VAN LOVEREN AFRICAN JAVA PINOTAGE
R115,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
What makes African Java special is its Indulgent Profile. While many Pinotages strive for austerity, Van Loveren leans into the "Java" name, creating a wine that smells like a Parisian cafe. It is special because it offers an "Off-Dry" elegance—the residual sugar is just high enough to make it incredibly smooth on the palate without losing its red-wine soul.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards: Double Gold (2019), Gold (2021, 2022)
- Tim Atkin MW: 85-87/100
- Gilbert & Gaillard: 85/100 (2024 Vintage)
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 3 Stars
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: An immediate and seductive aromatic profile. The "Java" is front and centre with intense roasted coffee beans, followed by dark chocolate and a hint of smoky toast.
Palate: Vibrant and soft. A lush core of blackberry and mulberry fruit provides a sweet, juicy foundation. The mouthfeel is famously smooth with velvety tannins that make it incredibly easy to drink.
Finish: A rich and lingering aftertaste of smoky mocha and a touch of sweet vanilla spice.
VAN LOVEREN BLUE VELVET PINOT NOIR
R115,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Blue Velvet stands out because it brings Pinot Noir’s classic red-berry elegance and silky texture to a wine that remains affordable, approachable, and versatile. Van Loveren’s legacy and consistent quality from Robertson — a region better known for warm-climate reds — make this wine a dependable choice for both casual drinking and more thoughtful servings. It offers a smooth, fruit-forward profile that many find easy to enjoy now, while enough structure exists for modest cellaring. For collectors building a broad, drink-ready cellar, Blue Velvet hits the sweet spot between value and quality.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Wine style People's Wine Choice: Silver Medal
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Aromas of red berries — think raspberry, cranberry and cherry — with floral and subtle earthy undertones. Several retailers note upfront fruit flavours of raspberries and cranberries, and gentle spicy or earthy tones.
Palate: On the palate, Blue Velvet offers juicy red-fruit flavours — dark cherry, strawberry, raspberry — coupled with soft, gentle tannins and a smooth, medium-bodied texture. The wine delivers a refreshing balance of fruit and light structure, with a touch of spice or earthiness that adds subtle complexity.
Finish: The finish is clean and elegant, lingering with red fruit and a gentle, soft-spiced character rather than overwhelming oak or heavy tannins.
VEGA SICILIA COSECHA UNICO 1981
R19500,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Vega Sicilia Único is considered Spain’s greatest and most age-worthy wine, often compared to First Growth Bordeaux.
- The 1981 vintage was aged for over 20 years in barrel and bottle before release, a hallmark of Único’s unique ageing process.
- It is a collector’s treasure, with bottles from top vintages fetching high prices at auctions.
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 96/100
- Wine Spectator: 95/100
- James Suckling: 96/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Dried red and black fruit, leather, tobacco, cedar, vanilla, truffle, and earthy spice
Palate: Full-bodied yet elegant, with velvety tannins, well-integrated oak, and flavours of dark cherries, plums, liquorice, balsamic, and cigar box notes
Finish: The finish is long, harmonious, and persistent, echoing layers of dark chocolate, graphite, and earthy minerality, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication, depth, and rarity.
Ageing Potential: 40–50 years (still drinking well, with tertiary complexity at its peak)
VERGELEGEN RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
R375,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
This wine exemplifies the ability of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon to rival fine Bordeaux. It combines South-African terroir specificity, long cellaring potential, and serious structure. The “Reserve” title marks a step up from the estate’s regular bottlings — a wine built to age and deliver complexity over time.AWARDS:
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International Wine Challenge: Commended (2022), Bronze (2021).
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International Wine & Spirit Competition: Bronze (2022)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: A generous aromatic profile: rich dark fruits such as cassis and ripe plum, layered with blackcurrant and blueberry. Complemented by cedar, graphite, pencil shavings, tobacco and warm oak spice from French barrels.
Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, dark chocolate and mocha intertwine with cedar, liquorice and mineral undertones. Brooding but polished, with excellent depth.
Finish: The finish is long, persistent and satisfying: dark fruit, cocoa, graphite and tobacco linger, anchored by the firm backbone of tannin and minerality. A wine built for the long haul.
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.
WARWICK BLUE LADY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
R599,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
The Blue Lady represents the best of Stellenbosch terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon: power with elegance. It is the estate’s premium offering, showcasing the depth, structure and longevity of South African Cabernet with a refined approach. For collectors, it stands out as a benchmark South African Cabernet Sauvignon: high-end, limited production, crafted with precision. Moreover, the pedigree of Warwick Estate and its history lend added collector appeal.
AWARDS:
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The Trophy Wine Show: Bronze (2021), Silver (2020)
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: An expressive bouquet opens with blackcurrant, cassis and plum, layered with darker accents such as blackberry and blueberry, followed by refined notes of cedar, pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, and warm oak spice. Subtle undertones of dried herbs, graphite and charcoal add complexity and a sense of terroir.
Palate: Full‑bodied and richly textured, the Blue Lady offers finely etched, powdery tannins with excellent grip, framed by fresh acidity that maintains clarity and drive. Flavours of dark berries (black cherry, cassis), plum, mocha, and dark chocolate are supported by oak‑derived notes of cedar, liquorice, and pencil shavings. The structure is muscular yet refined, combining concentration with elegance.
Finish: The finish is long, lingering and satisfying — dark fruit and cocoa meld into graphite and tobacco leaf, while the fine tannins and acidity keep the finish clean and sustained. It leaves a clear impression of class, depth and cellaring potential.
WARWICK FIRST LADY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
R135,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
The First Lady stands out for offering premium South African Cabernet at a relatively accessible price point, while still delivering varietal integrity and cellaring potential. With 100 % Cabernet in Stellenbosch terroir, layered oak maturation, and consistent quality across vintages, it provides collectors with a wine that bridges everyday luxury and cellar-worthy appeal.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters: Gold 2024
- Tim Atkin: 94/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Deep ruby red colour leads to aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate, and bramble berries, layered with cedar, pencil shavings, cracked black pepper, thyme, and star anise.
Palate: Full-bodied yet balanced, the palate reveals ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, plum) and dark chocolate, supported by fine-grained tannins, a touch of oak-derived vanilla, and a savoury herbal edge of thyme and dried herbs. The structure is firm but approachable.
Finish: The finish is long and polished, leaving lingering notes of cocoa nibs, graphite, black pepper and dark fruits, tied together with a firm backbone of tannin and fresh acidity — giving it respectable cellaring potential.
WARWICK TRILOGY RED BLEND
R645,00Why is it Special?
What makes Trilogy special is its Legacy of Innovation. It was one of the first South African blends to successfully mirror the great wines of the Médoc while maintaining a distinct "Simonsberg" identity. It is "Special" because of the Cabernet Franc component, which lends the wine a unique, high-toned floral perfume and spicy lift that sets it apart from more heavy-handed blends. It is a wine that rewards patience, evolving from a vibrant fruit powerhouse into a complex, savory masterpiece over 10 to 20 years in the cellar.
Awards
- Tim Atkin MW: 93-95/100
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5 - 5 Stars
- James Suckling: 94/100
- Wine Enthusiast: 92/100
Tasting Notes
Nose: An aristocratic and complex bouquet. Immediate notes of blackcurrants and black cherries are layered with sophisticated hints of cedarwood, graphite, and a distinct dried herb perfume characteristic of Cabernet Franc. Palate: Full-bodied, poised, and impeccably balanced. The palate is a dense tapestry of bere is a refreshing acidity and a core of minerality that provides incredible length. Finish: Exceptionally long and dry. It leaves a savoury trail of baking spices, tobacco leaf, and a final, elegant whisper of toasty French oak.
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.
WELTEVREDE CIGARBOX SHIRAZ
R120,00Why is it Special?
What makes the Cigarbox special is its Aromatic Precision. Weltevrede has managed to capture the specific scent of an antique cedarwood cigar box—a nostalgic mix of dried herbs, wood spice, and leather—and marry it perfectly to the dark fruit of the Shiraz. It is "Special" because it offers a High-Concept Experience at a very accessible price point. It’s a wine with "personality" that stands out in a crowded market, making it the perfect gift for someone who appreciates the finer, more savoury details in a red blend.
Awards & Ratings
- Gold Wine Awards: A frequent medalist for "Exceptional Varietal Character and Value."
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4 Stars – "A characterful and well-structured Shiraz; smoky, spicy, and incredibly inviting."
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards: Recognized for its "Technical Excellence and Unique Aromatic Profile."
- Tim Atkin MW: 89-91/100
Tasting Notes
Nose: A nostalgic and complex bouquet. Expect an immediate, heady aroma of cedarwood and fresh tobacco leaf, followed by sophisticated layers of ripe plums, blackberries, and a hint of cracked black pepper.
Palate: Full-bodied, rich, and velvety. The palate is a dense tapestry of black cherries and mulberry, supported by firm but integrated tannins. There is a distinct savoury core of dried herbs and toasty oak.
Finish: A long and lingering finish. It leaves a savoury trail of smoke, leather, and a final, aristocratic whisper of dark chocolate.
WINE & CHILL NIGHT KIT
What’s in the Box?
Everything you need for a premium tasting session on your own couch:
- 1 x Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc (750ml): Crisp, zesty, and quintessentially Cape-cool.
- 1 x Durbanville Hills Chardonnay (750ml): A beautifully balanced white with a touch of cool-climate elegance.
- 1 x Kanonkop Kadette Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml): A bold, ruby-red powerhouse from the masters of Stellenbosch.
- 2 x FREE Plain Wine Glasses: Sturdy, elegant stemware perfect for any varietal.
- 1 x FREE Gincident Bottle Opener: Your new best friend for every "emergency" bottle opening.
Tasting Notes
Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc
Nose: An aromatic explosion of tropical fruit—think pineapple and granadilla—balanced by a fresh, herbaceous "green" whiff.
Palate: Zesty and bright. It’s packed with citrus flavours and a crisp acidity that wakes up the taste buds.
Finish: Clean and lingering with a signature mineral dry finish.
Durbanville Hills Chardonnay
Nose: A delightful mix of orange peel, pear, and a subtle hint of butterscotch and vanilla. Palate: Soft and creamy mouthfeel. You’ll taste ripe yellow fruit perfectly integrated with a very light touch of oak. Finish: Smooth and refreshing with a balanced, elegant end.Kanonkop Kadette Cabernet Sauvignon
Nose: Intense aromas of dark baked plums, blackcurrants, and a spicy touch of tea leaf and cedarwood.
Palate: Full-bodied and muscular. It’s a "proper" red with ripe tannins and layers of dark berry fruit.
Finish: Long, dry, and savoury—the kind of finish that practically begs for a piece of biltong or a steak.
Local Tip: Start with the Boschendal while the sun is up, move to the Chardonnay as dinner settles, and end the night with the Kanonkop Kadette for the ultimate "chill" finale.
ZANDVLIET ESTATE SHIRAZ
R160,00Why is it Special?
What makes Zandvliet special is its "Limestone Pedigree." The limestone soils of Robertson provide a natural acidity and a "fine-grained" tannin structure that is difficult to replicate in other regions. It is "Special" because of its Aromatic Consistency—the famous "Zandvliet Spice" (a mix of violet and black pepper) is a recurring theme across every vintage. It is a wine for those who appreciate history and site-specific character, offering a refined, elegant experience that proves Robertson is one of the world's premier destinations for Shiraz.
Awards & Ratings
- Tim Atkin MW: 91-92/100 – "A classic Robertson Shiraz; elegant, spicy, and beautifully defined by its limestone roots."
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4.5 Stars – "A perennial favourite; sophisticated and seamless with great ageing potential."
- Shiraz SA Challenge: A frequent Top 12 winner, cementing its place as an industry leader.
- Veritas Wine Awards: A legendary performer, consistently hauling Gold and Double Gold medals for decades.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A complex and seductive bouquet. Expect dominant aromas of dark plums and black cherries, layered with sophisticated hints of cracked black pepper, violets, and a touch of exotic aniseed.
Palate: Medium-to-full-bodied and impeccably balanced. The palate is a dense tapestry of bramble fruit and mulberry, supported by silky, fine-grained tannins. There is a savoury core of dried herbs and a hint of mocha.
Finish: A long, elegant, and dry finish. It leaves a lingering trail of savoury spice, cedarwood, and a final, aristocratic whisper of stony minerality.
ZONNEBLOEM CABERNET SAUVIGNON
R129,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
- Heritage: Zonnebloem is a storied estate, and its Cabernet reflects decades of viticultural tradition.
- Value: At a very accessible price point, this Cabernet offers excellent fruit and oak integration without the premium markup.
- Versatility: With its structure and balanced profile, it suits both immediate drinking and light cellaring (up to ~5 years in good conditions).
REVIEWS/AWARDS
- International Wine & Spirit Awards: Silver
- Tim Atkin: 89/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Deep red with purple edges, this Cabernet opens with elegant aromas of red berries (think cherry and blackcurrant), followed by oak spice, cloves, and a hint of earthiness.
Palate: On the palate, expect a full‑bodied wine with rich cherry and plum fruit, seamlessly integrated cloves, oak, and a touch of dark spice. There’s a nice balance between juicy fruit and structural tannins, making it approachable yet serious.
Finish: The finish is lingering and smooth — red fruit persists, supported by oak that adds subtle cedar and smoky undertones.
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
ZONNEBLOEM NOIR DE NOIR RED BLEND
R80,00Why is it Special?
What makes Noir de Noir special is its Sensory Focus. While many blends aim for "power," this wine aims for "Velvet." It is special because it targets a specific palate preference: the lover of dark, "black" flavours—think liquorice, blackberry, and cocoa. It is a heritage brand that has maintained its "Dark and Seductive" identity for decades, offering a reliable escape into a richer, smoother style of red wine that remains incredibly accessible.
Awards
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 3.5 - 4 Stars
- Gold Wine Awards: Gold medalist
- Tim Atkin MW: 87-88/100
Tasting Notes
Nose: A heady and mysterious bouquet. Expect an explosion of blackcurrants and ripe blackberries, followed by sophisticated layers of liquorice, aniseed, and a hint of sweet vanilla oak.
Palate: Sumptuous and incredibly smooth. The palate is a dense tapestry of dark plums and black cherries, supported by velvety, integrated tannins. There is a distinct "dark" chocolate and mocha character that provides a creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: A long, lingering finish that leaves a savoury trail of baking spices and a final, indulgent whisper of black fruit jam.
ZONNEBLOEM PINOTAGE
R130,00WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
Zonnebloem is special because of its Pedigree of Consistency. Since it was first bottled under this label in the mid-20th century, it has served as the "Steady Hand" of the industry. It is a wine that bridges the gap between affordable everyday luxury and serious cellar potential. It is one of the few wines that can claim to have been present at almost every significant South African celebration for the last 50 years.REVIEWS/AWARDS
- Tim Atkin MW: 89/100 (2022 Vintage)
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 4 Stars
- IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition): Gold Medal (2015 Vintage)
- Wine Searcher: 85/100
TASTING NOTES:
Nose: An elegant and inviting bouquet of dark purple fruits, specifically blackcurrants and plums. As the wine breathes, it reveals sophisticated layers of toasted oak spice, a hint of mocha, and a faint whisper of cloves.
Palate: Full-bodied and remarkably velvety. The palate is a burst of juicy cherries and wild berries, seamlessly integrated with vanilla and dark chocolate from the oak maturation. The tannins are firm yet "tamed," providing a sturdy but smooth mouthfeel.
Finish: A long, satisfying finish that lingers with notes of oak spice and a final, savoury hint of roasted nuts.
ZONNEBLOEM SHIRAZ
R130,00Why is it Special?
What makes Zonnebloem special is its "Pedigree of Reliability." In an industry of ever-changing trends, Zonnebloem has remained a steadfast benchmark for quality and value. It is "Special" because it offers Crafted Elegance—giving you the "cigar box" and "clove" notes of an ultra-premium wine in a format that is incredibly approachable. It is a wine that carries the "Zonnebloem Signature": a specific, velvety tannin structure that makes it one of the most consistently awarded and trusted Shiraz labels in South Africa.
Awards & Ratings
- Veritas Wine Awards: A frequent Gold medalist, celebrating its technical purity and ageing potential.
- Platter’s Wine Guide: 3.5 - 4 Stars – "A polished and well-weighted Shiraz; sophisticated, spicy, and consistently impressive."
Tasting Notes
Nose: A rich and inviting bouquet. Expect intense aromas of ripe plums and black cherries, followed by sophisticated layers of cracked black pepper, dried herbs, and a hint of sweet vanilla.
Palate: Full-bodied, concentrated, and incredibly smooth. The palate is a dense tapestry of blackberry jam and mulberry, supported by firm but integrated tannins. There is a beautiful core of savoury spice and toasty oak.
Finish: A long and lingering finish. It leaves a savoury trail of clove, cinnamon, and a final, aristocratic whisper of dark chocolate.