ALVI'S DRIFT MERLOT
R110,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Value meets quality: Part of Alvi’s Drift’s Signature range, it offers a masterful balance of fruit, oak and tannin for its price.
- Sustainable vineyard practices: The estate uses hand-harvesting and careful vineyard management to produce clean, expressive fruit.
- Cellaring upside: With firm tannins and oak ageing, it benefits from moderate ageing and rewards with 2-4 years of cellaring.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Veritas: Silver (2021 & 2022)
- Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards: Gold (2018), Silver (2017)
- Tim Atkin: 80/100
- Vivino: 3.5/5
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Rich aromas of black cherry, plum, and warm spice, interlaced with gentle notes of chocolate and mixed spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and smooth, the wine delivers ripe plum, red cherry and bramble fruit, backed by firm, velvety tannins and a touch of oak-derived chocolate and tobacco.
Finish: The finish is long and lingering — juicy dark fruit persists, accompanied by soft oak spice and subtle savoury undertones.
BACKSBERG MERLOT
R140,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What sets Backsberg Merlot apart for wine collectors is its combination of fruit-forward plushness and sustainable heritage. Backsberg is one of South Africa’s pioneering carbon-neutral wineries, giving this wine not only elegant flavor but also a strong provenance. The Merlot’s balance of red-berry richness, smooth oak, and structural finesse makes it a very drinkable wine now, and yet one that rewards moderate cellaring — ideal for those building a collection of expressive Cape varietals.TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Aromas of raspberry, red plum, and soft oak-driven chocolate.
Palate: Juicy red fruit — raspberry, plum — wrapped in a plush, smooth texture with gentle tannins and a lingering mocha note.
Finish: Elegant and lasting, with a touch of fruit sweetness, soft tannins and a faint smoky oak edge.
BOLAND MERLOT
R90,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
This wine stands out for its harmony between coastal freshness and inland richness, its carefully managed oak ageing, and its impressive quality-to-value ratio — making it a smart addition for collectors and an accessible choice for everyday elegance.TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Ripe plum, red cherries and soft fruitcake aromas lifted by subtle oak spice.
Palate: A medium-bodied, rounded palate with juicy red cherry, mulberry and gentle wood undertones supported by smooth, integrated tannins.
Finish: Long, polished and fruit-forward, with lingering spice and mulberry richness.
BOSCHENDAL 1685 MERLOT
R180,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Part of Boschendal’s 1685 Collection, which celebrates the estate’s founding year and its heritage.
- The blend of cool-climate vineyard sites (Elgin + Stellenbosch) gives depth, red-fruit freshness, and restrained elegance.
- Subtle oak ageing in large French oak barrels adds structure without overpowering the primary Merlot fruit.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- TIM ATKIN: 90/100
- DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS: 89/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A rich and expressive bouquet of ripe mulberry and plum, wrapped in vanilla and soft dark chocolate.
Palate: On the palate, juicy red cherry and rich plum flavours blend with pronounced mulberry. The oak adds subtle structure, while fine tannins provide elegance and length.
Finish: The finish is long and nuanced with lingering mulberry fruit, a touch of savoury fynbos, and a whisper of freshly roasted coffee beans.
DE GRENDEL MERLOT
R195,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes De Grendel Merlot truly compelling for collectors is its coastal‑influenced terroir, which brings freshness and finesse, combined with deliberate barrel maturation that delivers structure without overwhelming the fruit. The estate’s vine age, careful hand-harvesting, and winemaking precision contribute to a sophisticated, age‑worthy Merlot that feels both expressive and refined — a benchmark Cape Merlot for discerning wine enthusiasts.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- James Suckling: 92/100
- Michelangelo Wine Awards: Gold (2024)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A graceful blend of black cherry, raspberry, violet-lavender florals, with hints of cedar and liquorice.
Palate: Silky and generous, with juicy red-berry fruit—plum and currant—balanced by sweet liquorice, herbal nuance, and elegant tannins.
Finish: Clean, long and lingering, the finish echoes dark fruit and a delicate oak‑derived spice, leaving a refined and polished impression.
DIEMERSDAL MERLOT
R150,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes Diemersdal Merlot so compelling for collectors and connoisseurs is its cool-climate Durbanville terroir, which delivers purity of red fruit, refined acidity, and a lifted, coastal freshness. When married with careful oak maturation, the wine gains layer and sophistication, reflecting Diemersdal’s six-generation winemaking heritage and commitment to elegance and balance.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tin Atkins: 95/100 (2021 Vintage)
- Platter's Guide: 5 Stars (2024)
- Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver (2023)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Ripe blackberries and dried plum mingle with spicy cedarwood, mint and subtle dried-herb notes.
Palate: Juicy red fruit—plum and cherry—gives way to cedar-spice and a hint of mint; the texture is smooth and structured, with fine-grained tannins.
Finish: Long and refined, the wine closes with lingering red-berry flavours, soft oak spice, and a touch of herbal warmth.
DOUGLAS GREEN MERLOT
R85,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes Douglas Green Merlot stand out is its balanced expression of South African terroir—a blend of juicy red and dark fruits, soft, approachable tannins, and a whisper of oak. The wine’s drinkability and consistency make it a mainstay for both casual enjoyment and emerging wine collections. Its style reflects the pioneering spirit of Douglas Green himself—the ambition to create a signature wine that delivers depth without overreaching, making it a smart, reliable choice for collectors looking for quality at value.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- International Wine Competition: Gold Medal
- Sommelier's Choice Awards: Silver Medal
- South African Wine Awards: Bronze Medal
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Inviting aromas of black cherry, plum, redcurrant, and blackberry, layered with soft spice and gentle oak nuances.
Palate: Medium-bodied, the palate offers juicy red-berry fruit, fleshy plum, and mulberry, balanced by ripe, plush tannins and soft oak.
Finish: A smooth, lingering finish with a juicy core, subtle spice, and a gentle interplay of fruit and soft wood.
DURBANVILLE HILLS COLLECTORS RESERVE THE LIGHTHOUSE MERLOT
R165,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes the Durbanville Hills “Lighthouse” Merlot uniquely appealing is its blend of sea-influenced terroir and artistic inspiration, channelled through the cool Durbanville climate and the iconic Cape Town lighthouse label. This wine is not only visually collectable, but also carefully crafted to express mint-chocolate and red cherry notes, paired with a poised structure. It represents a refined, coastal Merlot that offers both early charm and the capacity to age gracefully.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin: 89/100
- Decanter World Wine Awards: 87/100
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5 Stars
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Luxurious aromas of deep red cherry and raspberry mingle with mint-chocolate, vanilla, nutmeg and a touch of aromatic tobacco.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied, the palate is layered with sweet red fruit flavours (ripe cherries and plums), soft vanilla, and a trace of herbal freshness.
Finish: The finish is velvety and lingering, with persistent red fruit notes and a gentle spice echo that underscores the wine’s elegance.
DURBANVILLE HILLS MERLOT
R90,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Durbanville Hills Merlot is distinguished by its cool-climate elegance, seamless integration of French oak, and the ability to appeal to both casual drinkers and wine collectors. The combination of coastal freshness, slow-ripening grapes, and meticulous winemaking gives the wine a polished, approachable style while leaving room for moderate ageing.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin: 88/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A rich bouquet of blackcurrant, dark plum, violets, and hints of cream and ginger, showing both the varietal character and nuanced oak influence.
Palate: On the palate, it is full-bodied yet polished, displaying velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Layers of blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, and cedar unfold seamlessly, with nuances of leather, tobacco, and earthy minerality, reflecting 25+ years of careful maturation
Finish: Medium-bodied and velvety, the palate delivers ripe plum, juicy blackberries, and subtle chocolate-mint notes, supported by soft, integrated tannins and a hint of vanilla spice.
FAT BASTARD MERLOT
R155,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Stony Terroir: The Languedoc vineyards contribute to a fruit-forward, mineral-driven character, giving the wine both depth and freshness.
- Balanced Construction: With part of the wine aged in oak, Fat Bastard Merlot maintains varietal purity while gaining structure and a touch of complexity.
- Accessible & Fun Brand: The Fat Bastard label has global recognition for its bold branding and friendly style — making this Merlot a great value, approachable wine for both casual and serious drinkers.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Veritas: Silver (2020)
- International Wine Challenge: Bronze (2020 & 2021)
- Wine Enthusiast: 84/100
- CellarTracker: 83/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Deep ruby in colour, the Fat Bastard Merlot opens with aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, and dark berries, followed by subtle spice notes of black pepper and caraway.
Palate: The palate is fresh, full, and juicy, offering bold summer fruit flavours — think blackberry, plum, and cherry — balanced with soft, rounded tannins and a smooth, expansive mid-palate.
Finish: A long, plush finish lingers with the memory of dark fruit and a gentle hint of oak spice, leaving a smooth, satisfying impression.
FLEUR DU CAP MERLOT
R145,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Balance & Approachability: While full-bodied, it remains easy to drink with well-integrated oak and soft tannins.
- Versatile Terroir: Grapes are drawn from varied vineyard sites, giving the wine both fruit richness and subtle complexity.
- Proven Legacy: Fleur du Cap is a respected Cape brand, known for producing wines that offer character and value.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards: Double Gold (2022)
- International Wine Challenge: Commended (2011 & 2012)
- Wine Enthusiast: 87/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Elegant aromas of plum, blackcurrant, and wild berries, underpinned by wood spice, tobacco, and gentle vanilla.
Palate: The wine is plush and velvety, offering ripe dark fruit (plum, cherry), with a subtle minty lift and soft oak-derived chocolate spice.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with lingering dark berry notes and a hint of sweet oak.
FRANSCHHOEK CELLAR MERLOT
R95,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Heritage Tribute: Named “The Old Museum” in honour of the local Huguenot settlers and the town’s historic museum, it evokes a sense of place and legacy.
- Balanced Winemaking: The ageing in French oak adds structure, while preserving the varietal fruit integrity.
- Accessible Yet Refined: Although approachable on release, its structure and fruit allow for some early cellaring or simply elegant enjoyment now.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- International Wine & Spirit Competition: Silver
- International Wine Challenge: Commended
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Bright ruby in colour with inviting aromas of plum and black cherry, intertwined with herbal-tea notes, liquorice, and gentle oak spice.
Palate: The wine is soft and juicy, delivering mouth-filling summer-berry flavours, succulent black cherry, and rich plum, framed by smooth tannins and a subtle oak character.
Finish: The finish is polished and lingering, with a touch of sour cherry succulence and a gentle wood-spice grip that gives it a refined conclusion.
GD LIFE MERLOT
R89,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes GD Life Merlot especially appealing is its blend of affordable elegance and sustainable provenance: crafted in the Bonnievale Valley, it reflects a youthful, energetic brand mission (“the Good Life”) with real winemaking substance. The wine’s soft, smooth tannins and red-fruit character, coupled with its easy drinkability, make it a perfect entry-point Merlot for both everyday enjoyment and casual collecting. Its unwooded style also preserves freshness and varietal clarity, distinguishing it from more heavily oak-influenced examples.TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Fresh red fruit aromas — ripe cherry and plum — with a mild floral lift.
Palate: Juicy and fruit-forward, delivering cherry, red plum, and soft berry flavours, all underpinned by gentle, round tannins.
Finish: Smooth and easygoing, with lingering red fruit and a clean, light-bodied finish.
HERMANUSPIETERSFONTEIN (HPF) 1855 POSMEESTER MERLOT
R150,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes HPF 1855 Posmeester Merlot truly compelling is its unique Sondagskloof terroir, where high-altitude vineyards and cool coastal influence give the wine a refined lift, while its velvet‑soft structure and approachable richness reflect HPF’s tradition of crafting expressive, everyday but elegant wines. This Merlot bridges accessibility and sophistication, offering collectors a wine that delivers both fruit-forward charm and a sense of place rooted in one of the Cape’s most storied estates.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin: 88/100
- John Platter: 3 Stars
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries, blueberries and currants, with a subtle milk-chocolate backbone and hints of spice.
Palate: Lush and juicy, delivering a generous mid-palate of red berries and plum, supported by soft but persistent tannins.
Finish: Smooth, with lingering fruit, gentle spice, and a subtly chocolatey note that gives a satisfying, balanced close.
KANU MERLOT
R170,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
KANU Merlot stands out because it represents the winery’s promise of consistent quality and flavour, even in their more accessible wines. The estate’s philosophy of harmony—with nature, biodiversity, and winemaking—allows them to produce a Merlot that is expressive, balanced and true to Stellenbosch terroir. With a name tied to a mythical bird of promise, KANU creates wines that are not just enjoyable now but crafted with a touch of ambition, making this Merlot both a delightful everyday wine and a worthy addition to a collector’s shelf.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- The Trophy Wine Show: Bronze (2020)
- Wine Spectator: 87/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Bright sun‑ripened blackberries and cherries with wafts of white chocolate and a hint of herbs.
Palate: Velvety and juicy, with mulberry and red plum flavours, gentle herbaceous nuances, and soft yet ample tannins.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, marked by mocha undertones and a gentle, comforting fruit presence.
L'AVENIER PROVENANCE MERLOT
R115,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes L’Avenir Provenance Merlot stand out is its compelling balance of Stellenbosch terroir elegance and fruit-driven charm. The Provenance range is designed to reflect both quality and value, delivering mature red berries, subtle oak, and a smooth texture that appeals to both collectors and casual drinkers. As part of L’Avenir’s Provenance collection, this Merlot embodies the estate’s commitment to approachable but refined wines, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers building a thoughtful cellar.TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Fresh red raspberries and mulberries mingle with gentle oaky caramel and a hint of mocha.
Palate: Juicy red fruit—cherry, plum and soft pomegranate—noted for its smooth, easy texture and mild spice lift.
Finish: A soft, lingering finish of red fruit, gentle tannins, and delicate oak-driven warmth.
LEOPARDS LEAP MERLOT
R80,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes Leopard’s Leap Merlot particularly appealing to connoisseurs and collectors is its New-World fruit-driven style combined with considered oak usage. The wine balances fresh red berries (like raspberry and cherry) with a gentle oak backbone, giving it both drinkability and enough structure to reward short- to medium-term ageing. Its approachable price point and consistent quality make it an excellent “workhorse” Merlot for both everyday enjoyment and cellar building.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Falstaff: 88/100
- Wine Enthusiast: 82/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Prominent red fruit aromas of raspberry and cherries, underpinned by subtle sweet oak tones.
Palate: Juicy, fruity flavours of red berries and plum, supported by elegant tannins and a smooth, balanced structure.
Finish: Lingering, with a soft aftertaste of fruit and gentle oak spice, giving a well-rounded and satisfying close.
MASSETO TOSCANA 2006
R33000,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Masseto vintages ever produced, the 2006 embodies the perfect balance between opulence and structure. A warm and even growing season yielded fruit of exceptional concentration and purity, allowing for a wine that marries Bordeaux-like sophistication with Tuscan soul. With nearly two decades of refinement, the 2006 now displays extraordinary depth and harmony — a benchmark vintage for collectors seeking the essence of Italian luxury.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 100/100
- James Suckling: 99/100
- Wine Spectator: 98/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: The bouquet opens with captivating aromas of black cherry, plum, and blackberry, interwoven with dark chocolate, tobacco, graphite, and cedarwood. Hints of truffle, spice, and dried herbs unfold gracefully with aeration, revealing profound complexity and aromatic precision.
Palate: Rich, full-bodied, and velvety, the palate delivers a symphony of ripe black fruit, cocoa, espresso, and fine oak spice, supported by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The texture is luxurious yet disciplined, reflecting perfect ripeness balanced by freshness and minerality.
Finish: Exceptionally long and layered, the finish lingers with dark chocolate, sweet spice, and earthy undertones, leaving a refined and powerful impression that defines Masseto’s signature elegance.
MASSETO TOSCANA 2008
R25000,00REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 97/100
- James Suckling: 96/100
- Wine Spectator: 96/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: The nose entices with hints of ripe black fruit, laced with layers of spice and earth. It's an olfactory call to action that prepares your senses for the forthcoming taste odyssey
Palate: Upon evolution on the palate, abundant dark berry flavours are met with a rich undercurrent of liquorice and espresso. Its voluptuous depth is kept taut by a resonance of dark chocolate nuances serving only to underscore its brooding richness
Finish: The finish is long, graceful, and endlessly complex, echoing notes of cocoa, liquorice, and balsamic spice — a true expression of the Bolgheri terroir’s depth and finesse.
MEERLUST MERLOT
R429,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Meerlust Merlot stands out because of its heritage vineyards and coastal Stellenbosch terroir, which lend it both power and elegance. The long barrel maturation in fine Nevers oak, combined with the softening influence of Cabernet Franc and a hint of Petit Verdot, gives the wine complexity, age‑worthiness, and a polished, refined profile — making it a favorite among collectors who want a Merlot that rewards patience without sacrificing approachability.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin 2025: 94/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Rich aromas of dark brambly fruit — think mulberry and damson plum — layered with liquorice, a touch of dried herb, and gentle oak spice.
Palate: Medium‑full body featuring generous, ripe Merlot fruit balanced by refreshing acidity, silky tannins, and a core of richness that combines opulence with finesse.
Finish: Long, mineral-tinged, and lingering; the finish echoes the dark fruit, with a refined, almost stony texture and subtle savory spice.
NEDERBURG CLASSIC MERLOT
R90,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
The Nederburg Classic Merlot stands out because it offers the perfect bridge between everyday drinkability and quality craftsmanship. With its soft-textured fruit, elegant oak, and a winemaker pedigree rooted in Nederburg’s long tradition, this wine provides excellent value for collectors and wine lovers who want a reliably good Merlot without overpaying for a luxury bottling.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- International Wine & Spirit Competition: Silver (2022 & 2021)
- Berlin Wine Trophy: Gold (2021)
- Veritas: Silver (2021)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Aromas of ripe plums and cranberries are layered with soft vanilla and a gentle peppery spice.
Palate: Medium-bodied with upfront red‑fruit flavours of plum and dark cherry, backed by supple texture and integrated oak.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with a soft, silky finish and a gentle hint of spice on the aftertaste.
PROTEA MERLOT
R89,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes Protea Merlot especially compelling is its friendly, fruit-driven profile combined with environmental integrity. The wine emphasises juicy black and blue berry fruit, gentle leafy undertones, and a cocoa nuance — all backed by a sustainable production ethos. For collectors who value both quality and purpose, this Merlot offers excellent drinkability now, plus enough structure for moderate cellaring, at a very accessible price.TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Bright black and blue berries, with a leafy brush and a touch of cocoa from oak.
Palate: Plush and juicy, with plum, mulberry, cherry and ripe black fruit, balanced by gentle spice and dark chocolate undertones.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with soft tannins and a rich, fruity tail that echoes cocoa and berry sweetness.
SLANGHOEK MERLOT
R90,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- High-elevation terroir: Grown in Slanghoek Valley’s mountain vineyards, which provide a cool microclimate and slow ripening.
- Balanced oak: The wine benefits from well-integrated oak that supports, rather than overwhelms, the fruit.
- Cellaring flexibility: With a suggested maturity window of 4–8 years, it offers both immediate enjoyment and moderate ageing potential.
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A delicate, inviting bouquet of mulberry and dark red berries, with soft spice and hints of oak.
Palate: On the palate, expect plum and mulberry fruitcake notes, complemented by well-integrated oak and round, accessible tannins.
Finish: A long, fruity finish that remains balanced and smooth, leaving lingering dark fruit and a touch of oak spice.
STEENBERG MERLOT
R235,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes Steenberg Merlot particularly compelling for collectors and connoisseurs is its cool‑climate provenance in Constantia, which imparts lifted red-fruit aromatics and crisp acidity, while its extended oak maturation delivers structural sophistication and ageing potential. This Merlot balances elegance and power in a way that showcases both varietal purity and mature craftsmanship, making it a standout in its class.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin: 92/100
- Tom Cannavan: 90/100
- Winemag (2024): Christian Eedes rated the Steenberg Merlot 2021 at 89/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Dark plum, mulberry and red berry aromas with nuances of cedar wood, lavender and soft spice.
Palate: A velvety texture supports juicy red and black fruit—raspberry, plum—with hints of umami, clove and fine oak-derived vanilla.
Finish: The finish is elegant and lingering, marked by refreshing acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a dry, savoury edge.
VERGELEGEN RESERVE MERLOT
R300,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What sets Vergelegen Reserve Merlot apart is its elegant expression of Stellenbosch terroir, where granite soils and cool breezes yield deeply concentrated fruit yet preserve freshness. Combined with meticulous barrel ageing and a respected winemaking lineage, this Merlot offers both ageing potential and immediate sophistication, positioning it as a standout reserve wine for collectors and connoisseurs alike.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- International Wine & Spirit Competition: Bronze ( 2021)
- Tom Cannavan: 93/100
- Tim Atkin: 92/100
- Wine Enthusiast: 86/100
- Christian Eedes / Winemag: 89/100 (2025)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, and a whisper of spice and dried herbs.
Palate: Juicy red and black fruit—plum and cassis—with fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity, and a subtle savoury undercurrent.
Finish: Long and polished, with lingering dark fruit, gentle oak spice, and a touch of forest-floor minerality.
WATERKLOOF PEACOCK RIDGE MERLOT
R90,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Terroir-Driven: The Schapenberg’s elevated, coastal slopes offer cooler ripening, which helps retain freshness and build flavour complexity in the Merlot.
- Natural Fermentation: The use of wild yeasts gives the wine a more textural, authentic expression of site — less manipulated, more soulful.
- Eco-Conscious Philosophy: Waterkloof is known for its minimal-intervention, sustainable practices, making this a wine that appeals to environmentally aware collectors.
- Versatile Yet Sophisticated: Though priced accessibly, it offers serious flavour and depth — making it collectable but drinkable.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tom Cannavan: 86/100
- Wine Enthusiast: 83/100
- CellarTracker: 91/100
- Tim Atkin: 87/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: The bouquet reveals cassis, cedar wood, smoke, and herbal notes, with undertones of pencil shavings and a whisper of dark chocolate.
Palate: On the palate, you’ll taste dark black fruits (blackberry, cassis), plus mocha, liquorice, and tar. The acidity is vibrant and the tannins are fine but seductive, giving it both weight and grace.
Finish: The finish is long and complex, with a lingering aftertaste of dark fruit, smoky herbal notes, and a refined, soft grip from the tannins.
WELTEVREDE CHERRYCHOC MERLOT
R110,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What sets Weltevrede CherryChoc Merlot apart is its unusually expressive flavour profile — ripe cherry and bittersweet chocolate — combined with a robust structure that gives the wine real presence, not just a sweet or dessert-style Merlot. It delivers remarkable value, often found around the R110–120 mark, making it an excellent choice for both casual drinkers and collectors seeking an everyday, flavourful Merlot with depth and personality.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Vivino: 3.7/5
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Inviting aromas of ripe cherries and rich chocolate, underscored by soft espresso and a hint of cedar.
Palate: A chunky mid-palate packed with intense flavours of cherry and plum, bitter espresso, and dark cocoa — giving the wine both fruit intensity and depth.
Finish: A dry and lingering finish, with notes of black pepper, dark chocolate, and a pleasantly espresso-tinged bitterness.
ZONNEBLOEM MERLOT
R130,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes Zonnebloem Merlot especially attractive for collectors is its maritime-cooled Stellenbosch provenance, which preserves purity of fruit and vibrant aromatics, combined with thoughtful oak maturation that adds complexity without overwhelming. This balance of elegance, structure, and fruit density gives the wine both immediate drinkability and modest ageing potential, making it a smart pick for both new and seasoned Merlot enthusiasts.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin: 89/100 (2016 Vintage)
- Andreas Larsso: 89/100 (2010 Vintage)
- Wine Enthusiast: 80/100 (2004 Vintage)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: The bouquet is complex and alluring, with aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, cassis, and dried herbs, layered with hints of cedar, tobacco, graphite, and subtle floral notes. The aromatics are refined, revealing the wine’s maturity and balance
Palate: On the palate, it is full-bodied yet polished, displaying velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Layers of blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, and cedar unfold seamlessly, with nuances of leather, tobacco, and earthy minerality, reflecting 25+ years of careful maturation
Finish: A long, lingering, and harmonious, with persistent notes of dark fruit, graphite, and subtle spice, leaving an impression of elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness — the hallmark of a collectable Opus One