EDITOR ' S FAVE WINES
Eerste Hoop Chenin Blanc 2023
Elegant, mineral, powerful, and with a long finish. Lovely with white meat and fish. The single block of Chenin Blanc was one of the first vineyards planted on the property, established on weathered sandstone and granite soils. Picking is done at different ripeness levels to showcase the cultivar ' s expression in the wine.
Great Heart Cabernet Franc 2022
Elegant aromas of herbs, fynbos, bergamot and blackberry lead to a beautifully balanced palate with fine, silky tannins and a succulent freshness. Matured for 11 months in French oak, this Franschhoek Cabernet Franc delivers a long, dry finish. Best served at 16 – 18 ° C.
Durbanville Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2025
This Sauvignon Blanc bursts with an array of tropical fruit flavours, showcasing exceptional fruit purity and cleanliness. The nose reveals vibrant notes of passionfruit and mango, complemented by hints of green apple and gooseberry. On the palate, the fruit flavours carry over seamlessly, culminating in a sweet, fruity finish that is both refreshing and indulgent. It pairs beautifully with sushi, grilled prawns or a zesty goat ' s cheese salad.
Hartenberg Estate Shiraz 2022
A light purple, rose-petal and driedherb nose with a juicy, lively palate of cherry and strawberry. Refreshing and versatile, it pairs beautifully with lamb, venison, turkey, poached salmon, braised duck breast or savoury vegetarian dishes.
Kloovenburg Grenache & Garnacha Peluda 2024
A beguiling light purple in the glass, this Swartland beauty opens with delicate rose petal and dried herb aromatics. The palate is lively and refreshing, brimming with juicy cherry and strawberry fruit. Whole-cluster fermentation lends earthy complexity, making it an elegant companion to lamb, duck or poached salmon.
Leeuwenkuil Reserve Chenin Blanc 2024
This is a vintage blend of the best parcels of Chenin Blanc Leeuwenkuil produces from its Swartland vineyards. The 2024 vintage has a restrained nose of citrus blossom, quince and yellow apple. The palate is full and textured with stone fruit and a slightly pithy character; finishing on an intriguing, fresh minerality. essentialflavours. co. za • Winter 2026 | 21