FW South Africa Case

Sam Lambson, one of the most exciting producers in South Africa, produces elegant and peppery syrah from the cool, wet Elgin region. Inspired by the northern Rhône, his 2023 'No Place Like Home' uses 50% whole bunch fermentation to deliver impressive freshness alongside pure blueberry fruit, grippy tannins and pepper-spice lift. One for the syrah purists and sure to age well. Drink from 2025 to 2033. 13%

From ‘amazing granite soils’ close to the ocean on the excellent Rustenhof farm, the 2023 vintage of Lukas' Geronimo cinsault is drinking beautifully now. Spicily perfumed with juicy blueberry and redcurrant fruit on the palate and fine, ripe tannins, this is a dream lightly chilled.

Predominantly Simonsberg cabernet sauvignon, with portions of cabernet franc and petit verdot, this is a rich and full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend showing ripe blackberry and currant notes with savoury oak notes and a long, dry finish. Open and appealing in youth this can and will age.

Laser-focused 100% colombard from vines planted in 1978 in the cool Olifants River region of South Africa. Whole bunch pressed and fermented before maturation in 228-litre barrels on the gross lees for eight months this is vibrant and intense with great focus and concentration despite the low alcohol of just 11%. Orange blossom, peach, lime and sea spray define this crisp and mineral-driven white that is the perfect match for grilled seafood.

A new wine and producer to The Wine Society, Alex McFarlane is a young, energetic producer sourcing high-quality fruit from across the Western Cape including this Old Vine Certified Chenin Blanc (1988 - 1999) from Stellenbosch. From two rows at the bottom of the famed Karibib vineyard in the Polkadraai Hills and the remaining fruit coming close to the Bottleray Hills this is a rich, textural and apricot-laden chenin blanc showing great pithy freshness and long, concentrated finish.

Alex Milner is producing some of the Cape's (and therefore the world's) most exciting cinsaults all from Certified Old Vines, this one from a vineyard planted in 1972. This is the vineyard that Chris Alheit used to source his discontinued Flotsam and Jetsam from, and has now been taken over by Alex and produced in his stunning old-school cellars (formerly a stable) just outside of Stellenbosch. This is pale, perfumed and sensual on the palate with aromas of crushed rose petals, freshly ground spices, redcurrants and blood orange. Best served lightly chilled.