That’s not just a headline designed to attract attention. It’s my professional opinion as someone who tastes and writes about global wines for a living. I believe there is no more exciting wine region on the planet right now than South Africa.

There are plenty of reasons for that, from the country’s extraordinary old vineyards and geological diversity to the sheer quality and value of its wines. But if I had to put my finger on one thing that makes South Africa particularly special, it would be the country’s collaborative spirit.

That can sound very woo-woo or philosophical, but it represents a very real factor in the development and evolution of any wine region, and South Africa’s culture in that regard is something special.

If South Africa’s collaborative spirit had a set of poster children it would most certainly be the motley crew that call themselves the Zoo Cru (or most recently Zoo Corp – more on that in a moment). This collection of winemakers and their independent wine brands represents a distillation of everything that makes South Africa so fantastic right now, from their collective creativity to the quality of their wines, to the self-effacing energy they put into making wine actually… wait for it… fun.

Evolving a new wine culture

In the first half of the 20th Century, as it recovered from Phylloxera like the rest of the world, the South African wine industry distinguished itself by being heavily focused on brandy and fortified wines. It was dominated by large cooperative wineries that relied on a network of growers throughout the country supplying large quantities of grapes to make inexpensive table wines and spirits.

The imposition of apartheid in 1948 quickly led to international isolation and the drying up of international markets for South African wine. The industry languished during this time, relying on local markets and suffering through a lot of economic hardship. Towards the end of the apartheid period, some independent producers made investments of time and money to improve quality, and a few, like Kanonkop and Meerlust, began or returned to estate bottling.

Not until the end of apartheid, the democratic elections of 1994, and the removal of sanctions did the conditions emerge for South Africa’s modern fine-wine industry to truly take off. The first efforts in this regard were made primarily by these historic estates, who already owned the vineyards and possessed the capital required to improve quality, followed by newer independent producers who came with enough capital to get started in the business, usually by purchasing existing vineyards from long-time growers.

And then in 2000, a young man named Eben Sadie changed the trajectory of South African wine forever when he began making wines under his family name. Released a couple of years later, the initial vintages of Sadie Family Wines took the industry by storm, earning significant international critical acclaim and commanding prices that demonstrated a new ceiling for ambitious South African wine. Sadie owned no vineyards to begin with, instead choosing to establish contracts with growers of historic old-vine vineyards, paying a premium for farming to his exacting specifications.

Sadie’s near-overnight success made him a model for what the next generation of fine-wine production could look like, and as I related in my piece Tasting the Swartland Revolution, he and a couple of other producers also set the tone for the industry’s collaborative spirit. Young aspiring winemakers came knocking at his door, asking him how he did what he did, and he invited them in and showed them everything. Andrea and Chris Mullineux, as well as Adi Badenhorst, followed suit.

The result of the Swartland Revolution’s openness was twofold: a whole generation of young winemakers primed for open collaboration and collegiality, and a broadly shared set of ideas about how to make terroir-driven fine wine that showcased South Africa’s unique viticultural resources. Those ideas included seeking out old vineyards (thankfully still left in the ground from the co-op days) with South Africa’s heritage varieties, picking for acid retention and lower alcohol rather than ripeness, using ambient yeasts, aging in neutral oak or concrete, and, when appropriate, incorporating a healthy dose of whole clusters.

Putting the Cru in Zoo

Sadie and others like him proved to be powerful accelerants in the evolution of independent, boutique wine brands in South Africa. The proliferation of small winemaking projects in a growing market would not in itself be remarkable. Quite the contrary, it would be expected under the circumstances. What is so special about South Africa, however, is the staggering quality of so many of them.

There are not just a handful of world-class South African producers these days. There are dozens and dozens of them.

And a bunch of them like hanging out together.

“Myself, Chris Alheit, and John Seccombe were all renting space together,” says winemaker Peter-Allan Finlayson, who makes wines for his own brand Crystallum as well as Gabrielskloof. ‘I don’t think any of us were actually making that much wine. There was a lot of time for coffee and coffee breaks. So we got to talking about Cape Wine, and none of us wanted to have our own stand. We wanted to do something together, as sort of an umbrella for people like us making independent wines.”

The unlikely inspiration for the group’s original name came from Finlayson’s school days, courtesy of his favorite art teacher.

“She taught us about Basquiat and took us on the train to the center of Cape Town,” says Finlayson. “Time with her was just totally different than the rest of the school time.”

That art teacher, Diana Page, was part of a collective called the Boudoir Biscuits.

“That name just sort of stuck with me,” says Finlayson, “so we came up with the name The Zoo Biscuits. It was obviously generic enough, and we thought it was funny and kind of different from everything else that was out there. So we used that name for our first collective stand at Cape Wine. But then we got sued by the actual owners of the Zoo Biscuits trademark in South Africa when we tried to register our website. So then it became Zoo Cru, which was a little more grown-up anyway.”

Make no mistake, this isn’t some formal association of independent producers. There are no dues, no bylaws, not even a charter of any kind. It has organized itself spontaneously, first around friendship and second around a shared commitment to a certain approach to wine and a certain standard of quality.

“It was really just this umbrella under which we could do some fun things, and be together as friends and create a bit of interest,” says Finlayson.

The first time I encountered the Zoo Cru, the group was in its 70s glam disco era. After wandering through the staid, typically boring convention center architecture of booths, I rounded a corner to find a riotously colorful set of stands, staffed by the most outrageously dressed set of winemakers I’ve ever seen at a wine convention (see feature image at top). The Zoo Cru vibe was instantly infectious, and their corner of the massive national wine show was all but irresistible.

Membership in the group has been by invitation only, and has shifted over the past 10 years and three incarnations of the Cape Wine trade show. Some winemakers have left the group, and others have joined. Some invitations to join have not been accepted, says Finlayson, while some outside requests to participate have been declined by the group in service of preserving both their collegiality and their vibe.

Tired of the disco glam schtick, the group decided on a new incarnation for the most recent Cape Wine in 2025: Zoo Corp. They started with a two-hour video shoot (you really should see the videos) in the style of the TV show “The Office,” and ended up with a stand decorated in the style of 1960s corporate dystopia that would have made the art directors of Severance proud.

Such antics could easily be chalked up to a bunch of wacky winemaking friends with a desire to have a little fun. Who wouldn’t like a little more levity in their big convention hall? Taste the wines of the various members of this group, however, and you’ll immediately understand that these are some of the best winemakers in South Africa.

Wandering randomly around large wine tasting events where you are unfamiliar with the producers on offer generally proves to be an extremely hit-or-miss proposition. Stumble on the Zoo Corp stand, and you’d get one great wine after another in an astonishing progression through some of the best renditions of Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Chardonnay that are made in South Africa.

This collection of friends represents so much of what makes South African wine exciting: incredible energy, an unwillingness to take themselves too seriously, and an unwavering commitment to expressing South Africa through world-class wines. Behind their chaotic, sometimes happenstance marketing collaboration lies a remarkably tight network of knowledge sharing, mutual respect, technical support, and genuine friendship. That kind of camaraderie, and the fun they have with it, is not common in the wine industry anywhere in the world.

Zoo Corp is not the reason I think South Africa is the most exciting wine region on the planet. They’re simply one particularly colorful manifestation of why: extraordinary talent working with extraordinary raw materials in a culture where ideas, knowledge, equipment, advice, encouragement, and apparently the occasional leopard print fuzzy vest are freely shared.

In Part II, I’ll look beyond the Zoo at some of the many other producers making an equally powerful case for South African wine. For now, here are 173 wines from this remarkable collection of friends.

Tasting Notes

White, Pink, and Orange Wines With a Score Between 9.5 and 10

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Huilkrans” Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifantsberg, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of orange peel, nectarine, struck flint, and dried herbs. In the mouth, stony orange peel, Asian pear, and a hint of unripe nectarine mix with pulverized quartz as fantastic acidity keeps things shining and vibrant across the palate. Faint salinity. A knockout. From red sand and clay soils at 440 m elevation with 50-year-old vines. 13% alcohol. Cost: $100. click to buy.

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Magnetic North” Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifantsberg, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, white peach, white flowers, and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, white flowers, citrus pith, pear, and bee pollen flavors are crystalline and bright with fantastic acidity and a gorgeous silky length combined with a stony underbelly and faint salinity. Gorgeous. 45-year-old massale-selection vines grown at 540m elevation. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $108. click to buy.

2024 Damascene Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear and pear skin, wet chalkboard, a hint of pomelo, and white flowers. In the mouth, pomelo, pear skin, wet pavement, and white sage flavors are gorgeously bright with fantastic acidity, a chalky texture, and a deeply crystalline character. Stunning. From three soil types: granite, greywacke, and shale. All vineyards are above 325 m of elevation. 13% alcohol. Cost: $63. click to buy.

2024 Damascene Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine posesses an incredibly floral perfume of white flowers, Asian pear, lemon oil, and a hint of struck match. In the mouth, stony, crystalline lemon oil, white flowers, and pear flavors mix with crushed stone and wet chalkboard. Deeply stony and slightly saline. Gorgeous. 13% alcohol. Cost: $62. click to buy.

2023 Momento Grenache Gris, Voor-Paardeberg, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale peachy gold in the glass, this wine smells of peach, grapefruit, and a hint of watermelon. In the mouth, orange peel, nectarine, dried herbs, unripe apricot, and white flower flavors have gorgeous, shimmering acidity and deeply stony minerality. Outstanding. Seven days on the skins in a cold soak, then pressed and settled into old oak. 13% alcohol. Cost: $192. click to buy. (I’m not sure what is going on with that price, BTW).

2024 Rall “NOA” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers, pear, Asian pear, and beeswax. In the mouth, stunningly bright lemon oil and Asian pear flavors are mouthwatering and salty with crystalline stony minerality and a faint rocky grip. Great depth and resonance. Aged in concrete and foudre. 13% alcohol. Cost: $48. click to buy.

2024 Savage “White” White Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of apples, struck match, salty lemon, and white flowers. In the mouth, amazingly electric, saline lemon and grapefruit flavors have a faint chalky minerality and a lovely jasmine floral note. Gorgeous. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. 14% alcohol. Cost: $49. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Savage White” White Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest greenish gold in the glass, this wine smells of passionfruit and candied lemon. In the mouth, gorgeously bright lemon peel and grapefruit flavors are neon-bright, zippy, saline, and infused with crushed-stone minerality. Mouthwatering and impossible not to swallow. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $50.

White, Pink, and Orange Wines With a Score Around 9.5

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Fire By Night” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Bright yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, citrus oil, fynbos, and a hint of struck flint. In the mouth, saline flavors of Asian pear, lemon oil, dried herbs, and wet chalkboard are crystalline and wonderfully clear, with excellent acidity and length. Fabulous.12.5% alcohol. Cost: $75. click to buy.

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Nautical Dawn” Chenin Blanc, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, lemon oil, pomelo, and wet pavement. In the mouth, saline flavors of lemon oil, unripe pear, yellow flowers, and fynbos are bright with fantastic acidity and a light stony grip. Gorgeous. 13% alcohol. Cost: $75. click to buy.

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Monument” Sémillon, Franschhoek, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light to medium yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon peel, lemon oil, and a hint of yellow flowers. In the mouth, bright lemon oil and lemon peel flavors have a bright stony quality, with yellow herbs, crushed stone, and phenomenal crystalline minerality. Delicate, filigreed acidity. From vines planted sometime between 1900 and 1936 or earlier. 13% alcohol. Cost: $101. click to buy.

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Hemelrand Vine Garden” White Blend, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers, apples, and herbs. In the mouth, faintly saline flavors of apple, pear, yellow herbs, citrus pith, pomelo, and lime are deliciously bright, with fantastic acidity. Delicious and incredibly distinctive in character. A blend of 32% Roussanne, 28% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin Blanc, 11% Verdelho, and 4% Muscat, all planted in 2010 at 360m elevation. 13% alcohol. Cost: $54. click to buy.

2024 Black Water “Rockview” Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of passionfruit, pink grapefruit, and honeysuckle. In the mouth, silky flavors of pink grapefruit and passionfruit are electric with amazing acidity and crystalline stony minerality. Amazingly bright. From 32-year-old vines. Barrel fermented and aged 10 months in oak. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Craven Wines “Karibib Vineyard” Chenin Blanc, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of grapefruit, pomelo, and hints of herb oil. In the mouth, electric acidity delivers unripe apple, quince, citrus oil, and citrus pith flavors with gorgeous saline brightness and juiciness. Yum! 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $32.

2024 Crystallum “Clay Shales” Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon peel, white flowers, struck match, and sea air. In the mouth, electric acidity and wonderfully salty lemon peel, lemon pith, and lemon oil are a neon burst of yellow light on the tongue. Fantastic acidity and wonderful stony minerality. Aged about 8 months in 20% new oak. 13.2% alcohol. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Crystallum “Ferrum” Chardonnay, Overberg, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers, lemon oil, candied pink grapefruit, and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, wonderfully salty, crystalline flavors of pink grapefruit and lemon oil are zingy with fantastic acidity. Chalky, stony notes linger in the finish with grapefruit oil. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Damascene “Moya Meaker” Chardonnay, Elgin, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Near colorless in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers, lemon curd, and lemon oil. In the mouth, silky flavors of lemon oil, white flowers, crushed stone, and a hint of nougat have gorgeous crystalline acidity. Fermented and aged for 11 months in a 1,000 L foudre. Malolactic conversion blocked. No sulfur until bottling. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Damascene “Moya Meaker” Riesling, Elgin, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of wet stones, elderflower, a hint of citrus pith, and white ginger. In the mouth, white ginger, wet stones, and citrus pith have a long, bright, stony wet chalkboard character. Fermented in concrete only. Malolactic conversion blocked. 5.5 g/L residual sugar. Perhaps the most impressive bottling of Riesling I’ve ever had from South Africa. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Damascene Sémillon, Franschhoek, Coastal Region, South Africa
Near colorless in the glass, this wine smells of struck match, lemon pith, wet chalkboard, and yellow herbs. In the mouth, intense lemon and yellow herb flavors are backed by a chalky, bright, stony, deeply mineral character with an amazing crushed-stone quality. Fermented and aged in a 1,000 L foudre. Malolactic conversion blocked. From sandstone soils with vines planted in 1952 and 1962. 13% alcohol. Cost: $45. click to buy.

2021 Damascene Sémillon, Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of candied lemon peel, lemon oil, and white flowers. In the mouth, gorgeous mineral, saline flavors of candied lemon peel, white flowers, and wet pavement are silky yet deeply mineral. Outstanding. From 1942 plantings. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $45.

2024 FRAM Chenin Blanc, Piekenierskloof, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, pear skin, and hints of fynbos. In the mouth, saline flavors of pear skin, bee pollen, elderflower, and aromatic herbs are gorgeously bright and juicy with fantastic acidity. Deeply mineral. From 520 m elevation. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $34. click to buy.

NV FRAM “Carmelina” White Blend, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of roasted nuts, dried herbs, and exotic citrus peel. In the mouth, salty citrus peel, crushed roasted nuts, white sage, and wet chalkboard flavors have gorgeous acidity and chalky minerality. Distinctive and delicious. A blend of mostly Palomino and a few other varieties from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 vintages. 12% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Gabriëlskloof “Landscape Series – Era René” Chenin Blanc, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear and white flowers. In the mouth, honeysuckle, Asian pear, wet chalkboard, and white tea flavors have a wonderful crystalline brightness and pear skin bitterness in the finish. Fantastic acidity and clarity. Excellent.13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Gabriëlskloof “Landscape Series – Elodie” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in color, this wine smells of pear, white melon, pomelo, and white flowers. In the mouth, saline, electric grapefruit pith, Asian pear, and pear skin flavors mix with a deeply mineral crushed-stone quality. Chalky, bright, and mouthwatering. Outstanding.13% alcohol. Cost: $38. click to buy.

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “Chapter Three” Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest greenish gold in the glass, this wine smells of intense citrus oil and crushed stones. In the mouth, gorgeously saline flavors of lemon oil, pear, grapefruit, crushed stones, and pomelo linger beautifully. 13.5% alcohol. 1,510 bottles made. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “Chapter Four” Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of green apple and herbs. In the mouth, gorgeous stony passionfruit, lemon pith, dried herbs, and crushed-stone notes have fantastically bright acidity. Fabulous salinity and brightness. Delicious.13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Momento Grenache Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Light gold in the glass with a hint of bronze, this wine smells of white peach, nectarine, lemon pith, and a hint of floral melon. In the mouth, crackling acidity and wet chalkboard minerality underlie white nectarine, lemon pith, and green apple flavors. Crystalline and gorgeous, with faint salinity. Two days of skin contact before aging in neutral oak. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $34. click to buy.

2023 Momento “Chenin Blanc Verdelho” White Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Light gold in the glass with a hint of bronze, this wine smells of lemon oil, lemon blossom, beeswax, and bee pollen. In the mouth, electric lemon and bee pollen flavors mix with pink grapefruit, a hint of Asian pear, and pear skin. Fantastic acidity and minerality. A blend of 63% Chenin Blanc and 37% Verdelho. Whole-cluster pressed into old oak. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $213. click to buy. (I have NO idea why this is so expensive in the US).

2024 Rall Grenache Blanc, Piekenierskloof, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of white peaches, apples, and white flowers. In the mouth, zingy green apple, white peach, and guava notes are wonderfully saline and crunchy, with mouthwatering acidity and a faint tannic grip. Gorgeous. Fermented in concrete. 12% alcohol. 404 bottles made. Cost: $30. click to buy.

2024 Rall White Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of honeysuckle, beeswax, pear, and elderflower. In the mouth, saline, juicy flavors of lemon pith, grapefruit, Asian pear, and wet stone are electric with gorgeous acidity. Beautiful and crystalline in quality. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and a touch of Viognier, aged in a variety of vessels. 13% alcohol. Cost: $30. click to buy.

2024 Rall “AVA” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest blonde in the glass, this wine smells of pear skin and Bosc pear with a hint of dried herbs. In the mouth, electric pear and pear skin, grapefruit, pomelo pith, white sage, crushed stones, and wet chalkboard flavors have great acidity and impressive length. Fermented in foudre over the course of more than a year. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Never Been Asked to Dance” Chenin Blanc, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of grapefruit pith and grapefruit juice. In the mouth, electrically bright, mineral, crystalline flavors of lemon, grapefruit, quince, and crushed stones linger with yellow herbs through a very long, saline finish. Delicious. From vines planted in 1956. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Not Tonight Josephine” Chenin Blanc, Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa
Light amber in the glass, this wine smells of honey and marmalade. In the mouth, incredibly bright honey, marmalade, candied orange peel, orange blossom water, and orange blossom honey flavors are moderately to very sweet and have a positively electric acidity with great length and persistence. 250 litres made per year. 400 g/L residual sugar. 7.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

White, Pink, and Orange Wines With a Score Between 9 and 9.5

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Cartology” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Bright yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, white flowers, and citrus pith. In the mouth, lean and bright citrus pith, pear, and a hint of yellow flowers mix with lovely acidity and nice wet pavement minerality. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $66. click to buy.

2023 Alheit Vineyards “Cartology” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Near colorless in the glass, this wine smells of grapefruit, wet chalkboard, and lemon peel. In the mouth, stony wet chalkboard, saline grapefruit, and lemon flavors have wonderful brightness and excellent acidity. Contains 6% Sémillon. Cost: $58. click to buy.

2023 Black Water “High Roller” Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers and grapefruit oil. In the mouth, gorgeous pink grapefruit, wet stones, and white-flower flavors have a faint salinity, gorgeous chalky texture, and fantastic acidity. Stony, with amazing purity of candied pink grapefruit. Fermented entirely in stainless steel. 13% alcohol. Cost: $16. click to buy.

2022 Black Water “Pleasure Garden” Palomino, Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
Light to medium gold in the glass, this wine smells of yellow herbs, crushed nuts, and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, yellow herbs, nut skin, saltwater, and dried cooking herb flavors have a lovely briny, salty note that is very compelling. Deeply stony, with a chalky texture and great length. 11.8% alcohol. Cost: $21. click to buy.

2021 Craven Wines Chardonnay, Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon curd, lemon pith, and lemon juice. In the mouth, saline lemon pith, grapefruit, and a touch of herbs mix with wet chalkboard and a nice lemon peel note. Excellent acidity. 11.5% alcohol. Cost: $32. click to buy.

2022 Craven Wines Pinot Gris, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Light rosy ruby in the glass, this wine smells of berries and wet leaves. In the mouth, wet leaves, berries, and citrus peel flavors mix with nice wet pavement minerality. Lovely chalky grip in the finish with excellent acidity. Destemmed into concrete, punched down, fermented to dryness on the skins, and then returned to concrete for five to six months. 12% alcohol. Cost: $17. click to buy.

2024 Crystallum “Agnes” Chardonnay, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon peel, lemon pith, and a hint of grapefruit. In the mouth, saline flavors of lemon peel, pink grapefruit, pomelo pith, and dried herbs have excellent acidity with a light chalky grip. 13.5% alcohol. 36 barrels made. Cost: $45. click to buy.

2021 Damascene “Moya Meaker” Riesling, Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest greenish gold in the glass, this wine smells of mandarin oils and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, bright Asian pear and mandarin orange rind mix with a touch of wet pavement and crystalline crushed stone. Excellent acidity. Gorgeous. Classic. 12% alcohol. 7 g/L residual sugar in a classic Kabinett style. Cost: $??

2021 Damascene Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of membrillo and a hint of grapefruit. In the mouth, wonderfully bright quince, pear, and grapefruit flavors have a lemon peel brightness, great acidity, and lovely salinity. Delicious. From a vineyard planted in the 1970s. 13% alcohol. Cost: $57. click to buy.

2021 Damascene Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of herbs and citrus oil. In the mouth, pear and grapefruit pith mix with a stony wet pavement quality, excellent acidity, and lovely citrus-oil aromatics. Very pretty and very mineral. 13% alcohol. Cost: $61. click to buy.

2023 FRAM Grenache Gris, Voor-Paardeberg, Paarl, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light amber with pink highlights, this wine smells of peaches, citrus peel, and dried herbs. In the mouth, peachy herbal notes are wrapped in lightly grippy tannins, with wildflowers and citrus peel. Great acidity and a lovely chalky tannic grip. Juicy. Fermented on the skins. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $25. click to buy.

2021 Hogan Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass with a hint of green, this wine smells of lemon, pear, and grapefruit. In the mouth, bright saline grapefruit, pear, and winter melon flavors have fantastic crystalline acidity with a light tannic grip. Very tasty. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Hogan Wines “The Galvanised” Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon curd and white flowers. In the mouth, juicy white peach, grapefruit, lemon peel, and wet pavement minerality have great acidity and length. Lovely. 13% alcohol. From 450 m elevation. Cost: $??

2024 Hogan Wines Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear and wet chalkboard. In the mouth, lean, stony pear, dried herbs, white flowers, and a touch of citrus pith are bright and juicy with excellent acidity. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Miles Mossop “Chapters” Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of Asian pear and white flowers. In the mouth, pear and white floral flavors are silky-textured and broad, with beautiful filigreed acidity that builds with time. Notes of pear and a hint of wet chalkboard linger in the finish. Alluring. From 1982 plantings on shale. 50% malolactic conversion. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Miles Mossop “Chapters” Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of grapefruit, grapefruit pith, lemon oil, and passionfruit. In the mouth, stony passionfruit and kiwi flavors are bright with electric acidity. Notes of green apple skin linger in the finish. Deliciously saline and vibrant. Fermented in old barrels. From 1986 plantings on shale. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2022 Miles Mossop “Saskia” White Blend, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers, white peaches, lemon cucumber, and lemon pith. In the mouth, a stony, chalky minerality underlies unripe peach, white flowers, kiwi, and lemon-pith flavors. Lovely acidity. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Clairette Blanche, all grown on granite from different plots. 13% alcohol. Cost: $37. click to buy.

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “Chapter Two” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers and wet stones. In the mouth, white flowers and poached pear have great acidity, a lovely crystalline minerality, wonderful length, and depth. Juicy, saline, and delicious. 1,393 bottles made. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “Saskia” White Blend, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon, peaches, white flowers, and pears. In the mouth, gorgeous white flower, pear, grapefruit, peach, and apple flavors have great acidity and a deeply stony minerality underneath. Excellent. A white blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, and Verdelho. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $n/a

2021 Momento Grenache Blanc, Voor-Paardeberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of citrus and struck match. In the mouth, gorgeous salinity enlivens bright citrus, peach, apple, lemon, and lemon pith flavors. Fantastic stony brightness thanks to excellent acidity. Three days on the skins before pressing into old French oak barrels. 1,800 bottles made. 13% alcohol. Cost: $34. click to buy.

2021 Momento Grenache Gris, Voor-Paardeberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Light peachy gold in the glass, this wine smells of citrus, peach, and melon. In the mouth, gorgeous bright citrus flavors have a light tannic grip as grapefruit, peach, orange peel, and a touch of herbs mingle together. Fantastic salinity, depth, and great acidity. 10% whole cluster, foot stomped, with 10 days on the skins. 13% alcohol. Cost: $n/a

2021 Momento White Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Pale yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of bee pollen, citrus peel, and wet stone. In the mouth, bee pollen, grapefruit, citrus peel, and citrus oil flavors have wonderful bright salinity, great acidity, and impressive depth. Delicious. Whole-cluster pressed into old oak barrels, where it fermented and aged for 10 months. A blend of 63% Chenin Blanc and 37% Verdelho. Cost: $n/a

2024 Savage “Never Been Asked to Dance” Chenin Blanc, Paarl, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear and white flowers. In the mouth, white flower, saline pear, and dried herb flavors mix with crushed stone and a faint chalky grip. Excellent acidity and length. 13% alcohol. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Savage “Not Tonight Josephine – Late Harvest” Chenin Blanc, Piekenierskloof, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium gold in color, this wine smells of apricot jam and honey. In the mouth, dried apricot, honey, beeswax, and candied lemon peel are bright with very good acidity and wrapped in a thick, silky texture. Very sweet. Grapes were sun-dried for a little more than two weeks. 300 g/L residual sugar. 8.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

White, Pink, and Orange Wines With a Score Around 9

2024 Alheit Vineyards “Hereafter Here” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Bright yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear, lemon curd, dried herbs, and citrus pith. In the mouth, pear skin and lemon oil mix with lemon peel, white flowers, and pears. Silky, with a nice underlying wet pavement minerality. Excellent acidity. 13% alcohol. Cost: $46. click to buy.

2023 Alheit Vineyards “Hereafter Here” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of slightly nutty honey, struck match, and citrus. In the mouth, bright lemon and grapefruit flavors mix with wet pavement and a slightly smoky note. Very zippy, thanks to excellent acidity. Cost: $47. click to buy.

2019 Black Water Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Light greenish gold in the glass, this wine smells of bee pollen and citrus pith mixed with Asian pear. In the mouth, Asian pear and white and yellow herbs mix with crushed stones and a faint salinity. There’s a great tannic grip to this wine and a chalky feeling in the finish. Barrel fermented. Only 40% goes through malolactic conversion. Planted in “coffee stone” iron-oxide sandstone. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Gabriëlskloof “Amphora” Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon pith and grapefruit. In the mouth, chalky flavors of lemon, honeysuckle, and pink grapefruit have a nice grip and weight. Fantastic acidity and length. Whole-cluster pressed and fermented in clay amphorae with ambient yeasts. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $25. click to buy.

2024 Gabriëlskloof “Landscape Series – Magdalena” White Blend, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in color, this wine smells of white flowers, green apples, golden apples, and yellow herbs. In the mouth, yellow herbs, white flowers, wet chalkboard, and a touch of green herbs are crisp and bright with excellent acidity. Deeply stony, with a crystalline aspect. A blend of 39% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Chenin Blanc, 23% Sémillon, and 3% Muscat. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $36. click to buy.

2021 Hogan Chardonnay, Banghoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon pith and grapefruit. In the mouth, lemon pith, lemon peel, and grapefruit are deeply stony and bright, with hints of yellow herbs in the finish. Very good acidity and length. 12% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “Kika” Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of honey, apricot, and marmalade. In the mouth, silky, weighty, moderately sweet flavors of honey, marmalade, and apricot have a nice stoniness, with good acidity to keep the flavors from becoming cloying. Made with botrytized fruit. 12.5% alcohol. 375 ml bottle. Cost: $15. click to buy.

2021 Natte Valleij “Axle” Chenin Blanc, Darling, Western Cape, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of candied grapefruit, lemon curd, and grapefruit. In the mouth, pear, lemon, grapefruit, and a touch of candied ginger mingle together. Excellent acidity. Basket pressed into barrels. From vines planted in 1985. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $32. click to buy.

White, Pink, and Orange Wines With a Score Between 8.5 and 9

2024 Black Water “Underdog” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of pears and pear skin with a hint of white flowers. In the mouth, poached pear, pear skin, and a touch of quince mix with dried herbs. A chalky texture, stony minerality, and excellent acidity complete the package. 12.9% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2025 Black Water “Underdog” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of pears, white flowers, and grapefruit pith. In the mouth, unripe pear and pink grapefruit flavors mix with pear skin and stony wet-pavement minerality. Excellent acidity and a chalky texture. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2020 Black Water “Pleasure Garden” Palomino, Robertson, Western Cape, South Africa
Light yellow-gold in the glass, this wine smells of honeysuckle and a touch of yellow herbs. In the mouth, tangy lemon oil and pickled lemon rind mix with nice stony minerality and a hint of salinity. From vines planted in 1927. Fermented 60% in concrete egg, 20% on skins, and 20% in barrel. Aged in a combination of oak and concrete. 12.6% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2021 FRAM Grenache Gris, Voor-Paardeberg, Paarl, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light pumpkin orange with rose highlights in the glass, this wine smells of a hint of balsamic, stone fruit, and berries. In the mouth, muscular tannins wrap around a core of bright, juicy stone fruit and berries with excellent acidity and nice minerality. Five days on the skins. Less than 10% whole-cluster, then pressed straight into old barrels where the wine aged for 10 months. 13% alcohol. Cost: $25. click to buy.

2025 FRAM Chardonnay, Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
Near colorless in the glass, this wine smells of lemon pith, lemon curd, and white flowers. In the mouth, chalky flavors of lemon pith and dried herbs mix with wet chalkboard. Excellent acidity. Closed with a screwcap. 13% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2022 FRAM Chardonnay, Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of bruised apples and herbs. In the mouth, bright apple and lemon peel flavors are juicy and a little saline, with excellent acidity. Includes 10% barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc from the previous vintage. Closed with a screwcap. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2020 FRAM Chenin Blanc, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifants River, South Africa
Pale gold in the glass, this wine smells of white balsamic, pear, and a hint of citrus peel. In the mouth, pear and grapefruit flavors have a faint tannic grip and a nice stony minerality that lingers in the finish. Very good acidity. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $31. click to buy.

2024 Miles Mossop “The Introduction” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear and grapefruit with hints of white flowers. In the mouth, crisp pear, lemon pith, grapefruit, and a touch of nut skin have a bright, zippy quality thanks to excellent acidity and a slight salinity. A faint chalky grip lingers in the finish. Yummy. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “The Introduction” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of white flowers and pear. In the mouth, citrus and pear flavors have a nice white floral note and crisp acidity. Pretty and delicious. Closed with a screwcap. 13% alcohol. Cost: $n/a

2024 Natte Valleij “Axle” Chenin Blanc, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of wet straw, pear skin, and white flowers. In the mouth, white flowers, poached pear, and Asian pear flavors are faintly sweet, with nicely filigreed acidity and excellent length. Silky in texture. Aged for nine months on the lees in old barrels. From 1985 plantings. 13% alcohol. Cost: $32. click to buy.

White, Pink, and Orange Wines With a Score Around 8.5

2022 Black Water “Picquet” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of wet wool, pear, and pear skin. In the mouth, pear and poached pear flavors have a faint vegetal note to them and a bit of a woolly quality. Excellent acidity and minerality. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Black Water “Underdog” Chenin Blanc, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light gold in the glass, this wine smells of pear and yellow herbs. In the mouth, stony pear flavors mix with white flowers but are fairly simple. From vines planted in 1976. 12.5% alcohol. Closed with a screwcap. Cost: $22

2025 Natte Valleij “One Night Stand” Rosé of Cinsault, Wellington, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light baby pink in the glass, this wine smells of bubble gum, cherries, and strawberries. In the mouth, faintly sweet cherry and strawberry flavors mix with wet stone and dried herbs. A hint of heat lingers in the finish. Left on the skins overnight. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

Red Wines With a Score Between 9.5 and 10

2024 Damascene Syrah, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of stone, dried flowers, and white pepper. In the mouth, salty black and white pepper, boysenberry, blueberry, crushed stone, and white sage flavors are wrapped in a muscular fist of extremely fine-grained tannins. Deeply mineral, long, and powerful without weight. Phenomenal. Fermented with a submerged cap and 75% whole clusters. From schist and shale soils on east-facing slopes. Aged for 11 months on the lees without racking in 2,000L vats. 13% alcohol. Cost: $48. click to buy.

2024 Damascene Syrah, Ceres Plateau, South Africa
Medium to dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of amazingly perfumed flowers, boysenberry, aromatic herbs, and fynbos. In the mouth, gorgeous fine-grained tannins wrap around beautiful boysenberry, cassis, dried herbs, dried flowers, fresh flowers, and pulverized stone. The tannins are muscular but beautifully supple and fine-grained. Amazing acidity. A superb wine. Fermented with a submerged cap and 60% whole clusters. Aged for 11 months on the lees without racking in 2,000L vats. From shale soils with fossilized shells at 1,000 m elevation. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Damascene Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of blackcurrant, black cherry, pencil lead, and cedar boughs. In the mouth, gorgeous, mouthwatering black cherry and cassis flavors are shot through with cedar boughs, mint, and dried cooking herbs. Extremely fine-grained fleecy tannins coat the mouth. Crackling crushed-stone minerality and fantastic acidity. Stunning. From two granite sites. Aged for 24 months, 12 months in small barrels followed by 12 months in 2,000 L foudres. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $62. click to buy.

2023 Momento Grenache Noir, Piekenierskloof, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale to light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of fynbos, flowers, strawberries, and sour cherries. In the mouth, stunning, silky-textured flavors of strawberries, aromatic herbs, flowers, and a touch of citrus peel have phenomenal acidity and length. Stunning. Quite possibly the best Grenache I’ve tasted from South Africa. From sandstone soils at 650 m elevation. Vines planted in 1987. Fermented with 20% whole clusters. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2011 Natte Valleij “P.O.W.” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, chopped green herbs, and dried flowers. In the mouth, sweet cherry, sweet oak, and plum skin flavors are supported by fantastically juicy acidity and gauzy tannins. A stunning wine. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cinsault, and 9% Syrah. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $42. click to buy.

2024 Savage “Thief in the Night” Grenache Noir, Piekenierskloof, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of strawberries, wildflowers, and aromatic flowering herbs. In the mouth, electrically bright strawberry, raspberry, and sour cherry flavors are crunchy, stony, and wrapped in fine-grained tannins, vibrating with fantastic acidity. Phenomenal.14% alcohol. Cost: $52. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Savage Red” Syrah, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of candied cassis and blueberries. In the mouth, floral blueberry flavors are salty and gorgeously perfumed, with blueberries, herbs, and dried flowers. Powdery tannins and amazing acidity complete an incredible wine. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $60. click to buy.

Red Wines With a Score Around 9.5

2024 Crystallum “Cuvée Cinéma” Pinot Noir, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of struck match, raspberry pastilles, sour cherry, and flowers. In the mouth, gorgeously bright and mouthwatering sour cherry, candied raspberry, and redcurrant flavors mix with lightly gauzy tannins and fantastic acidity. Faint herbal notes emerge in the finish along with more of that floral perfume. Outstanding. From 300 m elevation. Fermented with 60% whole clusters. 14% alcohol. Cost: $45. click to buy.

2024 Damascene Syrah, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of flowers, blackberries, brambly fynbos, and earth. In the mouth, muscular, fleecy tannins wrap tightly around a core of blackberry, crushed stone, dried herbs, dried flowers, and a touch of blood orange. Fantastic acidity and length. Fermented with 75% whole clusters. From 14 km inland at 1,000 feet of elevation. 13% alcohol. Cost: $51. click to buy.

2021 Damascene Syrah, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet cassis and blackberry tinged with flowers. In the mouth, broad rock-dust tannins coat the mouth and wrap around tangy sour cherry, cassis, and blackberry flavors shot through with floral perfume. Gorgeous. 13% alcohol. Cost: $63. click to buy.

2021 Damascene Syrah, Cederberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of flowers and aromatic herbs. In the mouth, amazingly juicy and saline flavors of flowers and cassis have a deep stony minerality. Amazing acidity. Faint, powdery tannins. From 940 m elevation. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Damascene Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark ruby in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, camphor wood, deep, gorgeous cherry, and a touch of cassis. In the mouth, gorgeous velvety tannins wrap around cherry and blackcurrant flavors with amazing acidity and incredible perfume. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2024 Hogan Wines Carignan, Wellington, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of boysenberry, plum, and fynbos. In the mouth, boysenberry, floral, and gorgeous plum flavors are bright, saline, and delicious, with excellent acidity and great mouthwatering persistence. Faint, gauzy tannins. 14% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “Max” Red Blend, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and tobacco. In the mouth, gorgeously juicy cherry, tobacco, and plum flavors mix with herbs and hints of citrus peel, earth, and dried flowers. Gorgeous hints of cigar box, great acidity, and supple suede-like tannins. A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, and 7% Cabernet Franc. Cost: $??

2023 Momento Grenache Noir, Riebeekberg, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale to light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherries, strawberries, and flowers. In the mouth, sexy, silky strawberry, flower, herb, and sour cherry flavors have a faint gauzy tannic structure and excellent acidity. Notes of exotic citrus peel linger in the finish. Sexy AF, to use a technical term. From schist soils. Fermented with 20% whole clusters. Aged in the same manner as the Paardeberg bottling. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Momento Grenache Noir, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Pale to light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of strawberry, sour cherry, and flowers. In the mouth, faintly saline flavors of strawberry, sour cherry, dried herbs, and flowers have a lightly fleecy tannic structure that stiffens slightly as the wine moves across the palate. Gorgeous, with lovely acidity and length. From shale soils. Fermented with 20% whole clusters. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Natte Valleij Cinsault, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of wildflowers, sour cherry, plum skin, and dried herbs. In the mouth, gorgeous sour cherry, plum skin, redcurrant, tea, and green and dried herb flavors have stunning acidity and faint gauzy tannins. Outstanding. Fermented with 20% whole bunches and aged in old oak. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $30. click to buy.

2024 Savage “Follow the Line” Cinsault, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of wildflowers, elderberries, and boysenberries. In the mouth, crunchy acidity makes boysenberry, plum, and raspberry flavors juicy and bright, with lightly grippy tannins that coat the mouth. Zippy and tangy, with a bright sour cherry finish. Utterly delicious. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Savage “Girl Next Door” Syrah, Cape Town, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of earth, black tea, and sea air. In the mouth, dark earth, black cherry, blackberry, salty Kalamata olive juice, and powdered stone flavors are wrapped in chalk-dust tannins and zippy with excellent acidity. Extremely compelling. 13% alcohol. Cost: $61. click to buy.

2024 Savage “Are We There Yet?” Red Blend, Malgas, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of black olive, black cherry, and blackberry pie. In the mouth, juicy blackberry and black cherry flavors are shot through with a touch of sour cherry as fantastic acidity makes the mouth water and lightly grippy tannins coat the mouth. Deeply stony, with lovely minerality. A blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional. 13% alcohol. Cost: $42. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Follow the Line” Cinsault, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright berries and flowers. In the mouth, gorgeous berry, crushed-stone, floral, and herbal flavors have amazing depth, great acidity, and fine powdery tannins. Crunchy, with amazing purity. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Thief in the Night” Grenache, Piekenierskloof, Western Cape, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of strawberry and flowers. In the mouth, gorgeously bright, juicy strawberry, crushed-stone, and floral flavors have bright acidity and impressive length. Fresh and delicate, but with some muscular tannins. Gorgeous. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $44. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Girl Next Door” Syrah, Cape Town, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of meaty violets, herbs, and cassis. In the mouth, gorgeously bright and juicy blackberry, cassis, crushed-rock, dried-herb, aromatic herb-oil, and floral flavors are wrapped in tight, muscular crushed-stone tannins. Amazing acidity. From a tiny vineyard with sand and gravel soils. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $61. click to buy.

Red Wines With a Score Between 9 and 9.5

2022 Craven Wines Cinsault, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of berries, herbs, strawberries, and boysenberries. In the mouth, juicy, crunchy boysenberry and strawberry flavors mix with floral and herbal notes. A light tannic grip, fantastic acidity, and faint salinity complete the package. From 40- to 60-year-old bush vines planted in deep sand. Spent one week on the skins in concrete before pressing, then returned to concrete for aging. 12% alcohol. Cost: $27. click to buy.

2021 Craven Wines “The Firs Vineyard” Syrah, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of flowers, berries, and herbs. In the mouth, gorgeously savory, saline notes of thyme and earth mingle with blackberry, cassis, and flowers. Grown on clay soils. Fermented with 100% whole clusters. Excellent. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $35. click to buy.

2024 Crystallum “Peter Max” Pinot Noir, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry fruit with a hint of raspberry. In the mouth, crunchy cherry and black tea flavors mix with candied raspberry and earth as fleecy tannins coat the mouth and tighten slightly through the finish. Excellent, crunchy acidity. A blend from seven different vineyards. Fermented with 50% whole clusters. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $36. click to buy.

2025 Crystallum “Litigo” Pinot Noir, Overberg, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and raspberry with lovely floral notes and wet stones. In the mouth, raspberry and sour cherry flavors mix with a hint of maraschino, cut through with wet chalkboard and crushed stone. Fantastic acidity and powdery, muscular tannins. Fermented with 75% whole clusters. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Damascene “Moya Meaker” Pinot Noir, Elgin, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, pomegranate, and hints of citrus peel and herbs. In the mouth, stony cherry and earth flavors are wrapped in fleecy tannins that stiffen with time. Gorgeous wet earth and dried herbs. Excellent acidity. Aged for 11 months on the lees in 300L barrels. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Damascene Cabernet Franc, Bottelary Hills, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of plum and green herbs. In the mouth, salty flavors of dried and fresh herbs, plum, wildflowers, and hints of nuts are supported by powdery, muscular tannins and fantastic acidity. Needs some time but will blossom beautifully. 100% destemmed. Aged for 11 months in 2,000L foudres without racking. 12.8% alcohol. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2021 Damascene Pinot Noir, Elgin, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of raspberry and cranberry with hints of flowers. In the mouth, wonderfully mineral raspberry and cranberry flavors mix with crushed rocks, faint tannins, and amazing acidity. Deeply mineral. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Damascene Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of plum, crushed hazelnuts, and green herbs. In the mouth, beautiful sweet plum and stony earth flavors mix with gorgeous herbs and dried flowers. Outstanding acidity and a deeply silky texture. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2021 Damascene Syrah, Polkedraai Hills, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of herbs, spices, and flowers. In the mouth, intense stony tannins wrap around a core of floral notes, mixed herbs, salty crushed stone, blackberry, and cassis. Fermented with 75% whole clusters. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 FRAM Shiraz, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of snuffed candle, wet earth, blackberries, and blueberries. In the mouth, blueberry and blackberry flavors are juicy with excellent acidity and the tart snap of plum skin and unripe blackberries. A hint of salinity adds to the mouthwatering quality. Faint grippy tannins add dimension and texture. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $25. click to buy.

2021 FRAM “Kromme Valley” Pinotage, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifants River, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of flowers, blueberries, huckleberries, and elderberries. In the mouth, plush, velvety tannins surround beautifully floral mixed-berry fruit. Great acidity and a nice earthy black tea note linger in the finish. Very impressive. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Gabrielskloof “Oxalis” Syrah, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackberry pie, black cherry, and a hint of white pepper. In the mouth, blackberry, black pepper, black tea, and black cherry flavors have a supple, velvety tannic texture that stiffens slightly with time. Green herbal freshness emerges in the finish with excellent acidity and stony minerality. Fermented with 50% whole clusters from sandstone and shale soils. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2020 Gabrielskloof “Sandstone” Shiraz, Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blueberries and flowers. In the mouth, blackberry and dried-flower flavors are wrapped in muscular tannins with herbal and incense aromatics. Excellent acidity. From the highest vineyards on the property. Aged in older oak. Forest floor and a hint of salinity linger in the finish. Cost: $32. click to buy.

2021 Hogan “Mirror for the Sun” Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of crushed nuts, herbs, and bright plummy fruit. In the mouth, juicy plum and cherry flavors mix with dried and fresh green herbs as hints of green bell pepper enter the finish. The counterpoint of fresh fruit and herbal notes creates wonderful tension with great acidity and length. 14% alcohol. Cost: $??

2019 Hogan “Divergent” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry fruit. In the mouth, juicy cherry, tobacco, and plum flavors are joined by a lively sour cherry note. Excellent dried herbs and powdered-stone tannins underpin the wine. Excellent acidity. Lovely. A blend of roughly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan. 13% alcohol. Cost: $44. click to buy.

2023 Hogan Wines “Divergent” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of berries, aromatic herbs, and flowers. In the mouth, lightly grippy tannins wrap around a core of plum, raspberries, boysenberries, and green herbs. Juicy, bright, crunchy, and stony. A blend of Carignan and Cinsault. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $44. click to buy.

2023 Miles Mossop “Chapters” Cinsault, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of flowers, cherries, and plum. In the mouth, gorgeously crunchy, silky sour cherry, raspberry, plum, and wildflower flavors have a faint salinity and wonderful seamlessness. Bright, juicy, and delicious. Grown on decomposed granite, sand, gravel, and clay. Fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged for 10 months in a concrete egg. 12% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop “Max” Red Blend, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black tea, cherries, tobacco, and flowers. In the mouth, muscular fleecy tannins wrap around a core of black cherry, blackcurrant, black plum, and dried herbs. Excellent acidity and a nice stony underbelly. Notes of dried herbs and licorice root linger in the finish. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 22 months in barrel, 30% new oak. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop “Sam” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackcurrant, black tea, earth, and black cherry. In the mouth, fleecy, supple tannins surround a core of blackcurrant and black cherry, with juicy acidity and notes of tea and herbs lingering in the finish. Aged for 22 months in 45% new oak. 14% alcohol. Cost: $??

2023 Momento Grenache Noir, Paardeberg, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of flowers, strawberries, dried herbs, and orange peel. In the mouth, citrus peel, strawberry, black tea, and wet chalkboard flavors are wrapped in fleecy tannins and are juicy with excellent acidity. Notes of citrus peel, wet pavement, and dried herbs linger in the finish. Fermented with 30% whole bunches after a four-day cold soak with punchdowns, then aged for 12 months in neutral foudre and barrels. From granite soils. 13% alcohol. Cost: $33. click to buy.

2022 Momento Tinta Barroca, Western Cape, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of freshly crushed blackberries, blueberries, and black tea. In the mouth, fleecy, muscular tannins wrap around a core of blackberry, black cherry, and black mulberry flavors. Lovely black tea and herb notes linger in the finish with a floral top note. The tannins stiffen with time. Excellent acidity. Sourced from three granite vineyards cropped at 1–2 tonnes per hectare. 12.8% alcohol. Cost: $34. click to buy.

2021 Momento Grenache Noir, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of strawberries, herbs, and dried flowers. In the mouth, bright acidity drives flavors of strawberry, herbs, and dried flowers, all shot through with powdery, pulverized-rock tannins and texture. Great acidity with a touch of salinity. 13% alcohol. Cost: $32. click to buy.

2021 Momento Tinta Barocca, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of black plum, black cherry, and black tea. In the mouth, faintly saline flavors of black cherry, herbs, flowers, and licorice have a gorgeous, powdery tannic structure. Excellent minerality and depth. Sourced from the country’s three oldest vineyards of this variety. Fermented with 15% whole clusters. 12.8% alcohol. Cost: $28. click to buy.

2023 Natte Valleij Cinsault, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light to medium ruby in the glass, this wine smells of wildflowers, aromatic herbs, sour cherries, and earth. In the mouth, sour cherry, plum skin, and dried and fresh herbs are wrapped in crunchy tannins and bright acidity. Wonderful balance and brightness. From vines planted in 1972. 12% alcohol. Cost: $24. click to buy.

Red Wines With a Score Around 9

2022 Black Water “Omerta” Carignan, Tulbagh, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackberry, bergamot, black tea, and licorice. In the mouth, thick, fleecy tannins coat the palate and surround a core of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry fruit that has a lovely supple texture. Excellent acidity keeps things fresh. From schist soils. 14% alcohol. Cost: $27. click to buy.

2024 Black Water Syrah, Breedekloof, Breede River Valley, South Africa
Dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of blackberries, flowers, and tangy plum skin. In the mouth, ripe and unripe blackberry flavors mix with dried herbs and flowers as excellent acidity keeps things juicy. Fleecy, muscular tannins coat the palate and stiffen slightly with time. Ageworthy. From shale soils. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Craven Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of berries and herbs. In the mouth, cherry, berry, herb, and earth flavors are crunchy, lean, and tart. Excellent acidity. Fermented with 70% whole clusters and aged in neutral oak. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $39. click to buy.

2024 FRAM “Ratelfontein” Cinsault, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass with purple highlights, this wine smells of struck match, boysenberry, ripe plum, and resinous herbs. In the mouth, salty plum and boysenberry flavors have lightly grippy tannins and an aromatic herbal and floral quality that soars off the palate. Excellent acidity and length. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2017 FRAM Pinotage, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifants River, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright berries and a hint of balsamic. In the mouth, wonderful boysenberry and cherry flavors are wrapped in muscular tannins with hints of dried herbs. Crunchy acidity and a lovely bright quality. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $30. click to buy.

2022 Gabriëlskloof “Landscape Series” Cabernet Franc, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of plum, black cherry, and black tea. In the mouth, plum and black cherry flavors mix with black tea and green herbs. Fleecy tannins coat the mouth, and a nice stony minerality lingers underneath. Lovely freshness and great acidity. 14% alcohol. Cost: $45. click to buy.

2021 Hogan “Divergent” Red Blend, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, plum, and dried flowers. In the mouth, dark plum and dried-flower flavors mix with a touch of pipe tobacco as lovely sour cherry and plum skin notes linger in the finish. Excellent acidity and fluffy, fleecy tannins. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $43. click to buy.

2024 Hogan Wines “Divergent” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of boysenberry and ripe plum. In the mouth, crunchy, bright plum and boysenberry flavors are wrapped in muscular, fine-grained tannins. Excellent acidity and length, with lovely floral and herbal notes lingering in the finish. A blend of Cinsault and Carignan. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $43. click to buy.

2024 Hogan Wines “Mirror for the Sun” Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in the glass with a bit of purple at the rim, this wine smells of sweet oak, plum, berries, and herbs. In the mouth, juicy, crunchy raspberry, plum, and floral flavors are mouthwatering and ever so faintly saline. Excellent, with little trace of the oak that emerged on the nose. From a vineyard a mere 2 km from the ocean. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2022 Miles Mossop “Chapters” Cabernet Sauvignon, Polkadraai, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in color, this wine smells of cherry, herbs, and earth. In the mouth, muscular, fleecy tannins wrap around a core of cherry, earth, tobacco, and green herbs. Supple and fine-grained, with lovely balance and fantastic acidity. Notes of licorice root and herbs linger in the finish. Aged for 20 months in 15% new oak. 14% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines Cinsault, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale garnet in the glass, nearly a rosé, this wine smells of berries and flowers. In the mouth, gorgeous, crunchy berry and herb flavors have a nice grippy tannic texture and deep minerality. Fresh and bright, with hints of sage lingering in the finish. Fermented with 60% whole clusters. 11.7% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Miles Mossop Wines “The Introduction” Red Blend, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, green herbs, and a touch of green bell pepper. In the mouth, bright cherry and herb flavors have a lovely saline, umami character over stony, crisp, fresh acidity that is quite disarming. Plum and strawberry notes linger in the finish. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Merlot. 14% alcohol. Cost: $17. click to buy.

2023 Natte Valleij “Coastal” Cinsault, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in color, this wine smells of sour cherry, plum skin, black tea, and wildflowers. In the mouth, dried herbs, sour cherry, plum, strawberry, and floral notes have excellent acidity and faint tannins. Lovely. 13% alcohol. Cost: $24. click to buy.

2022 Natte Valleij “Nat” Pinotage, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of chopped herbs and raspberries. In the mouth, tangy sour cherry and raspberry fruit are crunchy with excellent acidity and wrapped in lightly gauzy tannins. Aged in concrete egg. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $18. click to buy.

2018 Natte Valleij “POW” Bordeaux Blend, Simonsberg-Paarl, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of bright cherry fruit. In the mouth, cherry, tobacco, herb, and licorice flavors have bright, juicy acidity. A blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Merlot. Aged for 12 months in old barriques, then moved to foudre for 24 months. 14.5% alcohol. Cost: $42. click to buy.

2024 Rall Grenache Noir, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in color, this wine smells of strawberry, earth, and dried herbs. In the mouth, juicy, almost spicy blackberry, unripe blackberry, strawberry, and chopped green herb flavors are wrapped in fleecy tannins and crackling with crunchy acidity. Fermented with 100% whole clusters. 13% alcohol. Cost: $27. click to buy.

2023 Savage “Red” Syrah, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in color, this wine smells of blackberry, black tea, earth, and flowers. In the mouth, black cherry, blackberry, black tea, and wet earth flavors are wrapped in a thick fleecy blanket of tannins that gradually stiffens with time. Excellent acidity. A faint herbal bitterness lingers in the finish. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2021 Savage Wines “Are We There Yet?” Red Blend, Malgas, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of flowers, plum, and cassis. In the mouth, tangy plum, cassis, blackberry, earth, and herb flavors have good acidity and a touch of sawdust. A blend of Touriga Nacional and Syrah. 13% alcohol. Cost: $45. click to buy.

Red Wines With a Score Between 8.5 and 9

2023 Black Water “Hinterland” Cinsault, Western Cape, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in color, this wine smells of herbs, sour plum, cherries, and mulberries. In the mouth, faintly saline flavors of sour cherry, plum skin, and herbs have great acidity and a lovely piquant, saline quality that is mouthwatering. Notes of herbs linger in the finish with gauzy tannins. Fermented with 30% whole clusters, then aged in concrete for 14 months. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

2019 Black Water Cinsault, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet berry fruit, a combination of strawberry and cherry with a hint of dried fruit. Faintly saline, with some herbs. Fermented and aged in concrete. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2018 Black Water “Omerta” Carignan, Tulbagh, Breede River Valley, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark ruby in color, this wine smells of prunes, black plums, and brown sugar. In the mouth, thick, fleecy tannins wrap around a core of prune, roasted fig, and dark blackberry flavors. Notes of earth and dried herbs mix with citrus peel brightness thanks to excellent acidity. A brawny wine. 14.4% alcohol. Cost: $26. click to buy.

2024 Crystallum “Mabalel” Pinot Noir, Elandskloof, Overberg, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Light to medium garnet in color, this wine smells of faintly smoky raspberries, earth, and black tea. In the mouth, black tea, raspberry, cherry, and sour cherry flavors are shot through with green herbs and dusty earth. Faint powdery tannins and excellent acidity. A darker, savory quality overall. 100% destemmed. From 700 m elevation. Cost: $56. click to buy.

2025 Gabriëlskloof “Whole Bunch” Syrah, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of struck match, black cherry, and blackberries. In the mouth, muscular, fleecy tannins wrap around a core of salty blackberry, black tea, and earth flavors. Excellent acidity. Fermented with 100% whole clusters, foot-stomped, and aged in neutral oak. 13% alcohol. Cost: $27. click to buy.

2020 Gabriëlskloof “Shale” Shiraz, Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of wild herbs and berries. In the mouth, dried herb and forest floor flavors are quite savory and slightly more tightly wound, with muscular tannins that stiffen through the finish. Wet wood notes linger in the finish. Cost: $263. click to buy. (I have no idea where this price is coming from).

2021 Gabriëlskloof “Whole Bunch” Shiraz, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Medium to dark purple in color, this wine smells of blackberries and cassis. In the mouth, fleecy, muscular tannins wrap around a core of boysenberry and cassis with floral high tones. Fresh and bright, with excellent acidity. Partially carbonically fermented in stainless steel. 14% alcohol. Cost: $25. click to buy.

2023 Miles Mossop “Introduction” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry, wet earth, black tea, and dried herbs. In the mouth, powdery, fleecy tannins wrap around a core of cherry, black tea, and earth. Notes of green herbs linger in the finish. Very good acidity. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 21% Cinsault and 8% Merlot. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $17. click to buy.

2023 Natte Valleij “Swallow” Red Blend, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of plums, boysenberries, and strawberries. In the mouth, strawberry, plum, and boysenberry flavors mix with a touch of dried herbs and lightly gauzy tannins. Excellent acidity. A Syrah-based blend with Mourvèdre, Grenache, and anything else that doesn’t fit in a tank. Vin de table. 14% alcohol. Cost: $23. click to buy.

2021 Natte Valleij Cinsault, Darling, Coastal Region, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of berries, dried herbs, and flowers. In the mouth, soft, supple tannins surround flavors of berries, dried flowers, and herbs. Good acidity. From vines planted in 1978. Fermented with 20% whole clusters and aged in old 500 L oak barrels. 12% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 Natte Valleij “Coastal” Cinsault, Western Cape, South Africa
Light garnet in the glass, this wine smells of berries and citrus peel. In the mouth, fresh berry and citrus peel flavors have a nice brightness and a faint gingery spiciness. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2021 Natte Valleij “Swallow” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of boysenberry and blackberry. In the mouth, boysenberry and floral notes mix with dried herbs and faintly gauzy tannins. Excellent acidity. Juicy and bright. A Syrah-based blend with some Mourvèdre and Cinsault, made from odds and ends that don’t fit in the tanks for bottling. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.

2023 Rall “Red” Red Blend, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blackberry, blackcurrant, and wildflowers. In the mouth, light powdery tannins wrap around a core of blackberry, boysenberry, black tea, and flowers. The tannins flex their muscles as the wine finishes with a hint of bitterness and black tea. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault fermented with whole clusters. 13% alcohol. Cost: $34. click to buy.

2024 Rall Syrah, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of blueberries, wet earth, and blackberries. In the mouth, muscular, brawny tannins close in a tight fist around faintly saline blackberry and blueberry fruit tinged with wet earth and crushed stones. Great acidity, but this needs some time to relax. 13% alcohol. Cost: $39. click to buy.

2024 Rall “AVA” Syrah, Swartland, Coastal Region, South Africa
Dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of snuffed candle, crushed blackberries, and flowers. In the mouth, massive, fleecy tannins wrap around a core of blackberry, green herbs, bitter citrus peel, and earth. The tannins are slightly parching. Excellent acidity. Hints of bitterness linger in the finish. 12.5% alcohol. Cost: $??

Red Wines With a Score Around 8.5

2021 Black Water “Fox and Boxer” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of green herbs, berries, plums, and a touch of earth. In the mouth, juicy plum and berry flavors mix with herbs and tea as fleecy tannins and chalky minerality linger in the finish. A blend of 85% Syrah, with the balance Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2022 Black Water “Daniel” Grenache, Western Cape, South Africa
Light ruby in the glass, this wine smells of dried strawberries, herbs, and earth. In the mouth, dried herbs and dried berries mix with black tea and a hint of dried flowers as fleecy tannins coat the palate and stiffen slightly. Good acidity, but the fruit is already fading a bit here. 13% alcohol. Cost: $??

2024 Black Water “Sophie” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Dark purple in the glass, this wine smells of black plum and blackberry mixed with dried herbs. In the mouth, massive, muscular tannins surround a core of plush black plum and black tea shot through with chopped green herbs. Very good acidity. Needs time. A blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cinsault. 13.2% alcohol. Cost: $??

2019 Black Water “Daniël” Grenache, Bot River, Cape South Coast, South Africa
Light ruby in the glass, this wine smells of raisined strawberry fruit. In the mouth, grippy tannins wrap around a core of raisin and strawberry jam. Good acidity and length. A bit of heat in the finish. Fermented with 40% whole clusters. 13.7% alcohol. Cost: $??

2017 Black Water Syrah, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Dark ruby in color, this wine smells of roasted meats and black olives. In the mouth, earth, black olives, blackberry, bloody meat, and sawdust flavors mingle together. Dusty, fleecy tannins gain strength in the finish with hints of licorice. 13.74% alcohol. Cost: $??

2020 Black Water “Sophie” Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa
Medium to dark garnet in the glass, this wine smells of sweet oak, cherry, and plum. In the mouth, cherry and plum flavors have a tangy sour cherry note along with a hint of brown sugar. Muscular tannins and bright acidity. A blend of Cabernet Franc and Cinsault. 14.25% alcohol. Cost: $??

2021 FRAM Cinsault, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifants River, South Africa
Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of a hint of balsamic, berries, and herbs. In the mouth, muscular tannins surround flavors of berries and herbs, with crunchy acidity. Earthy notes linger in the finish. 13.5% alcohol. Cost: $20. click to buy.

2021 Natte Valleij Cinsault, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Pale garnet in the glass, this wine smells of berries, forest floor, and herbs, with a darker, earthier note than the Darling Cinsault. In the mouth, tangy sour cherry and berry flavors mix with forest floor and hints of caramel. Lightly grippy tannins. From vines planted in 1972. 11.5% alcohol. Cost: $22. click to buy.