South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
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Cape South Coast | 4 | 93 (TA) | HK$2,590.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)More conventional than the Sijnn red, this is a three-way blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne that sees a little skin contact before fermentation. Honeysuckle, fresh herb and citrus flavours reminded me of the Rhône Valley. |
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Cape South Coast | 2 | 93 (TA) | HK$1,360.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (93)More conventional than the Sijnn red, this is a three-way blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne that sees a little skin contact before fermentation. Honeysuckle, fresh herb and citrus flavours reminded me of the Rhône Valley. |
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Cape South Coast | 2 | - | HK$2,680.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 2 | - | HK$3,475.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | HK$3,475.00 | |||||
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Cape South Coast | 7 | - | HK$1,240.00 | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | - | HK$4,590.00 | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) | HK$3,205.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)This isolated, picturesque 1.6-hectare block at the top of the Jonkershoek Valley was replanted as recently as 2009 after a fire, but has rapidly re-established itself as one of the best vineyards in Stellenbosch. The 2018 Oude Nektar combines Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec and is typically fine, polished and understated, with leafy elegance, fynbos aromas, red berry and black cherry fruit, subtle wood, fine-boned tannins and stunning palate length. |
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Cape South Coast | 3 | 92 (VN) | HK$1,965.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)The 2016 Ridge Pinot Noir comes from vines located at 325 meters, the highest that Hannes Storm farms, east-facing with a prevailing southeasterly wind that creates a cooler site and longer hangtime. It was matured in 25% new oak for 11 months. It is more youthful in appearance compared to the Ignis, the nose very cohesive with black cherry, raspberry preserve, crushed stone and light wilted rose petal aromas. The fresh, poised palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and perhaps the edgiest tannins of Storm’s 2016s. Long with a touch of spice on the finish, this is an excellent Pinot Noir. It’s a shame only 250 cases were produced. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) | HK$1,590.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)Block 1 at La Vierge is the source of this Ridge Pinot Noir, planted in 2010 with clones 113 and 115. It’s the lightest, tautest and most aromatic of Hannes’ Storm’s enviable range, with herbal, scented, wild strawberry fruit and a dusting of whole bunch spices. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 94 (TA) | HK$1,975.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)Hannes Storm's whites have shifted up a gear in 2022 and are fast approaching the same level as his lauded Pinot Noirs. This stylish Chardonnay showcases grapes from a south-east facing parcel at 330 metres on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fermented in a combination of 32% new barrels and 10% clay amphoras, it's a chiselled, pithy, focused white with lots of zip, lemongrass and orange zest flavours and subtle aromatic spices. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (TA) | HK$2,465.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)As its name suggests, this hails from a cool shale site on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, planted as recently as 2009. It combines the density of Vrede with the perfume of Ignis, making it Hannes Storm’s most complete Pinot, with floral scents, red cherry and raspberry fruit, savoury tannins and focused acidity. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (TA) | HK$2,700.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)Ridge is often the most backward of Hannes Storm's trio of remarkable single vineyard Pinot Noirs, sourced from an east-facing, high-density planting at 330 metres at La Vierge on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Plum, black cherry and a hint of graphite are underpinned by plenty of grip, backbone and intensity. One to tuck away for a while. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (DC) | HK$2,045.00 | |||||
Decanter (95)Hannes Storm makes three distinctive and very different Pinot Noirs from estate-grown fruit in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. The Vrede Pinot comes from an elevated vineyard site on shale soils and is very Burgundian in style but with a new world flair. Lush red fruit dominates the nose and palate with cherries and violets dominating before a lick of oak leads to more tertiary characters of soil and tomato leaf. Long and delicious. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) | HK$1,480.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)Very few recent South African releases have been as eagerly awaited as this 2018 red from the old Cordoba property on the flank of the Helderberg. And it doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Cabernet Franc-centred, with 24% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the new crescendo is a beautifully refined, detailed red from 21-year-old vines. Violet and cut grass aromas lead into a palate that is fresh, bright and comparatively low in alcohol with filigree tannins, subtle wood, fine tension and the focus and balance to age. What a début! |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) | HK$1,320.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish. |
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Coastal Region | 7 | - | HK$2,385.00 | |||||
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Immerse in the unrivalled pleasure of sipping on the outstanding Taaibosch Crescendo 2020. Beautifully crafted by Taaibosch Wines at the esteemed Simonsberg-Paarl stretch of South Africa, this gorgeous blend stands out with its superior elegance and complexity. As an organic wine producer committed to sustainable viticulture practices, Taaibosch Wines guarantees an all-natural production process from hand-harvesting to fermentation. Taaibosch Crescendo 2020 is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, emblematic of the region's profound expertise in creating blended masterpiece wines. The exquisite aromas of black and red berries layered with hints of chocolate and vanilla are followed by the balanced palate offering a long, velvety finish. Rated highly by many trusted wine publications, this truly is a subtly powerful expression of terroir in a bottle. Perfect for special occasions and deserving of the highest esteem, enjoy the sophisticated flavours of the Taaibosch Crescendo 2020. |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 92 (VN) | HK$1,055.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)The 2017 Cat’s Cradle is John Seccombe’s new Chenin Blanc from a vineyard shared with Chris Alheit and Memento. It has quite a rich bouquet of honey, light yellow plum and a slight petrolly tincture. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture countered by a fine bead of acidity and a pithy finish that is beautifully defined. Excellent. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | 90 (VN) | HK$1,055.00 | |||||
Vinous (90)The 2018 Cat’s Cradle is pure Chenin Blanc that offers beeswax, yellow plum, a touch of butter and a slight adhesive scent on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with crisp acidity, a slightly waxy texture, and a light marine influence and a touch of salinity toward the finish. Fine. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 93 (VN) | HK$1,740.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2021 Cat's Cradle comes from a vineyard between parcels owned by Eben Sadie and Chris Alheit - old vine Chenin planted in 1979 on granite soils. It has an open, melted wax and broom scented nose, lemon curd and light custard-like aromas. The palate is very well balanced with a superb line of acidity, fresh and tensile with a tang of sour lemon on the finish. So much character here. Excellent. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 90 (VN) | HK$905.00 | |||||
Vinous (90)The 2017 Man In The Moon comes from a block of Clairette Blanche that is shared with Craven, the vines 30 years old, and matured in used oak. It has a refulgent straw color with fat tears. The generous bouquet features yellow plum, nectarine, candle wax and light vervain tea aromas. The palate is quite phenolic on the entry, well balanced with a waxy texture and resinous in style; ginger and light pepper notes emerge toward the finish. More tactile than overt in fruit, this is a left-field wine from John Seccombe, one I feel is well made and fascinating. |
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Western Cape | 3 | - | HK$1,105.00 | |||||
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In the realm of South African wines, the Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite Semillon 2017 is remarkable. Produced in the highly-regarded Swartland region, this wine is crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, bolstering a reputation for subtlety and sophistication. A limited production is achieved annually, resulting from rigorous hand-picking from venerable, dry-farmed bush vines. The Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite Semillon 2017 boasts a captivating nose of lemon cream, white flowers, and chamomile. The palate reveals underlying power with intriguing notes of beeswax, green apple, and freestone sprinkled with sea salt. Equipped with a vibrant acidity, it assures a long, resonant finish. The wine undergoes natural fermentation in old French oak, followed by 10 months of maturation featuring regular lees stirring. This process refined its texture, offering a layered, caressing mouthfeel. An Old World-style Semillon principally tailored for the contemporary palate, the Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite Semillon 2017 is undeniably a refined liquid delicacy. |
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Western Cape | 29 | 93 (VN) | HK$1,430.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2017 Rocking Horse is a blend of five grape varieties that was matured in used oak. It has a knockout bouquet of well-defined citrus peel, orange blossom, nutmeg and light peppery scents. The palate is well balanced, with a fine bead of acidity and quite saline in the mouth, and displays lovely viscosity toward a finish that feels full of tension. In a word: rocking. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 92 (VN) | HK$3,770.00 | |||||
Vinous (92)The 2019 Rocking Horse is a blend of 36% Roussanne, 25% Sémillon, 22% Chenin Blanc, 11% Chardonnay and 6% Clairette Blanche. It has a winsome bouquet of citrus fruit, chamomile and almond shavings, all very well defined. The focused, vibrant palate delivers a fine bead of acidity and a gentle, apricot-tinged finish. Lovely. |
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Western Cape | 1 | 96 (VN) | HK$1,195.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)The 2020 Rocking Horse is a blend of 35% Sémillon, 28% Roussanne, 16% Chardonnay, 15% Chenin Blanc and 6% Clairette Blanche, whole-bunch-pressed and matured in used oak. It has a well-defined, flor-like bouquet offering brioche, grilled walnut, bales of straw and smoke. The fabulous palate presents a sensual honeyed texture effortlessly counterbalanced by acidity. Very harmonious, revealing dried honey, walnut and ginger on the finish. This is a masterclass in winemaking and it will age brilliantly in bottle... if you can resist pulling that cork. |
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Western Cape | 2 | 97 (CE) | HK$1,025.00 | |||||
Christian Eedes (97)32% Roussanne, 29% Semillon, 19% Chardonnay, 16% Chenin Blanc and 4% Clairette Blanche sourced from the Cape winelands. Sensational aromatics of green, white and yellow fruit, flowers, herbs and spice plus a touch of flinty reduction – very expressive but not at all vulgar or overwrought. The palate has great fruit definition, a lovely line of acidity and finish that is long and dry. Precisely made, the whole very much more than the sum of the parts. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | - | HK$1,055.00 | |||||
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Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017. This majestic South African vintage is produced from venerable old bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley. Expertly crafted by winemaking duo John and Tasha Seccombe, it exudes an expression of fruit purity without parallel. Handpicked grapes, gentle basket pressing, and oak fermentation contribute to its distinctive profile. Bright straw in colour, the wine's bouquet is ripe with star-fruit and fennel notes, while the palate enchants with a brilliant interplay of concentrated citrus, waxy apple textures, and salivating acidity. Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2017 sets itself apart in its elegance, complexity, and a clear representation of its terroir. This wine celebrates the creators' love for Semillon, offering a beguiling liquid testament to the couple's commitment to produce South African wines, unmatched in precision, purity, and nuance. |
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Coastal Region | 2 | - | HK$1,055.00 | |||||
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Emanating from the esteemed Thorne & Daughters, Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is a quintessential example of old vine Semillon richness. This wine is meticulously crafted by John and Tasha Seccombe, who founded Thorne & Daughters in the Western Cape of South Africa in 2012. The Seccombes carefully select grapes from remarkable old vineyards across the beautiful Cape, using minimal intervention to elicit the essence of their terroir. The Semillon Tin Soldier 2018 is produced from old Whole Berry Pressed Semillon Gris vines, aged for 10 months on its fine lees in neutral oak. The wine exudes elegance with its splendid textures and refined fruit profile -predominantly apple and quince- underscored by a streak of savoury, saline complexity. Its appealing acidity and focused finish lend it an exquisite balance. Relish the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2018's immense depth and personality, a wraparound experience of quality South African wine at its finest. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | - | HK$1,640.00 | |||||
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Indulge in the splendour of the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021. Hailing from the esteemed Swartland region of South Africa, this unique semillon was crafted by celebrated husband and wife team, John and Tasha Seccombe. Their dedication to artisanal winemaking is vividly expressed in this dawn-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermented vine treasure. Renowned for its strict selection of old vine parcels, the Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 champions a harmonious union of quality and character. Expect a stunning expression of ripe pear and apricot notes, fused with subtle hints of crushed river pebbles and fragrant elderflower. Acidity is expertly balanced, leading into a lingering, mineral finish. With only a limited production run, this wine is a testament to the winemaker’s meticulous attention to detail, and impeccable sense of timing. The Thorne & Daughters Semillon Tin Soldier 2021 is a tasteful masterpiece befitting the discerning palates of fine wine connoisseurs. |
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Western Cape | 23 | 91 (VN) | HK$905.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2017 Wanderer’s Heart is a multiregional blend of Rhône varieties driven by the Grenache, matured in used oak with higher proportion of whole clusters on the Grenache. It has a floral, pure bouquet that features light scents of broom, fennel and white pepper. The palate is well balanced with gentle grip in the mouth, nice structure (perhaps more so than expected) and a precise, lightly spiced finish where the Mourvèdre imparts a subtle medicinal note. Excellent. |
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