Braai Wine

A delicious South African Chenin from the guys at Waterkloof, made with the care and attention normal reserved for wines of twice the price.

This sought ­after wine has fine, mineral Chenin characters with gentle ripe apple aromas, honeyed aromatics and delicious greengage and citrus lemon acidity on the long finish. A wine with great finesse and style

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

False Bay Wine

‘Wild Yeast Fermentation’ refers to the practice of letting the naturally occurring yeast in the environment to run the fermentation (rather than using cultured yeasts). Although wild yeast fermentations require closer care and attention by the winemaker, the results are a more complex and interesting wine.

Super great value for money red from the guys at Waterkloof.

Hints of dark fruits, chocolate and eucalyptus leading to a heady mix of fruit, rich chocolate and plums supported by soft tannins.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Grapes: 100% Pinotage

ABV: 13.5%

False Bay Wine

Food match: Braaied meat!

We ululate with joy at having this in stock once again! Exuding rich mocha aromas with red fruit and cherry. The palate shows distinct characters of coffee and chocolate, which is balanced with smooth velvety tannins and a lingering after taste.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

Grapes: Pinotage

ABV: 14%

https://www.diemersfontein.co.za/

A fine pale-coloured rosé with delicate aromas of pomegranates and raspberry and a distinctive flintiness. There’s finesse and elegance on the palate with flavours of soft red fruits, a gentle silky texture and a lingering fresh acidity on the finish.

If you ask someone what is their favourite wine, most would mention a red or a white. Very few would give a rosé. But, (for us) South Africa has taken the 'common' rosé and turned it into an art form. 

Such a delicate and perfumed rosé. Take a bit of sophisticated Provence rosé, give it a little hint of international dynamic, a little bit of relaxed "take me as I am" S'African personality and the result is this deliciously drinkable rosé from Stellenbosch.

Country: South Africa

Region: Schapenberg, Stellenbosch

Grapes: Mourvedre

ABV: 13%

Biodynamic and Organic

Waterkloof Wines

Winemaker Nadia Barnard:

In October 2022 Penny had the great pleasure of visiting Waterkloof Estate on the slopes of the Schapenberg, Stellenbosch with a few colleagues from the UK wine trade. They spent the good part of two days being driven around this beautiful, sustainably managed piece of land by winemaker, Nadia Barnard. All of the vineyards on the estate are farmed following organic and biological principles. Here at Cellar Door Wines we've always been huge fans of Waterkloof wines. It is always lovely to taste Nadia's wines in Saint Albans, but to be able to do so at Waterkloof, with the woman herself, was extra special. Tasting wine at the place of its birth explains the why and the how of its individuality. The people behind the vineyard and winery are also key components in the equation. The Cape and Waterkloof has such diversity of wine style with a great price quality ratio.

Iconic South African wine by South African Winemaker of the year 2020 Gottfried Mocke, one of the most innovative winemakers in South Africa. Tim Atkin has rated this vintage 92 points in his latest South African report The 2020 wine is bigger and better than ever!

The nose is dark, intense and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, espresso and subtle whiffs of perfume. The dark fruit character of the nose follows through onto an exceptionally complex, juicy palate with gentle nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, cloves, and liquorice. The mid-palate is focused, lithe and elegant with very fine, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium to full bodied, very balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the entire spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and black berries. The finish is svelte, clean and dry, peppery and lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite and smoke.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Syrah 71%; Grenache 11%; Cinsault 9%; Cabernet Sauvignon 8%; Viognier 1%

From the true masters of Cape Cabernet - the benchmark Stellenbosch Cab. 2015 was the winner of platter 5* best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa.

This is the only red wine produced by Le Riche that is not 100% Cabernet. A reincarnation of Le Riche's classic Cab Merlot blend, this is an exceptionally lovely, classically Bordelaise blend. Restrained but appealing on the nose with typical red fruit aromas of plum, cherries and milled pepper are balanced by an aroma of finely ground graphite found in Left Bank Bordeaux. The palate is a masterpiece of blending - hugely appealing with juicy mouth-filling flavours of red berries, plums and smoky hints balanced with a fine, soft tannic structure and rounded finish. Finely structured and phenomenally fine, Christo Le Riche has more than stepped into his father’s shoes!

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Petit Verdot

Le Riche Wine

The backbone of the range, it’s a phenomenal expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon when it’s allowed a maritime influence, and it is this that sets it apart and marks it as truly Bordelaise. With carefully selected fruit from the cool gravelly slopes facing False Bay to the rich red granitic soils around Stellenbosch, the wine gains its complexity by expertly blending fruit from 4 specifically diverse terroirs. 

Complex nose with hints of spice, chocolate and mocha. Good structure with plum and mineral complexity and a lingering finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet, Petit Verdot & Malbec

ABV: 14.5%

A fantastic wine for all occasions. Aromatic guava and orange blossom Jump from the glass – this Chenin Blanc is off dry with ripe apples, peaches and a hint of orange peel on the palate.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Grapes:  100% Chenin Blanc

Vegan/Vegetarian

The fruit for Aloe Tree hails from the increasingly fashionable west coast of the Cape. Cool nights and sea breezes combine to extend the growing season, resulting in perfectly balanced, ripe grapes. 

The nose shows a mixture of ripe mulberry and white pepper, framed in a touch of toasty, vanilla oak and just the faintest hint of minty caramel chocolate. The palate echoes the blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry. The tannins are super smooth, long and persistent.

Country: South Africa

Region:  Overberg

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: 40% Malbec 32% Syrah 10% Pinot Noir 10% Touriga Nacional 8% Tannat

What an amazing wine!

Wonderfully rich and fleshy Chenin from hand harvested bushvine grown grapes in Paarl. Wild Yeast fermented and zero intervention this wine develops in the glass. We suggest not to over chill this wine and, if you can resist finishing the bottle, definitely give this a try on the second day of opening for an ethereal experience! 

Country: South Africa

Region: Paarl

Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc

ABV: 13%

https://www.wildeberg.co.za/

Family owned and run, this authentic wine from Darling, South Africa's cool climate region, is beautifully aromatic and minerally.

Country: South Africa

Region: Darling Hills

Grapes: Riesling

ABV: 12%

Fleshy, ripe and super easy drinking.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch/ Franschhoek

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

ABV: 13%

Juicy, crunchy and fresh red fruit. Soft tannins. Very easy drinking. Biodynamic. 

This wine is playful in its aromas with pronounced cassis tones. Furthermore, a combination of blackcurrant, candied orange zest, violets and spices can be appreciated on the nose. In the mouth cassis fruit dominates with some spiciness to it, which is complemented by soft tannins that develop effortlessly.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV:11.5%

Grapes: Cinsault

Waterkloof Wine

Cinsault vines have been grown for centuries in Southern France. In the Rhône and Languedoc regions it is primarily used as a supporting agent in red blends, especially Châteauneuf-du- Pape, to add spice and aromatics whilst mellowing out harsh tannins.

But perhaps its most important role in wine history took place in South Africa, where in 1925 it was crossed with Pinot Noir by Stellenbosch University Professor A.I. Perold in an attempt to create a unique South African varietal. Today this proudly South African varietal is known as Pinotage.

Seriously Cool Cinsault is produced from more than 40 year old bush vines on the cool slopes of the Helderberg region. Older vines are known to have reached optimal balance in growth and production through time. This allows for low yields and ripe fruit with intense flavours. The soils are of decomposed granite origin with medium-sized stones, helping with drainage and moisture retention. Production was approximately 4t/ha.

Welcome to complex, ripe aromas of citrus and peach, backed up by the faintest sprinkling of fresh thyme and vanilla. The aromas introduce a palate altogether more complex, with rich, more-ish, juicy stone fruit, wrapped up in crunchy, refreshing, grapey acidity. Mouth-filling, delicious and succulent

Country: South Africa

Region: Elgin, Swartland, Overberg

ABV: 13%

Grapes: Chenin Blanc 82%
Rousanne 12%
Grenache Blanc 6%

 Wild yeast fermentation, low yields and ageing in large French oak foudre are what defines this savoury and appealing Syrah. Full yet elegant with bramble fruits and also some earth and meaty aromas. The palate is structured and elegant with fine tannins and a refreshing natural acidity. Ideal with spicy dishes, red meats and rich Mediterranean dishes.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Grapes: Syrah/Shiraz

ABV: 13.5%

False Bay Wine 

The wine is dark and dense on appearance. The brooding nose is intense and shows an abundance of dark fruits. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, baking spices and heady whiffs of violets create complexity. Dark berry fruit, liquorice, notes of sweet tobacco and allspice follow through onto a vibrant mid-palate with bright, svelte tannins and a silky texture. The wine shows exceptional balance with fresh, integrated acidity. Dark plums, black olives and hints of tar and cigar box linger on an earthy finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

Grapes: Syrah 91%; Mourvèdre 8%; Viognier 1%

ABV: 13.5%

An elegant rendition of this normally unruly varietal. Features raspberry, dark fruit and herbal notes whilst an almost meaty, wild aroma can be detected on the nose. Typical vigour expected from this varietal, with a high concentration of fine tannin and a surprising lightness of touch helped by the lower alcohol.

Country : South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grape: Mourvèdre

ABV: 13.5%

Waterkloof Wine

Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including: soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvedre is from a single, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) block 250-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Mourvedre is one of the few varietals with enough wind-resistance to plant as bush-vine on Waterkloof. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bunches are sorted and whole-bunch fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in old 600 litre barrels then ageing for 16 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine. 6 barrels made.

The Elgin Valley is one of the coolest regions in South Africa and is famous for making wonderfully refreshing and classy white wines.

Fragrance of pure white grapefruit, intense tropical fruit, ripe gooseberry and fleshy kiwi fruit over-lay Iona’s distinctive herbal and floral undertone. The palate is keenly balanced showing cut green apples and lime marmalade followed by great minerality and length.

Country: South Africa

Region: Elgin

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc.

At 420m above sea-level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley, Iona includes some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape. This creates an extremely long growing season, harvesting up to 2 months after Stellenbosch, which results in diverse, complex flavours and fresh, elegant wines. The philosophy at Iona is to make wines that reflect the soil and climate as closely as possible. They make use of sustainable farming methods and use natural products wherever possible in the winemaking.

Deep ruby velvet in colour with an opulent nose combining red plums, cassis, walnuts and bramble boosted by a distinctive waft of violets. The fruit follows through onto the palate offering a red plum profile with an understated savoury and herbal element on the back palate. A finely tuned acid and wood tannin balance, together with a purity of fruit, distinguish this seamless wine as a great ambassador for Merlot.

Country: South Africa

Region:  Paarl and Firgrove, Western Cape

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Merlot

Food Match: Sunday roast lamb

De Grendel Wine

Dolomite wines express great purity of fruit and balanced elegance. The nose shows dark and red cherry. Dark berries, spiciness and herbs linger on the palate. The wine has great purity of fruit with a hint of wet-stone minerality and a velvet soft finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Franc 90%
Malbec 10%

Fresh and complex with notes of white peach, almonds and a hint ripe papaya. Expressive on the palate with a lingering finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Chardonnay, Chenin,and Viognier 

ABV: 13.5%

Food Match: Paella

Bold, ripe and full of dark berry fruit and plums. Very, very easy drinking SA red from one of the most picturesque places in the world.  

Country: South Africa

Region: Franschhoek, Western Cape

Grapes: Cabernet and Merlot

ABV: 13%

The Sauvignon Blanc aromas are prominent on the nose, with beautiful lime and prickly pear notes. Intense flavours, with great balance. A tight mineral core and creamy mid palate from the Chenin Blanc allows for great complexity and a persistent finish. The Sauvignon Blanc lends lovely, fresh acidity to the wine. Waterkloof are champions of Biodiversity and Sustainable Biodynamic Farming.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Semillon

Waterkloof Wine

Organic, Biodynamic

WATERKLOOF estate was founded in 2004, ending Paul Boutinot’s persistent and uncompromising 10 year search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. Located on the south-facing slopes of Schapenberg Hill near Somerset in the Stellenbosch district of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region, Waterkloof shares its magnificent Atlantic views with free-roaming peacocks and other natural fauna and flora attracted to this haven. Certified by Demeter in 2015, their vineyards are of only a few in the Cape to boast official biodynamic approval and status. The estate has 56 hectares under vine and Tim Atkin’s Cape Classification currently ranks Waterkloof as 5th Growth level. With production around 165,000 bottles per year, Waterkloof make “honest wines” from their unique biodynamic coastal site. Respect for nature, traditional winemaking practices and minimal intervention are all key to their success.

Bruwer Raats, the winemaker, must be a front-runner for the accolade of ‘King of Chenin’. Not just in South Africa, but globally.

The wine has a distinctive yellow apple and pineapple core, alongside notes of green melon and limes. The wine is thus bursting with fresh fruit flavours. The wine ends with zesty citrus flavours, and has a long mineral finish

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Bruwer has established a reputation as a New World leader in the production of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Neil Martin called him ""one of the top growers in the region, perhaps in South Africa"" and gave his Eden High Density Cabernet Franc 95 points. He crafts soil specific wines that embody the unique characteristics of the Stellenbosch region. The Original Chenin Blanc epitomises the balance between power and elegance, while the Family Chenin delivers a refined complexity with firm minerality.