Had a lovely morning with Johan Reyneke at is Stellenbosch farm. Duncan Savage and I swung by for a spot of breakfast, and we had a lengthy chat about how…
Judging the Top 100 South African Wines competition
For the last couple of days I have been judging the Top 100 South African Wines competition. This is the sixth year this competition has been run. Along with Richard…
In South Africa: new releases from Craven, Intellego and Hogan
Caught the end of yesterday’s Ex Animo trade tasting in Cape Town, after a long day’s judging wine. And in the short time available, managed to try new releases from…
In Cape Town, the first evening: Meerlust, Villiera, Mossop and Nuy
I’m in Cape Town. I’ve come to judge the Top 100 South African wines competition, which is now in its sixth year. This year, for the first time, we’re not…
Craven Syrah Faure Vineyard 2014 Stellenbosch, South Africa
This is interesting. It’s from Craven Wines, which is a new project from Mick and Jeanine Craven that focuses on single vineyard wines from special sites in Stellenbosch. The approach…
A beautiful South African white: Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2013
This is a brilliant oak aged Sauvignon/Semillon from Duncan Savage at Cape Point. The blend in 2013 is 82% Sauvignon, 18% Semillon and the grapes were all hand-harvested, whole bunch…
Three lovely wines: Testalonga, Commando G and Domaine Labet
Had lunch at Moro today with Emily Harman and Laura Rhys. Mark Andrew was supposed to join, but he had to fill in for someone at Noble Rot, so after…
On change, and the end of the Swartland Revolution
So the Swartland Revolution is no more. After six events, this remarkable wine festival has called it a day. It seems sad, but it’s a wise and brave decision. Everything…
The remarkable Cortez 2014 from Testalonga
I’ve admired Craig Hawkins’ Testalonga wines for a while now. They are just so brave. And delicious. [See here, here and here for reviews.] This is his Chenin that’s made without…