An Informed Opinion… Number 11

These are showstopper wines worthy of their price tag, and something to invest in.

“The Naudé Grenache must surely rank as one of the top Grenache reds produced in South Africa. Despite over 30+ wineries producing in excess of 100 Grenache-based wines – mostly blended – from the 350 hectares of Grenache planted in South Africa, the variety still features as somewhat of a curiosity variety among local consumers compared to industry stalwarts like Syrah or Cinsault. But if you look around the world, more specifically at regions like Gredos in Central Spain and the Southern Rhône, Collectors and connoisseurs, with their finger on the pulse of the fine wine market, have known for some time that premium Grenache from the finest boutique producers is reaching new heights of collectability, slowly moving into a space that only the finest Pinot Noir wines have ever previously occupied.”- Greg Sherwood MW. 

95 Points – Greg Sherwood MW | 17.5 Points – Jancis Robinson | 93 Points – Platter’s Wine Guide
“While this may only be Ian Naude’s second Grenache attempt from this special Swartland vineyard, he certainly seems to have done the fruit justice by creating a wonderfully expressive red. A light translucent cherry red colour, the aromatics are jam-packed with crunchy red berry fruits, rose petals, musk, lavender, dried baking herbs, and enticing savoury Chinese five-spice nuances. The clarity and purity of fruit on the nose translate into an incredibly precise, focused invigorating palate with mouth-watering juicy fresh acids, crystallised red cherries, tart red cranberry, and a long, linear finish that reveals a fine stony minerality. Lovely wound spring tension lends a serious note to the wine, ensuring that this fabulous 2019 will be as long-lived as its maiden predecessor, 2014. However, this wine definitely has more Naude signature elegance, freshness, linearity, and precision than the 2014 had at the same youthful stage. The five-year wait has certainly been worthwhile! This is a triumph of skillful winemaking utilising outstanding fruit. Bravo Ian! Drink now and over the next 10 to 15+ years.”– Greg Sherwood MW.

A wine to elevate any random Tuesday without breaking the bank.

“When you see Stark-Condé named in the ‘First Growth’ category of Tim Atkin’s special report on South Africa. And winemaker Rüdger van Wyk named Young Winemaker of the Year. You may well ask why I haven’t simply included this superb Syrah in my Investible category. While it is undoubtedly a premium estate on the rise, wines like this delicious estate Syrah and their estate Cabernet Sauvignon also offer some of the greatest value for money quality of all reds produced in Stellenbosch, allowing the most discerning of drinkers to spoil themselves without breaking the bank. With fine wines from all around the world rising steadily in price year on year, it is heartening to know that wines of this quality can still be enjoyed as a midweek treat.”– Greg Sherwood MW. 

94 Points – Greg Sherwood MW 
“This impressive estate Syrah is primarily a blend of fruit from what is known as Block 1 on the estate, which is covered in tennis ball-sized river stones over textured decomposed granitic soils and has around 5% of whole bunch Syrah added into the ferment before the wine is aged for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. On the aromatics, the wine’s savoury, peppery, charcuterie character is further accentuated by the vineyard’s rocky soils, followed by notes of stewed black currants and cured meats, well-hung game, and a dusty, crushed granite and graphite minerality. On the palate, there is plenty of overt power and structure but beautifully choreographed by the winemaker to convey a sense of elegance and harmony with suave mineral tannins and a soft, understated nectarine-tinged citric acidity. On first pulling the cork, this wine displays initial shades of new-world Shiraz. Still, as it opens its shoulders further, a wonderful Northern Rhône complexity takes over the reins to leave a notably old-world impression on the finish.”– Greg Sherwood MW.

A story wine worthy of its salt, and your cellar. 

“This deliciously complex White is a barrel-fermented blend of 54% Roussanne, 30% Chenin Blanc, 9% Verdelho, and 7% Viognier. All sourced from a single vineyard at the entrance of the Stark-Conde Oude Nektar farm in the Jonkershoek Valley ward in Stellenbosch, it is planted to a mix of varietals to match the complex mosaic of soil types found on this unique plot of land. This is a fabulously complex and characterful fine wine that pays homage to this ancient lost art of winemaking and serves to reinvigorate the entire White Blend category for which South Africa is undoubtedly a world leader.”– Greg Sherwood MW. 

95 Points – Greg Sherwood MW  
“Very Southern Rhône in its varietal mix, but decidedly Mediterranean on the nose with lifted aromatics of wild garlic leaf, white blossom, sweet green herbs, bruised apple, and subtle waxy incense notes over a dusty, stony granitic minerality. The barrel fermentation lends additional savoury, honied notes of lemon biscuits, warm white toast, and peach stone fruits. On the palate, there is a fabulous vibrancy and tangy acid freshness of crunchy yellow orchard fruits, white peach, ripe tangerines, and a long, slightly pithy, phenolic finish of tart green pears and wet river pebble minerality. The richness and textural generosity of the Roussanne and Viognier is beautifully managed, enlivened by the salinity and freshness of the Chenin Blanc and Verdelho. Field blends seem to be the new trendsetters for white wines in the Cape, and I have not tasted many better than this yet. Another super exciting Cape white blend that expresses its own sense of place. Drink this on release and over the next 6 to 8+ years.” – Greg Sherwood MW.