The Buyers' South African Picks Case

Ntsiki`s Western Cape blend has thrashed some impressive rivals in a previous Champions tasting and won again in 2023. This poised Stellenbosch cabernet can only add to her trophy cabinet.

New to us, and a wine that buyer Matthew Horsley has selected to show why he's so excited to be taking over as South Africa buyer, this bright, citrusy, creamy-textured Cape white is made from lightly barrel-fermented Franschoek fruit, and is the realisation of owner Mpelo Sikhwatha's dream.

This reigning Champ from chenin wizard Chris Alheit couldn`t fail with another year in bottle under its belt. ‘Gorgeous` and ‘super-smart` from South Africa buyer Jo Locke MW. Made from offcuts from his Alheit Vineyards range, this was part barrel-fermented and matured a little longer on the fine lees in 2021, bringing extra breadth and some toasty richness.

The Kliprug estate was planted in 1982 and consistently delivers generous, textured fruit supported by a touch of chalky minerality and freshness, here topped with seductive lemon-butter notes.

15% petit verdot adds a little spice and perspective to this rich, chocolatey, velvet-glove merlot. A hedonistic South African wine to indulge in.

Soft, chillable and so easy to enjoy, this is a delicious ambassador for the quality, value and finesse South Africa`s reds can offer. The country`s signature grape, pinotage, is blended expertly with syrah and handled gently in the winery by the outstanding Radford Dale team, resulting in a joyful, cherry-scented Wine Champion. Radford Dale are a brilliant case study in pioneering sustainable practices, despite challenging circumstances. They employ practical low-intervention solutions in the vineyards such as encouraging raptors to manage pests, and creating a natural water purification system with reeds. They also run a trust using revenue from the sale of wines of the Land of Hope range to fully pay all educational costs for the children of their black employees.