Haut Espoir, Gentle Giant, Franschhoek, South Africa, 2012

Gentle Giant, by Franschhoek winery Haut Espoir, is possibly the best value wine we’ve found this year. Tasted on their estate in March, we were blown away by the depth, complexity and quality at a price that we knew would make it an instant favourite with our customers.

Merlot driven, alongside Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, it spends 44 months in French Oak which in itself is a huge investment and commitment from the winery for a wine at this price. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s juicy and powerful but it doesn’t bash you between the eyes with a big ol’ bush vine thanks to the skills of winemaker Marozanne Bieldt.