So, after a busy morning tasting, the Cape Wine Brits met for lunch at Bizerca (www.bizerca.com), a lovely French-themed bistro. There was a good buzz in the air, helped by some decent wine, the presence of Wadsack (who always lifts the atmosphere), and a plate of oysters to kick things off with.

On Wadsack’s advice we ordered a bottle of Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2011 to match with the oysters. An inspired choice: the combination is a winner. Just 80 R, too, which is a bargain.

I had a shoulder of veal for my main, and it was beautifully tender and flavour-full.

My notes on the wines.

Sadie Family Soldaat 2011 Piekernieskloof, South Africa
This is a varietal Grenache; one of the old vine series from Eben Sadie. Pale in colour. Silky, textured, fine and elegant, with a bit of savoury spiciness, and a hint of animal (although this is faint). So fresh and expressive, a truly lovely wine. 95/100

Lanzerac Pinotage 1964 Stellenbosch, South Africa
A real treat to try this old Pinotage: it is about as old as Pinotage gets, because the first varietally labelled example was this wine in 1961. Old and a bit earthy, with notes of spice and herbs. There’s some elegance on the palate, though, which still has some cherry and plum fruit. Quite smooth with a hint of fudge. A great experience. 92/100

Kanonkop Pinotage 1999 Stellenbosch, South Africa
Just entering its peak drinking window? Spicy, dense and grippy with sweet black fruits and some mineral character, as well as a hint of earth. Lovely black fruits here. 93/100

Vins d’Orrance Syrah Cuvée Armeena 2008 Western Cape, South Africa
So peppery and fresh with lovely bright fruit. Sweet and smooth black cherry and berry fruits combine well with the fresh peppery notes. Stylish effort. 92/100