area in the country. The mountainous terrain, good rainfall, deep well-drained soils and diversity of terroirs make this a sought-after location, and the rapidly increasing number of wine estates and producers (some 150) includes some of the most famous names in Cape wine. The district, with its mix of historic estates and contemporary wineries, produces excellent examples of almost all the noble grape varieties.

44. ○ [2] Villiera Estate Gewurztraminer, Stellenbosch 2017Fragrant dry gewurz from Villiera’s own vineyards, with typical rose petal/pot pourri perfume and creamy, lightly spicy palate. Drink this year and next. 13% ref SA12851 £7.95 bottle £95 dozen

45. ● Villiera Down to Earth Touriga Nacional-Shiraz, Stellenbosch 2015Villiera made their last Port in the 2012 vintage, since when their vines of the touriga nacional grape have gone to make this approachable blend, with fragrant fruit and cheese platter-friendly substance. Well worth trying. Drink now to 2019. 14% ref SA12711 £7.75 bottle £93 dozen

Overall the Grier family’s approach is one of understatement as exemplified by their ‘Down to Earth’ house wines, which are accessible blends of ripe fruit with distinct varietal character. The mantra here is ‘turn the ordinary into an occasion,’ which the Griers certainly manage to deliver through extraordinary wines at unremarkable prices.

WARWICK & VILAFONTÉ Mike Ratcliffe and Richard GirlingThe Ratcliffe family of Warwick has been at the forefront of the Cape’s wine scene since the 1960s, when Norma Ratcliffe bought the Stellenbosch estate with her husband, Stan. Together they revived the winemaking tradition on the land, which went back as far as 1770. After Stan’s death, Norma became the matriarch of the estate, guiding Warwick to acclaim with her flagship wine, Trilogy. First produced in 1986, Trilogy is a Bordeaux-style blend that has achieved a great deal of international press since it was launched. The estate is currently under the stewardship of Stan and Norma’s son, Mike Ratcliffe, who continues to steer Warwick into a new era of expansion and innovation.A relatively new winery and label, Vilafonté is a partnership between Warwick Estate's Mike Ratcliffe and American winemaking consultant and viticulturist respectively, Zelma Long and Dr. Phil Freese, who worked together at Mondavi in California. Established in 1996, with densely planted Paarl vineyards developed and expanded since, with malbec, first planted ‘almost as an afterthought’ becoming increasingly important. Production focused initially on two red wines: ‘C’ Series, a cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, and ‘M’ Series, originally merlot-focused, now merlot and malbec. Modest stocks of each vintage are being held back for ‘museum’ release, a further sign of the commitment to both quality and reputation at this impressive New World venture.

46. ● Warwick Estate Trilogy, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2013One of the Cape’s best known cabernet-led blends, now with far more cabernet franc (here 38%), complemented by 8% merlot. With dark spicy fruit and graphite, liquorice, cedar and mineral notes, this is a fine, age-worthy red. Drink now to 2027. 14% ref SA12631 £23.00 bottle £276 dozen

Simonsberg-Stellenbosch is a designated ward within Stellenbosch which takes its name from the Simonsberg Mountain which forms the border between the Stellenbosch wine district to the south and Paarl to the north. With its deep, reddish clay soils, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch has developed a reputation for producing rich, full-bodied wines with a focus on growing cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

47. ● Warwick Estate Trilogy, Stellenbosch 2009Warwick’s flagship red in a top vintage, still cabernet sauvignon-based but with an increased proportion of cabernet franc. All the fruit comes from Warwick’s fine Simonsberg vineyards and the wine is matured for two years in smart French oak, 60% of which is new. Drink now to 2020. 14.5% ref SA7771 £17.50 bottle £210 dozen

48. ● Vilafonté Series M, Paarl 2012A voluptuous and spicy blend of merlot and malbec (whence the ‘M’) with 17% cabernet sauvignon for structure, from an increasingly impressive partnership between Mike Ratcliffe of Warwick Estate and US wine royalty Zelma Long and Phil Freese. Drink now to 2022. 14% For tasting only

Vilafonté is named after vilafontes, one of the oldest recorded soil types in the world, defined as being somewhere between 750,000 and 1.5 million years old. The age of the soil is important as it is deeply evolved and has been stripped of much of its inherent capacity, with a low production potential that encourages smaller vines, lower yields and highly concentrated fruit.

Uruguay

49. ● De Lucca Tannat Cuatro Piedras 2015This is made by Reinaldo de Lucca, who combines a scientific background (he has a degree in Viticulture from the University of Montpellier, France) with a natural, intuitive feeling for how to grow vines. Soft tannins and ripe fruit, but still with deep colour and a robustly fruity palate, make this a very accessible and enjoyable wine. Drink now to 2019. 14.5%ref UR421 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

Uruguay is South America’s fourth most important wine-producing country (behind Chile, Argentina and Brazil) despite being the second smallest in terms of area. Fairly flat in comparison to both Argentina and Chile, the coastal areas are humid with rolling green hills and limestone and clay soils. On the other hand, the north of the country is considerably drier, with stonier soils. The wines are closer in structure, style and taste to old world wines, especially Bordeaux, with the tannat grape, originally from south-west France, being Uruguay’s signature variety. .

50. ● Gran Bodegón 2011A lovely Bordeaux-blend style, but with a tannat base, matured for 32 months until smooth and savoury. The blend is 40% tannat, 29% cabernet franc, 19% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon, 3% petit verdot and 2% marselan. Drink now to 2023. 13.5%ref UR391 £22.00 bottle £264 dozen