Bold Reds

The nose is powerful, concentrated and aromatic. The palate has notes of ripe black fruit, sweet spice and mocha which lengthen over silky tannins.

“Aromas of vanilla, grilled plums, violets and crème de cassis soar from the glass, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated and chewy and loaded with vibrant purple fruit flavor. The tannins mellow on the lingering finish, making it approachable now but suggesting up to a decade (or more?) of prime-time drinking.”

Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Country: France

Region: Languedoc, Terrasses du Larzac

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre

ABV: 14%

Food match: Roast Duck or rich stews

Ripe, intense black cherry, this wine has a pleasant juiciness that keeps it balanced in the glass. A firmness of acidity supports the well-integrated tannins and lithe fruit, while the finish brings a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.

Country: Chile

Region: Valle del Limari

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Food Match: Beef Wellington with all of the trimmings

Concentrated, warming aromas and flavours of blackberries, blueberries and bitter cherry on the nose with a secondary layer of meatiness and stewed fruit. Earthy and minerally on the finish. This is the perfect treat for Sunday roast lunch.

Country: Georgia

Region:  Kakheti

Grapes: Saperavi

ABV: 13.5%

Food Match: Goes wonderfully with roast lamb or slow cooked pork dishes.

Read all about Penny's recent trip to the cradle of wine, Georgia in her blog here.

Dark ruby/garnet in colour. Red berries with some mint, cedar and coffee aromas and flavours. A full-bodied, elegant barrel matured red wine with silky, ripe tannins. Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Pinotage 31% Shiraz 16% Merlot 7% Mourvèdre 1%

ABV: 14.5%

Food Matches: Enjoy with  yellow fin tuna ravioli, balsamic and pan seared chicken livers, grilled kabeljou (white fish) or slow-roasted lamb shanks.

Selected from prime Helderberg and Simonsberg vineyards in Stellenbosch. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards – especially those in the Helderberg.

Handcrafted. Traditional. Unhurried. These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s
winemaking, with one notable omission - Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to
the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is
evident in the current vintages being 2008, 2009 and 2011!
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash
court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make
his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one
of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his
place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.

Swartskaap (‘black sheep’).

Country: South Africa

Region: Hemel en Aarde

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5

You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s
famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In
1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing
letters to the locals easier.

150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding
wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof (they produce
90% of WO Sondagskloof wine), which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for
South Africa’s coolest wine growing region. This area is perfectly suited to Bordeaux
varietals and, with the exception of Shiraz, is exclusively planted with them.
The Afrikaans wine names might look like a bit of a mouthful, but they are good fun;
Bloos (‘blush’), Kaalvoet Meisie (‘barefoot girl’), Kat Met Die Houtbeen (‘cat with the
wooden leg’), Posmeester (‘postmaster’), Kleinboet (‘little brother’) and Swartskaap
(‘black sheep’).

Carema is high on the northern border of the alpine region Aosta in northern Piedmont. It is made of Nebbiolo grown on glacial soil in this high altitude region which creates powerful, perfumed wines with delicate fruit. 

Luigi Ferrando's Carema white label, the Nebbiolo is fermented in steel tanks with a 10 day maceration. The wine then spends 30 months in oak barrels. 

Elegant, spicy, fruity notes with fine  aromas of dried flowers and roses. On the palate it has a round, tannic mouthfeel with warmth and minerals on the finish. 

Country: Italy

Region: Alto Piedmont

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

Juicy, bitter cherry and ripe blackberry explosion from the Spanish Montsant region which surrounds Priorat. From very old bush vines which gives the wine great concentration and complexity.

“Cabrida 2018 is a beauty. I love it! A seductive red fruited cocktail combined with attractive floral and herby notes, simply put your nose in the glass and smell it! It’s like an essence.

This wine surprises and convinces by its finesse, complexity and elegance.

Here you find the perfect balance of structure and power, pure refined, understatement.  Precise, subtle and defined. First you get ripe tannins, then crisp and lively acidity which lifts up the 100% Garnacha fruit from 85-110 years old vines. There are blockbusters on one side and wines like Cabrida on the other”. Winemaker Jürgen Wagner

Country: Spain

Region: Montsant

Grapes:Garnacha

ABV: 14.5%

Nestled in the rugged hills of the Catalan countryside, in the tiny village bearing its name, is the well-respected Celler de Capçanes. It was this wild Montsant landscape which first captivated Jürgen Wagner back in the early 90s, but the huge potential he recognised in this unique village co-operative that determined what followed. Pouring all his efforts into working with the growers to nurture the best from their vineyards and the most honest expressions of their terroir, Celler de Capçanes has established itself as one of the most engaging wineries in the area.

Aromas of red fruit such as currants, blackberries and black cherries together with
violetty floral hints and notes of cedar wood. Beautifully balanced on the palate with a freshness that compliments the sweetness of fruit and robust tannins. The finish is intense and long.

Drinking window: 2024-2044 probably at it's best between 2025 and 2030

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese

Food Match: fine cuts of red meat and intense, non-fatty food. Perfect between meals with mature cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or very old pecorino.

 Organic

Special Limited parcel wine from talented young South African winemaker Izele Van Blerk. Drinking window 2024- 2035. Only 1000 bottles made!

Full-bodied and explosive with aromas of strawberries, red cherries and raspberries with hints of tobacco. The palate is focussed and precise with undertones of cloves, dried fig and leather. The grippy tannin structure and zippy acidity is well integrated and delivers an intense, concentrated, long finish. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

Grapes: Tempranillo

ABV: 14.5%

Food Match: Enjoy on its own or with rack of lamb, barbecue grilled-meats.

Earthy, meaty nose with hints of black berry and forest berries. Morello Cherry, juicy, structured, but soft tannins, very long, elegant finish.

Country: Portugal

Region: Lisboa

Grapes: Castelao

ABV: 13.5%

COZs is a partnership between two Portuguese wine grape growers, Tiago Teles (Gilda, RAIZ) and António Marques-da-Cruz (Quinta da Serradinha), that started in 2015, in a 60-year-old vineyard of the Baga variety. In 2017, acquired the historic Vinha da Pena in Serra de Montejunto – a limestone formation from the Jurassic period, located 15 km from the Atlantic Ocean, in the Lisbon region. Pioneers in the introduction of organic agriculture as well as new concepts of pruning and soil fertilization in the Serra de Montejunto, we initiated an important transformation of practices and mentalities in mountain viticulture.

Raspberry red in colour, this grape variety, Otskhanuri Sapere, gives enticing aromas of plums, ripe berries with herbal and floral notes and a hint of balsamic. Full bodied, with balancing fresh juiciness and a long, dry and slightly smoky, earthy finish.

Country: Georgia

Region: Imereti

Grapes: Otskhanuri Sapere

ABV: 12.5%

The grapes were carefully sorted in the vineyard and then again upon arrival at the
winery, berry by berry to ensure only the healthy, undamaged and best quality fruit was
vinified. Skin-contact fermentation took place using the traditional Georgian method of
clay jars known as Qvevri. These vessels have been recognised by UNESCO as a
process of important cultural heritage. The Qvevri in the Vachnadziani winery have a
950-litre capacity. The alcoholic fermentation lasted for one week, followed by a
maturation period of five months without skin contact.

Food Match: red meat dishes, stews and casseroles or mature cheeses

Georgia is considered to be the ‘cradle of wine', as 8,000 year-old indigenous Rkatsiteli grape seeds have been found in clay vessels. Vachnadziani was established in 1953 and is one of the oldest wineries in Georgia. During the Soviet years the vineyard fell into disrepair, but now the vineyards and cellars have received considerable investment. The aim is to preserve their ancient wine culture while combining it with cutting edge technology. With over 1,000 hectares of vineyard, covering the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia and the Imereti, Racha and Lechkhumi regions in western Georgia, Vachnadziani cultivates 25 vine varieties - the majority of which are indigenous. Their exciting and dynamic range reveals all the charm of this historic winemaking land.

Read all about Penny's recent trip to the cradle of wine, Georgia in her blog here.

The Petrus of Tuscany! Superb, silky, plummy Merlot of note. 
Ripe red plums and strawberries, lifted by roasted hazelnuts nuts, dried cranberries and a hint of cocoa.

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: 100% Merlot

A progressive take on a French classic, Noir brings Grenache together with its lesser-known red partners, Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise, in a celebration of the southern Rhône on our estate. Lifted fragrance, with bright flavours and vibrant acidity, this wine shows these ancient newcomers also thrive in our elevated corner of McLaren Vale.

Country: Australia

Region: McLaren Vale

Grapes: 32% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan, 16% Mourvèdre, 14% Cinsault, 13% Shiraz, 5% Counoise

ABV: 12.5%

Vegan

Biodynamic

Organic

Food Match: 

Each grape variety was handled separately until final blending to allow each variety to best exhibit its unique characteristics. Destemmed and selectively sorted. 50% whole berries. Open fermenters. Approximately 14-18 days on skins with a very gentle maceration. Wild yeast ferment. Matured in older French oak for 7 months. Bottled December 2021.

Notes of plums, dark chocolate and raspberries. Yum!

Country: South Africa

Region: Paarl

Grapes: Merlot

ABV: 14.5%

 https://backsberg.co.za/

Ruby red. Aromas of black currant and dried olive, with a smoky overtone. Spice, dark fruit, good depth. Finishes pure and fresh, with a strong peppery persistence.

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Grapes: Syrah

ABV: 14%

Made only from a selection of the best grapes from organic vineyards. A rich and complex Rioja with a true sense of place; a serious and sophisticated wine that ages fantastically.

Country: Spain 

Region: Rioja Alavesa

Grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Maturana, Graciano andMerlot

ABV: 14%

A fine wine with a fine spicy edge and ripe black fruit with floral and smoky notes. Smooth tannins with a well-balanced acidity. It has a potential to age in the next two decades. 

Grapes: 71% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Appellation: Saint-Emilion

ABV: 13%

Sweet, but balanced, powerful, rich and full bodied with aromas and flavours of blackberries, baked plum and sweet spice. Concentrated, long finish with notes of cocoa and baking spice. 

Country: Spain

Region: Castilla a Mancha, Jumilla

ABV: 11.5%

Grapes: Monastrell

Food Match: Dark chocolate mousse or Christmas pudding

The Gil family have been major wine producers in Jumilla since the early 20th Century. Bodegas Juan Gil is dedicated to producing powerful, yet approachable and modern wines, mainly based on Monastrell (aka Mourvedre) which is grown on about 80% of the vineyard.

The winery has invested heavily in its Organic and Sustainability programmes in recent years.

The Second wine from Chateau Talbot. A fine wine which is well-balanced, fresh, elegant with the notes of dried currants and lemon, fresh herbs. It has a medium body and a medium finish.

Grapes: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 60% Merlot

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Appellation: Saint-Julien

ABV: 13%

Food pairing: grilled red meats, mature cheeses and savoury dishes

Deep dark cherry colour. The complexity of this beautifully crafted wine is shown through mature red and dark fruit aromas with some cacao and herbs. Generous in body with soft powerful tannins and cooked fruit notes and so beautifully balanced on the finish. Food Match: Venison, veal, BBQ, roasted beef, stew, game, roasted lamb chops with ratatouille, grilled vegetable, cheeses, roasted oxtail.

Vinified under the strict supervision of the Rabbi from the Habat Jewish Community of Barcelona. This is a Certified kosher wine: Lo mevushal (not pasteurized) and Le Pessaj.

Country: Spain

Region: Montsant

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 35% Grenache 35% Cariñena 30%

ABV: 15%

Kosher

Nestled in the rugged hills of the Catalan countryside, in the tiny village bearing its name, is the well-respected Celler de Capçanes. It was this wild Montsant landscape which first captivated Jürgen Wagner back in the early 90s, but the huge potential he recognised in this unique village co-operative that determined what followed. Pouring all his efforts into working with the growers to nurture the best from their vineyards and the most honest expressions of their terroir, Celler de Capçanes has established itself as one of the most engaging wineries in the area.

The nose is quite forward with some big black cherry and milk chocolate notes, you expect the palate to follow and yet it doesn’t. Instead you get super bright, silky raspberry notes with some properly exciting acidity – we’re rocking along at 15.5% abv but you’d never know – the thread which starts here and runs through the entire range is one of unadulterated purity and drinkability.

Country: Spain

Region: Priorat

Grapes: Grenache

ABV: 15.5%

2x Felino Malbec 2022

2x Don Nicanor Malbec

2x Chateau Pineraie Cahors Cuveé Authentique 2020

A very lovely expression of Carignan showing hints of spice and smokiness.  Notes of saline water, cassis and bitter cherry with layers of complex minerality. The palate is fresh, and elegant but intense with characters of black plum, dried cranberry notes and a long structured finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

ABV: 14.5%

Grape: Carignan

Food Match: Rack of roast lamb with all the trimmings

This Barolo is delightfully fresh and elegant. Along with its full and deep bodied centre it shows notes of  violets, menthol, warm spices like cardamom and dried fruits all rounded off with fine tannins and minerality that leave you wanting another glass.

Country: Italy

Region: Barolo, Piedmonte

14% ABV

Grape: Nebbiolo

Food match: cheeses, cured meats, stewed and grilled meats

This wine has the ability to evolve over 15 + years

The nose is fragrant and full of ripe black fruit along with hints of cocoa, leather and liquorice. On the palate it is generous and full bodied, smooth yet firm tannin and a very long finish seasoned with sweet spice and toasty oak. This Cabernet expresses the distinct regional profile of Margaret River. 

Country: Australia

Region: Margaret River, Western Australia

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Food Match: Rump steak