ALLESVERLOREN FINE OLD VINTAGE PORT
R185,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Allesverloren’s Fine Old Vintage is a pillar of South African fortification — blending old-world Portuguese varieties with Swartland terroir and the Malan family’s decades of port‑style winemaking. The long maturation in oak not only builds structure and complexity but also softens its sweetness into a refined, velvety texture. This wine is highly collectible because it balances richness and elegance in a way that rewards thoughtful cellaring or slow, contemplative sipping.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Veritas: Silver (2022)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Deep ruby red colour with complex aromas of ripe dark fruit, glazed cherries, gentle smokiness and honey.
Palate: Full, rich and velvety — layers of red and black berries, spiced plum, and warming notes of chocolate or prunes.
Finish: Lingering finish of roasted hazelnuts and almonds, underscored by gentle spice and a balanced sweetness.
BEYERSKLOOF LAGARE PORT
R248,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Lagare Cape Vintage is a striking example of how Pinotage can be transformed into an elegant fortified wine, marrying traditional port-style winemaking techniques with South African character. The foot-treading extraction, combined with spirit fortification, gives the wine a bold, deeply coloured profile and firm structure, while its lineage from Beyerskloof — the “home of Pinotage” — anchors it in the heart of South African winemaking heritage.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Veritas: Silver ( 2022)
- Trophy Wine Show: 89/100 (2020)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Rich aromas of plum, dried fruit, spicy nutmeg, and a hint of liquorice, with the spirit seamlessly integrated.
Palate: Deep black fruit — blackberry, plum pudding — with a firm core, balanced acidity, and dry richness.
Finish: Long and lingering, with a touch of dried fruit, dark spice, and a warm, slightly boozy tail.
DE KRANS CAPE RUBY PORT
R119,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
De Krans Cape Ruby stands out for its balance of fruit-forward intensity and structure. While many fortified wines lean heavily into sweetness, this Ruby is elegantly crafted to maintain vibrant fruit character—thanks to Calitzdorp’s warm climate and old Portuguese varietals—and enough oak ageing to add complexity without overshadowing the wine’s liveliness.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4/5
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Aromas of ripe red and blue berries (think cherries and blueberries), with delicate violet florals and a hint of cinnamon spice.
Palate: Rich and juicy, delivering cherry and plum fruit complemented by notes of chocolate and warming spice.
Finish: Soft, smooth, and slightly spiced, with a lingering berry sweetness and velvety tannins.
DE KRANS CAPE VINTAGE PORT
R159,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve is special because it brings together old-school port tradition and Cape terroir, delivering a darker, more structured style of port that is firmly built for long-term ageing. According to De Krans, this port is “more intense, full-bodied, structured, drier in style and darker in colour” than their Ruby-style ports. Its bold fruit, ageing potential (up to 20 years per De Krans), and firm tannins make it a collector’s favourite.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5/5 (2025)
- Tim Atkin: 94/100
- Veritas Awards: Gold (2024)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A rich and aromatic bouquet of red berries (plum, mulberry), stewed prune, dark chocolate, violets, and subtle spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with deep flavours of dark plum, blackcurrant, dried fruit, cocoa and a backbone of firm, yet smooth tannins.
Finish: Long and lingering, with a palate-cleansing acidity balancing the richness, leaving a spicy, fruit-drenched aftertaste.
L'ORMARINS LBV PORT
R269,00
ORG DE RAC THE OLD PUMPHOUSE PORT
R189,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
The Old Pumphouse Port is distinctive because of its Swartland provenance, its organic farming practices, and the use of Cabernet Sauvignon + Shiraz in a ruby‑style port. The name (“Old Pumphouse”) echoes the estate’s history and adds a narrative of place, while the wine’s craftsmanship delivers richness and drinkability. Its warm ABV and fruity concentration make it a very approachable fortified wine, ideal for both sipping and modest cellaring.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Platter's Wine Guide: 3 Stars (2021)
- Tim Atkin: 90/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Vibrant and opulent, with baked fruitcake, fresh berries (red and dark), and a mature, nutty aromatic layer from subtle wood influence.
Palate: Juicy and fruit-driven: red cherries, plums, and berry compote, balanced by a warm spiced note and a harmonious integration of sweetness and acidity.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with a light woody background, gentle acidity, and a softly persistent berry tail.
PORTO MESSIAS 10 YEAR OLD PORT
R445,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Porto Messias 10 Year Old Tawny is distinctive because it bridges aged elegance and approachable richness. It's decade of cask ageing builds complexity — think dried fruit, spice, and soft wood — while maintaining a bright, fresh core thanks to Messias’s skilful blend and oxidative ageing. For collectors, it's a beautifully mature tawny that offers a lot of character for its price, without being overly austere or highly commercial.TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Aromas of dried figs, toasted almonds, warm spice and gentle oak wood.
Palate: Smooth and rich, with flavours of caramelised dried fruit (apricot, raisin), walnut, and a hint of gentle wood.
Finish: Long and mellow, with lingering nutty warmth, soft sweetness, and a refined oxidative character.