May Fine Wine Exploration Case

Possibly best known for its pinotage, Kanonkop maintains a stellar reputation for its Bordeaux grapes too. South Africa's Platter’s Guide gave this wine five coveted stars last year, describing its ‘aristocratically austere edge to its cassis and cigarbox notes and full-flavoured generosity.’

Balanced like a high-wire act, this is taut and steely Australian chardonnay, with a delicate hint of beeswax and citrus on the nose. The palate is focused and fine with lemon and green apple, a touch of flint and gooseberry. As with jazz, it's as much about the notes that aren't played as those that are. This is a wine that will pair beautifully with oily fish or shellfish.

Vibrant, mid-weight shiraz which is full of life and energy. Grown sustainably, foot trodden and wild fermented, this is a shiraz which is all about drinkability, juicy flavours and subtle winemaking. Bursting with notes of blackcurrant, plum and blueberry fruit and a delicious hint of mocha, liquorice and black pepper.

Made from a coolish hillside site for this variety to emphasize the plum and cedar aspects and avoid jamminess. This Chliean blend is ripe and powerful but also fresh and balanced. Matured 18 months in barrel to develop aromas and complexity.

A superb Argentine blend of 65% malbec, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 10% petit verdot matured for 16 months in French oak barriques. Malbec provides the flesh and plummy fruit, cabernet adds a cedary nuance and petit verdot provides some structure.

Made by master of Marlborough, Kevin Judd, this sauvignon has smart zesty aromas with lime, a hint of passion fruit and a mouthwatering salinity. The palate is focused and fresh with lemon zest, pithy apple and an elegant minerality. Textured and accomplished New Zealand sauvignon.