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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Coastal Region | 1 | 97 (TA) | HK$2,695.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (97)Syrah lovers could spend a long time discussing the relative merits of Alex Starey's single parcel Syrahs. I have a very slight preference for Topside in 2018, partly because its cooler terroir on Stellenbosch Mountain was well suited to the drought conditions of the vintage. Restrained, focused and built to age in bottle, it has sage and oregano perfume, savoury tannins, refreshing acidity and minerality and flavours of plum, raspberry, red cherry and tobacco leaf. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | HK$4,200.00 | |||||
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Experience the exquisite flavour of the Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Groenland Bokkeveld Shale SH9C 2017. Sourced from the Groenland Mountain range in Elgin, South Africa, this single-vineyard wine mirrors its provenance. Intriguingly, the schistose shale bedrock of the Bokkeveld series adds unique mineral complexity. Produced by Richard Kershaw, a Master of Wine, this rich, ruby Syrah demonstrates his unparalleled craftsmanship and detail-oriented approach. Each small-batch is meticulously deconstructed, revealing nuances of the Elgin cool-climate. The 2017 offering shows delightful notes of blackberry, fynbos and star anise layered underneath black pepper. Matured in French oak, it displays a refined, polished tannic structure and an elegant, enduring finish. The wine’s DEFRA certification underscores not only its exceptional quality but also verifies its environmentally sensitive production process. The Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Groenland Bokkeveld Shale SH9C 2017 presents a hauntingly beautiful synergy of terroir and human craftsmanship. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 95 (WA) | HK$825.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)This is my favorite among the four Syrahs presented by Richard Kershaw. The 2019 Groenland Bokkeveld Shale SH 9c Deconstructed Syrah has an especially bright core of red and purple fruits that are framed by fragrant tones of heritage rose, blue flower and toasted redwood or Swedish sauna. There is an ashy component and a metallic dusting, but the wine is tight and nicely structured throughout. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | HK$3,895.00 | |||||
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Discover the exquisite Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Lake District Cartref SH22 2016, a masterful expression of Syrah crafted in the unique terroir of the Lake District. Produced by the esteemed Kershaw estate, this vintage showcases meticulous vinification techniques, including selective hand harvesting and precise fermentation processes that preserve the wine's vibrant character. Aged gracefully in French oak barrels, the 2016 vintage reveals a deep ruby hue with complex aromas of dark berries, black pepper, and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of rich fruit flavours, velvety tannins, and a lingering finish, reflecting the sophisticated artistry of Cartref’s winemaking. Ideal for pairing with robust meats and hearty stews, this Syrah exemplifies the pinnacle of fine winemaking. Elevate your collection with the Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Lake District Cartref SH22 2016, a testament to exceptional quality and heritage. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | HK$4,010.00 | |||||
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The Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Lake District Cartref SH9C 2016 exemplifies the finest of Lake District winemaking. Crafted by the renowned Kershaw Estate, this Syrah hails from the exclusive Cartref SH9C vineyard, where the unique slate and gravel soils impart distinct minerality and depth. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a meticulous fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving the wine’s vibrant fruit characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, adding layers of complexity with subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The 2016 vintage reveals a rich bouquet of dark berries, black pepper, and earthy undertones, leading to a full-bodied palate marked by velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish. Dedicated to sustainable practices, Kershaw ensures each bottle reflects exceptional quality and the pristine terroir of the Lake District. Ideal for pairing with robust meats and mature cheeses, this Syrah is a true testament to Kershaw’s expertise and passion for fine wine. ``` |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | - | HK$4,200.00 | |||||
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An exemplar of fine South African wine, Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Lake District Cartref SH9C 2017 effortlessly evokes elegance and complexity. This rich, ruby-hued Syrah is expertly crafted by Master of Wine, Richard Kershaw, in Elgin, South Africa's coolest wine district, employing the strictest precision viticulture practices. Hand-harvested, unirrigated fruit from unique soil types give it a distinct mineral complexity, while extended fermentation on the skins bequeaths finesse and depth of flavour. Eluding the common New World Syrah style, the Cartref SH9C offers a tenacious balance akin to a refined yet powerful, Northern Rhône Syrah." Aged for 10 months in French oak, the resulting vintage radiates enticing aromas of black cherry and violets accompanied by undertones of earthy fynbos. The palate beautifully aligns with the nose, displaying layers of fruit and spice that lead into a lengthy, svelte finish. Truly, the Kershaw Deconstructed Syrah Lake District Cartref SH9C 2017 is a masterstroke in the symphony of winemaking. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$3,400.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)This has a gorgeous, lifted nose that combines perfumed fruit and oak spice to heady effect. Soft, plush and fresh on the palate, with pinpoint raspberry acidity and lingering rose perfume. It’s matured in barriques and 500-litre French oak barrels, half new, the other half recently used – the oak plays an integral part and it’s applied with great skill. Displaying exceptional tannic finesse, this is a thrilling and emotive Syrah. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 91 (VN (NM)) | HK$760.00 | |||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (91)From east-facing sandstone soils, the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Block 382 has an intense nose with bell pepper, flint and quite forward pyrazine scents. The palate is fresh and vibrant, slightly reductive, with that pyrazine element politely loitering off stage. Nice weight and density, this is a great Sauvignon Blanc ageing beautifully in bottle. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 17 (JR) | HK$760.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Restrained green grassy nose. Super-refreshing and fruity – a pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc. Great balance. Some oak? |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$3,790.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2013 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine was matured in 500-liter barrels for around 36 months. It has a beautiful bouquet with honey, quince, pressed yellow flowers and Mirabelle. It has wonderful definition and purity. The palate is very well balanced with a mellifluous texture and beautifully judged acidity as it just sashays along. It fans out on the finish with honey, quince, a touch of rhubarb and ginger, extraordinarily persistent in the mouth. Matthew Day, current winemaker, opined that he thought the 2012 would be the best ever, but the freshness might see it overtaken. This is awesome. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 96 (TA) | HK$3,285.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (96)South Africa's Sweet Wine of the Year 2017. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (DC) | HK$3,105.00 | |||||
Decanter (98)An historical wine, Vin de Constance has been re-established in the last few years as one of the world’s finest sweet wines. Dried Muscat grapes are aged for three years before bottling, in French and Hungarian casks with a touch of acacia wood. Citrus, orange zest, rosewater and spice notes leap out of the glass. The palate has a laser-like focus with massive sweetness perfectly balanced by acidity and a mineral finish. As impressive as Château d’Yquem (and considerably better value). |
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Coastal Region | 3 | 98 (WA) | HK$4,425.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98)The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate’s goal of crafting a “dry” sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (WA) | HK$3,150.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98)The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate’s goal of crafting a “dry” sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience. |
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Coastal Region | 1 | 98 (TA) | HK$2,388.08 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)"Lighter and lighter" is the motto at Klein Constantia these days, according to Matt Day. The latest, world-class release of Vin de Constance certainly doesn’t lack sweetness at 165 grams or even concentration, but it has a freshness that's reminiscent of Vouvray or Barsac. Subtly wooded in 50% new barrels, it unfurls layers of citrus, toast and tarte tatin, with a drizzle of honey and vivid acidity and palate length. Bravo! |
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Coastal Region | 9 | 19.5++ (MJ) | HK$5,335.00 | |||||
Matthew Jukes (19.5++)I am informed by the top man at Klein Constantia that the price will be the same as last year’s superb 2017 and all of the likely candidates in the UK are likely to hold stock. It will require a little effort on Google and you will see that a large number of wine merchants will list 2018 Vin de Constance and while the prices swing around like no other wine I know, at £60 or so, for a half litre, it certainly makes sense to me and when you consider the sheer quality of this vintage, it is a bargain for this celestial experience. Stock is likely to arrive in September 2021, but do feel free to register your interest with your preferred wine merchant now. Vintage reports suggest that the build-up to the 2018 harvest brought the highest summer rainfall of the last six years and, combined with some of the coldest night-time temperatures on record, the vines were granted a very long and very slow growing season. These conditions have imbued extreme delicacy of perfume and flavour and also staggering concentration and length in this wine. It also means that the 2018 vintage has otherworldly characteristics and I cannot remember a young vintage tasting so refined and demure. Light bunches and tiny Muscat de Frontignan berries underline just how unusual this vintage was and with a harvest that was a fortnight later than average and crops down by about 15% all of these facts make sense when you taste this ethereal wine. Aged for three years in a combination of 50% new French oak barrels, a small number of acacia barrels, as well as large format foudres, this is both a sensual and also sensitive wine. For a start, the colour is incredibly pale – think a young Sancerre! But the viscosity is amazing when you pour a glass because the liquid moves ever so slightly slower and more deliberately into the glass. The lights come on and the brain fires up immediately and it takes you by surprise just how quickly your olfactory system senses that you are in the presence of greatness. I was in a state of heightened anticipation, long before I raised the glass to my lips and the reward is exquisite. The perfume and palate combine in an astral haze of delight with orange blossom, fig, lemon verbena, wild honey and acacia notes caressing your senses. The texture is super-smooth, incredibly long and unnervingly gentle. It certainly possesses the longest finish I can remember on a Vin de Constance and I have, very fortunately, a tasted huge number of vintages of this wine. If you have never tasted this wine before, please start with this vintage – it will blow your mind. If you have and you are a fan, this is a critical purchase for your collection. I cannot wait to add this wine to my cellar later in the year. |
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