DIEMERSFONTEIN CARPE DIEM RANGE MALBEC
R290,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- The Carpe Diem range reflects the founders’ bold spirit — “seizing the day” — and this Malbec Reserve is a prime example of that ambition.
- Wellington’s terroir (cooler mountain-influenced climate and well-drained soils) helps preserve Malbec’s fresh fruit character while enabling good phenolic maturity.
- With 14 months of oak, the wine achieves a fine balance of fruit richness and structural elegance, making it a compelling option for both early drinking and moderate cellar ageing.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Top 100 SA Wines: Double Platinum
- Michelangelo International Wine & Spirit Awards: Gold (2019)
- Old Mutual Trophy Show: Silver
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A decadent bouquet of ripe berries and juicy plums, with subtle notes of liquorice and cherry tobacco, giving the wine depth and character.
Palate: Rich and full-flavoured, with a core of dark fruit (berries, plum) and a vibrant structure. The tannins are finely structured and lively, delivering a polished and balanced mouthfeel.
Finish: The finish is persistent and elegant, with lingering dark fruit, a hint of spice, and a refined oak-backed backbone.
DOUGLAS GREEN MERLOT MALBEC
R79,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Balanced Blend: The Merlot provides softness and structure, while Malbec adds depth and fruit richness.
- Fine Vineyard Sourcing: Grapes come from a mix of different Western Cape regions, giving a breadth of terroir and flavour.
- Value Collector Piece: With vibrant fruit, approachable structure, and a good price point, this is a wine that works well for both casual drinking and modest cellar ageing.
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: The wine opens with crushed summer berries — think blackberries and plums — layered with generous red fruit aromas and soft oak spice.
Palate: It’s succulent and generous on the palate, offering ripe berries, fleshy plum and juicy red fruit, while the oak adds gentle spice and a subtle vanilla character. The blend is smooth and soft, with a plush texture.
Finish: The finish is clean and juicy, leaving a lingering impression of fruit with hints of oak spice.
NEETHLINGSHOF MALBEC
R150,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Heritage & Terroir: Neethlingshof is one of Stellenbosch’s historic estates; its soils (Tukulu & Oakleaf) offer excellent drainage and complexity.
- Balanced Winemaking: The moderate oak maturation preserves fruit purity, while the estate’s careful vineyard management ensures depth and precision.
- Sustainable Practices: The estate has a strong biodiversity program and integrates vineyard‑friendly practices.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Vinum Wine Magazine: 14.5/20
- Platter’s Wine Guide 2022 (2020 vintage): 87
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A complex bouquet of black plum, mulberry, black cherry and cassis, underpinned by violet florals and warm toffee or butterscotch notes.
Palate: Medium‑to‑full-bodied, with juicy dark fruit (blueberry compote, black plum) and a savoury edge. Cedar wood, cassis and stewed fruit mingle with silkily integrated tannins.
Finish: Lingering and smooth, with fruit-forward dark berries, a hint of oak spice, and a savoury, slightly smoky undertone.
RAKA MALBEC
R240,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Coastal Terroir: The Kleinrivier region (Overberg) enjoys cool sea breezes, which help preserve freshness and purity in the Malbec.
- Low‑intervention Winemaking: Raka’s hands‑on, family‑run approach and gravity‑flow cellar contribute to a wine that is expressive, focused, and true to site.
- Value with Character: Though not a high‑end collectable, this Malbec offers strong varietal character and quality at a very accessible price, making it a smart addition for both everyday wine enjoyment and moderate ageing.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Vivino: 3.9/5 stars
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: The wine shows a deep violet hue, opening with plum-like aromas and juicy cherry fruit. There are soft floral notes, and as it breathes, subtle hints of vanilla and darker fruit emerge.
Palate: On the palate, Raka Malbec is smooth and plush, with gentle dark‑berry flavours, soft tannins, and a round, lush mouthfeel. The fruit is forward but balanced by a delicate oak or vanilla note.
Finish: The finish is soft and lingering, leaving a memory of ripe fruit, gentle spice, and a touch of plush acidity — very drinkable and elegantly structured.