This is the much talked about high-end South African Chenin Blanc from one of the grape’s greatest ambassadors. I managed to catch up with Shawn Mathyse, a young winemaker who…
The remarkable Leeu Estates: luxury accommodation in Franschhoek
After staying overnight at Leeu House, part of the Leeu Collection, I visited the newly opened Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, which began receiving guests just a couple of weeks ago….
In South Africa: the Mullineux new releases
I visited the new tasting room at the Leeu Collection in Franschhoek, to taste through the new releases of the Mullineux wines. It’s a lovely space, with glass windows looking…
In South Africa, day 1, Leeu House and a grand MCC tasting
I arrived in South Africa yesterday morning. Greeted by a bright, brisk sunny winter’s day, I headed off to Franschhoek. This is the tourist hotspot of the winelands, and with…
Black Elephant Vintners Semillon 2015 Franschhoek
This is an important wine, because of the vineyard that it is made from (pictured above). It’s a very old (1905) Semillon vineyard in Franschhoek owned by Basil Landau. Basil…
Tesselaarsdal: a brilliant new Pinot Noir from South Africa
There’s a nice story behind this Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir, which I drank with Greg Sherwood and Higgo Jacobs on Saturday. It’s made by Berene Sauls, who is an employee of…
Le Lude, a new Méthode Cap Classique fizz from South Africa
This is not a Champagne and sparkling wine blog, although if you’ve been scrolling through recent posts you could be forgiven for thinking that it is. It’s just I’ve been…
The new releases from Testalonga, one of South Africa’s most interesting wineries
Caught up with Craig Hawkins to try the new releases from Testalonga, one of South Africa’s most interesting and bravest wineries. Craig and Carla left the safety of being based…
A lovely wine lunch at La Colombe, Cape Town, with Coche, Raveneau, Jamet and Montrose
It was great to catch up with Keith Prothero, Ryan Mostert and Sam Suddons on Wednesday for lunch at one of Cape Town’s most celebrated restuarants, La Colombe. It was…