The Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge – Creation Wines’ Impressive New 2025 Releases Tasted and Reviewed…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

After spending three dedicated days in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in August 2026 my opinion remains reinforced that the Creation Winery remains one of the Hemel-en-Aarde’s most impressive and dependable producers for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the 2025 releases show exactly why. JC Martin and his team have a vintage here that plays directly to their region’s strengths – cool, restrained and firmly driven by acidity.

The growing season in the Walker Bay delivered modest yields, slow ripening and lovely natural freshness. The whites benefited most with the Chardonnays tight, linear and mineral, showing citrus and subtle oak notes, the Sauvignon Blancs crisp and unapologetically steely and cool-climate.

But Pinot Noir could be the star. It is brighter and more transparent than recent warmer years, with layers of overt red cherry, wild herbs and fine-grained tannins. Buy it and then be patient. This isn’t a showy vintage, but it’s a classy one. If you want finesse over fruit weight, these wines deliver. For the money, Creation remains among the most compelling premium producers in South Africa, especially for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

Owner JC Martin in the vineyards.

Creation New Releases 2025:

More normal yields and normal harvest time, but maybe 20% down on average as the vineyards recovered from the small yields of 2024, where Chardonnay was down around 50%. 

Creation Ridge Chardonnay 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.5% Abv.

Two 15-year-old blocks, using 100% malolactic, the aromatics show delicately reductive aromatics of struck flint, lemon peel, lemon grass, with a hint of green pear. Bright and intense, the clarity is notable, the limey citrus mouth wateringly tangy, crystalline and so pure. A benchmark for Walker Bay.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Creation Glenns Chardonnay 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.4% Abv. 

All barrel fermented, 33% new oak, there is a similar smoky, dusty reductive flint hint but with an extra richness and honeycomb notes, lemon cordial and delicate green apple notes. The slightly exotic wild yeast hints are there, combining with incredibly concentrated green citrus and lime peel, orange peel and tangerine. Finesse married with concentration and power. Wow.

(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Creation Art of Chardonnay 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.5% Abv. 

The Art plot planted in 2002 next to the entrance of Creation, uses clone CY95 and CY96, barrel fermented and aged for 11 months on its fine lees, in 30% new oak 228 litre barrels. Fabulous aromatic width and breadth, chalky, dusty, and mineral before yellow and green citrus, lemon and lime peel, with an intriguing depth and complexity. The acids are sweet and sour, incredibly tangy and intense, combining to produce such an amazingly piercing pure persistence.  Benchmark in every sense of the word!

(Wine Safari Score: 97/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Creation Ridge Pinot Noir 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv. 

Two vineyard blocks from the Creation farm, one 12 years old and one 15 years old, employing a 30% whole bunch portion. Full of chalky, musky red fruits, cranberry and pomegranate fruits. Crunchy and crisp in the mouth, the acids are saline and linear, super bright, showing plenty of tension in the mid palate, polished powdery tannins, with a hint of blood orange, pomegranate and stony, pithy spice.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Creation Emma’s Pinot Noir 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv. 

A slightly more west facing block, the fruit has a high build up in tannins and whole bunch has been reduced from 50% to 30%, nevertheless, the bright cherry, cranberry and violet aromatics shine, complementing wild strawberries with ground black pepper and a delicate blood orange nuance. The palate is fine grained, elegant and mineral, showing a more bramble berry spice profile, with a piercing precision and power aplenty. Always one of my absolute favourites. Do try this wine if you can find it.

(Wine Safari Score: 95+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Creation winemaker Gerhard Smith with owner JC Martin in the Creation barrel cellar.

Creation Art of Pinot Noir 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv. 

Also featuring a slightly reduced whole bunch portion, coming down from 60-70% to 50%, the wine is a more broody, black fruited expression, with a real harmony, balance and stability, marked with black fruits, bramble berry spice, the palate finishing with a slightly meatier, more savoury intensity and tannin density. This is simply class and would match or surpass many 1er Cru Gevrey-Chambertin Burgundies.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The Creation Wines are imported into the UK by Hallgarten Wines.

Tasting with the Vignerons de Franschhoek – Part 1: The Sparkling Cap Classique Wines of Le Lude… 

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

Vignerons de Franschhoek is the producer association of South Africa’s historic “French Corner,” founded in 1984 as part of the Franschhoek Wine Route and is credited with helping revive grape growing after many farmers started to move more towards growing orchards fruits. The Valley’s wine heritage dates back to the French Huguenot refugees who arrived in the Cape in the late 1680s, bringing their vine-growing expertise with them. Today the grouping represents the estates behind Franschhoek’s reputation as one of the Cape’s leading wine and food tourist destinations. As I discovered earlier this year, its members work with remarkably varied soils, slopes and microclimates, producing a diverse range of styles that reflect the Valley’s terroir diversity while actively promoting its quality both locally and internationally. For many consumers, the premium wines of the Franschhoek Valley ward remain a bit of an unknown entity. Follow my new 15 part series covering  some of the most exciting wineries in the Valley. 

Where better to kick things off than with bubbles!? Le Lude is now one of the most famous Cap Classique sparkling wine focused producers in South Africa, helping to make the Franschhoek Valley a real mecca for top quality Method Cap Classique bottle fermented fizz. They use their own Franschhoek grapes with a small amount of bought in fruit from Franschhoek itself as well as Stellenbosch, Elgin and Robertson. They only use their own Pinot Meunier grapes from a block planted in 2009. 

Normally moderately low sulphur Cap Classique with 50 to 70 ppm totals in the finished wines, the full range currently sits at 12 wines with around 90,000 bottles released per year. (Current retail prices for the Reserve is circa R420 per bottle or about €34 / £29, R650 for the Brut Vintage Rose 2019, R895 per bottle for the 2016 Vintage Brut and circa R1,195 for the Vintage Cuvee 2016.)

Le Lude Cap Classique Brut Reserve NV, 12% Abv.

(Based on the 2020 vintage) this is a blend of 69% Chardonnay and 31% Pinot Noir aged for at least 3 years on its lees. Disgorged with a low 1 to 2 g/l dosage, the final RS stands at 5.7g/l RS. Made in a consistent style using no oak and no malo, the aromatics show lifted fresh citrus fruits, glazed lemons and salted pistachios. The palate is fine grained, incredibly creamy with focus, freshness, tangy acids and a driving purity. A very impressive Cap Classique. (Circa 60,000 bottles produced.)

(Wine Safari Score: 94+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Le Lude Cap Classique Brut Reserve Rose NV, 12% Abv.

(Based on the 2023 vintage) A blend of 31% Chardonnay, 63% Pinot Noir and 6% Pinot Meunier with a 6.6g/l RS. Normally use a 1-to-2-day cold maceration on the Pinot Noir skins but in future will blend red base wines for the Rosé colour. A delightfully floral, lifted nose with attractive wild strawberries, earthy red cherries and macerated cranberries. The palate shows real intensity and concentration, bright tart acids buffered by fine grained creamy tannins and a tangy acidity. The mousse if fine and creamy, very refined and classy with impressive underlying precision, finishing with a pronounced salty tang. Top notch Cap Classique. (Circa 40,000 bottles produced.)

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Le Lude Cap Classique Brut Vintage 2016 Limited Release, 12% Abv.

A blend of 72% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Noir and 4% Pinot Meunier aged for just under 9 years and disgorged in June 2026 with zero dosage with a final 3.4g/l RS. Aromatics show an intense salted brioche character with glaces Lemons, dried herbs, lemon peel and honeycomb. I the mouth the wine is expansive, plush and concentrated with linear acids, a very fine-grained creamy mousse and a long, bright, citrus laden finish but with the extra vintage character and power evident. (1,550 bottles produced with only 330 disgorged and released so far.)

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The La Vierge Winery Reemerging As One of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge’s Top Fine Wine Terroirs…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

La Vierge sits in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge ward, a high, wind-swept corner of South Africa’s Walker Bay, just a few kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Here the vineyards climb through weathered Bokkeveld Shale and Clay soils, the kind of ancient, mineral-rich ground that gives wines both structure and a distinctive sense of place. Altitude and proximity to the cooling ocean mean that morning mists and steady maritime breezes temper even the warmest of summer days.

This is genuine cool-climate terroir. Long, slow ripening helps preserve a vibrant natural acidity while allowing flavours to develop with real depth, which is precisely what Chardonnay and Pinot Noir demand. The Chardonnays show plenty of citrus and orchard fruit characters, taut minerality, and a gentle creaminess from careful barrel work, finishing with the tell tale coastal linearity and saline freshness. The Pinot Noirs are elegant and ethereal rather than heavy, offering red cherry, wild strawberry, and forest-floor complexity, supported by fine tannins and bright, vibrant acidities.

Together, the wines reflect a philosophy of restraint and precision, letting the vineyard speak rather than the cellar. Comparisons to Burgundy are common, yet these bottles carry an identity entirely their own: purity of fruit, tension, and an unmistakable saline coastal character. For anyone exploring the Cape’s finest expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, La Vierge is an essential destination.

Peter Clarke started La Vierge over 26 years ago planting virgin soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge.

I met up with co-owner Murray Clarke in London back in May when La Vierge was appointing a new UK importer. Murray returned to London in September to meet the wine trade and press and I got another opportunity to assess a number of the current release wines available from La Vierge.

La Vierge The Crab & the Heron Sauvignon Blanc 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.5% Abv.

95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Semillon blend, all Ridge fruit. Delicately tropical and fresh with aromatics of white flowers, green fruits, gooseberry, lime peel, green apple and a delicate lemon grass hint. Deliciously zippy and vibrant, the acids invigorating the palate with a steely, electric intensity, showing green mango, black currant, crystalline orchard fruits, finishing with a delightfully umami, saline, linear finish. A superb Sauvignon Blanc with great appeal. 

(Wine Safari Score: 93/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The Story Teller Range

La Vierge The Turtle & the Shark Chardonnay 2024, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv.

This Chardonnay displays a limestone minerality with Granitic dust, lemon grass, lime peel, and a delicately exotic white blossom perfume. Cool and steely, the palate bristles with maritime salinity, tart green apples and crunchy pear notes with a delicious leesy, lemon biscuit and salted pistachio nuttiness on the long finish. A very classy cool climate Chardonnay.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

La Vierge Estate Chardonnay 2023, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv.

This Chardonnay is a stonier, mineral laden aromatic expression, layered with overt limestone minerality, green apple and pear fruit nuances. Full and fleshy in the mouth, the salty tart acids adding an enticing frame and structure, balancing the crystalline green citrus fruits with a delicately aromatic, classically dry, tangy finish. A benchmark expression.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

La Vierge The Fairy & the Crocodile Pinot Noir 2023, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv. 

The aromatics are deep, broody and maritime with pronounced notes of kelp and nori, the umami hints melting away into perfumed cherry blossom, cranberry and subtle tart cherry nuances. Supple, soft and fleshy on the palate, the acids are delightfully saline and tart, crystalline, pinpoint and beautifully focused. Steely and classical, this is a very classy and pure expression.

(Wine Safari Score: 93/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

La Vierge Estate Pinot Noir 2023, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13% Abv. 

Sourced from a single block of fruit, the aromatics show nervy, spicy, peppery black fruit aromatics, layered with oyster shell, hints of kelp and sappy black currants. Super cool, harmonious and sleek, the wine is incredibly accessible and elegant, the finish pure, long and savoury with a phenolic chalky grip. Abeautiful classically structured Pinot Noir from the Ridge.

(Wine Safari Score: 93+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

La Vierge The Giant Tortoise & the Clever Monkey Syrah 2022, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.5% Abv.

A dark broody cool climate expression of Syrah with complex aromatics of black currant, pepper corns, graphite and minty cassis. Sleek and delightfully elegant, the tannins are supple, sleek and accessible supported by a bright, juicy, weightless red and black berry medley of fruits. Deliciously tangy and generous yet impressively precise.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

La Vierge The Upside Down Tree of Life Red Blend 2022, 13.5% Abv.

An exotic blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this shows classical aromatics of cedar spice, pressed violets, tilled earth and a mix of red and black berry fruits. The acids are tart and fresh, the texture sleek, tight knit and vibrant, showing a pithy, stony black currant and black cherry finish. A well-constructed wine with a harmonious symmetry.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The La Vierge wines are imported into the UK exclusively by Museum Wines.

Domaine Bruno Desaunay – Bissey: Burgundy’s Quiet Overachiever…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

As prices for Burgundy’s marquee names climb beyond the reach of all but the deepest pocketed cellars, discerning collectors are looking beyond the overtly famous labels for estates that deliver the same terroir pedigree without the accompanying pricing frenzy. Few fit that brief better than Domaine Bruno Desaunay-Bissey’s wines. Based in Flagey-Echézeaux, the heart of Burgundy’s Grand Cru country, Bruno built his domaine through a patchwork of purchases and family successions, most notably with his father-in-law, Daniel Bissey. The result is a compact estate of around six hectares spread across five communes of the Côte de Nuits – a domaine that is small, personal and entirely hands-on.

The portfolio reads like a roll call of the appellations collectors prize, including Chambolle-Musigny Combe d’Orveaux, Vosne-Romanée Premiers Crus such as Les Beaux-Monts and Les Rouges, Vieilles Vignes Echezeaux Grand Cru, and at the summit, a Vieilles Vignes Grands-Echezeaux Grand Cru. Several parcels are old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, farmed without pesticides or herbicides since 2007. So why does the estate remain a bit of a secret? Predictably, the production is tiny, there is no marketing machine, and Bruno, in his lifetime, never courted the spotlight. His wines are now discovered by word of mouth, passed between growers, merchants and devoted Burgundy lovers who make their pilgrimage to their cellar door.

For the collector, within that relative obscurity lies the true opportunity. These are wines from some of the world’s most coveted vineyard sites, made with incredible care that are still very reasonably priced, sitting well below their more fashionable neighbours. In a market increasingly defined by hype, Desaunay-Bissey offers true authenticity and, for the time being, amazing relative value, quality considered. 

I recently got the opportunity to revisit two of Desaunay-Bissey’s great cuvées, one Premier Cru and one Grand Cru. Both exceptional, youthful and utterly spellbinding Burgundies.

Domaine Bruno Desaunay-Bissey Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux-Monts 2018, 14% Abv. 

Sourced from an 80+ year old vines, this wine shows pure class and allows its pedigree to shine through in this serious expression of Vosne Romanee. One of the most respected 1er Cru vineyards delivers quality in bucket loads in 2018 with even more perfume, lift and intricacy than the village wine. The aromatics display a splendid array of crunchy wild strawberries, red and black cherries, subtle dried herbs and alluring Vosne spice. The palate reveals incredible depth and breath with piercing mouth-watering concentration, fine-grained tannins like polished marble and a tart, bright maritime salinity on the finish that retains a seductive kiss of pink rock candy. This is a very serious effort indeed. An utterly seductive Pinot. Drink now to 2038+.

(Wine Safari Score: 95+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Domaine Bruno Desaunay-Bissey Echezeaux Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes 2014, 13.5% Abv. 

Made from old vines planted in 1902, 1940 and 1945, this Grand Cru red shows a classically broody demeanour to begin with before opening up to reveal a complex array of red and black berry fruits on the nose, seamlessly integrated oak and a subtle freshly tilled earth savoury note. Broad, suave and texturally plush, this is a wine to savour, to lose yourself in and to allow the more intricate finery to reveal itself slowly over time in the glass. The texture is dense, compact, almost creamy, with fine maturing tannins, layers of bright blueberry, cassis and Fraises des Bois notes that linger for an age on the finish. Grand Cru Burgundy is not just about more dialled up volume, it’s about intricacy and complexity of rhythm, more drum, more base and an altogether more melodic crescendo. Drink now to 2038+.

(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The wines of Domaine Bruno Desaunay-Bissey are imported exclusively into the UK by Musigny Wines. Contact Andrew to request the current availability.

Andrew@musigny.wine

Celebrating 25 Years of Vintage Excellence with the 2001 Chateau La Croizille Saint Emilion Grand Cru… 

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

Perched on the clay-limestone slopes of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Château La Croizille sits between Tertre Roteboeuf and Troplong Mondot. The De Schepper family acquired it in 1996, so the 2001 was made early in their stewardship. This was well before the cellar rebuild and the estate’s elevation to Grand Cru Classé in 2022. 

The vineyard is small, about five hectares, planted roughly 85% Merlot, which suited 2001 well. The vintage began with a mild, damp winter and a changeable spring, but flowering went off successfully. Summer turned warm and largely dry, with an August heat spell that put pressure on younger vines. Early September brought some showers, but a settled, sunny spell followed. That let Merlot on cool clay-limestone soils ripen steadily, and it was picked in late September and early October. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon followed afterward.

The view over the amphitheatre from the La Croizille tasting room.

2001 is generally regarded as a classic, balanced Right Bank year rather than a blockbuster: fresh acidity, moderate alcohol and supple, elegant fruit. For La Croizille, a Merlot-led estate on well-drained hillside soils, those conditions point to a finessed, fragrant wine. Today it is a delicately mature wine that’s drinking very well indeed!

Chateau La Croizille 2001, Saint Emilion Grand Cru, 13% Abv.

The La Croizille Saint Emilion site is located on the hills of the Saint Emilion plateau, amongst one of the richest terroirs of the entire appellation, their five hectares of vineyards including significant different plots on the famous amphitheatre. At 25 years old, this sumptuous red bears testament to the pedigree of not only the limestone vineyard site but also to the impressive winemaking acumen of winemaker Jean Michel Garcion. While we all now know that the 2001 vintage was a much more distinguished harvest than was ever acknowledged at the time, perhaps being overshadowed by the excellence of the preceding 2000 vintage, in recent years, the wines have really started to shine. This 25 year old red blend shares the true brilliance of the 2001 vintage, beautifully fragrant and elegantly seductive the moment the cork is pulled, showing layers of dried violets, wet tobacco leaf,  black chai tea, black currant and dusty cigar box. The palate is pinpoint and focused, incredibly pure, silky and fresh, the acids adding a certain linearity to the palate structure, before a long, spicey, effortlessly weighted finish with tart red currant, red plum, graphite and a sappy intensity. This is classy, classical Bordeaux at its best. 

(Wine Safari Score: 95+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)  

For ex-cellar prices and vintage availability, contact Anthony Crameri.

Email: anthony_crameri@orange.fr

Raats Family Wines in the Polkadraai Hills Releases a Stellar Line-up of New 2024 and 2025 Vintages…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

Few South African producers have committed themselves to a pair of cultivars as completely as Stellenbosch producer Bruwer Raats. Since founding Raats Family Wines in 2000, he has worked almost exclusively with Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and built his reputation on the decomposed Granitic soils of the Polkadraai Hills, back then a little-regarded corner of Stellenbosch facing False Bay.

Bruwer Raats in his Eden Cabernet Franc vineyard.

For collectors, Bruwer’s Eden High Density Single Vineyard range has become the summit of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc quality. Planted in the late 2000s just behind the family home, these densely planted, individually staked vines were designed strictly for quality from the start. The Eden Chenin Blanc, from 0.6 hectares, is textural, savoury and tightly focused, with a long pithy finish and the poise to age. The Eden Cabernet Franc comes from a mere 0.2 hectares and is made in tiny quantities, often just a few hundred bottles. It is always highly perfumed, fine-tannined and elegant, which explains not only its cult following but also its place among the Cape’s most sought-after red wines.

The Vlag Vineyard Selection Cabernet Franc offers a complementary expression of Polkadraai Hills fruit. It is slightly more accessible in availability, and a good way to understand the Raats house style before pursuing the rarer Eden bottlings. Across all the range, the signature is precision over power, or as Bruwer puts it, ‘quality by design,’ which makes these wines compelling additions for any fine wine collectors’ cellar!

Walking the Eden vineyard with Bruwer.

I spent two days with Bruwer in August 2026 and tasted through all his new releases. I also walked the Eden vineyard to inspect the new plantings that are being planned, the soil currently under preparation. 

Raats Family Wines Proxima Centauri Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Polkadraai Hills, 13% Abv.

This special Chenin Blanc cuvee made by Sam Raats forms the fourth official release of the Proxima Centauri range specially released to the Raats Family Wines tasting room and mailing list membership. The 2025 cuvee is made from two vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills, 85% from bush vines in the ‘Bluegums’ vineyard (on mostly sandy Granitic soils) and 25% from ‘Somerlus’ vineyard grown on complex Granitic soils with more clay content that adds an extra layer of richness and power to the wine. Aged for 11 months in 300 litre second fill French oak barrels with tight grain and blonde toasting, the aromatics are quite entrancing, the tight grained French oak spice melting away into white peach, bruised yellow orchard fruits, delicately savoury leesy biscuit notes and wet straw nuances. The palate stops you dead in your tracks – intense, piercing and polished with an incredible concentration of peach and quince fruits, waxy bergamot lemons and sour yellow plums. Astonishing freshness, fruit power and focus all assembled with an incredibly deft, finessed touch. Simply a masterpiece of winemaking. Drink now to 2036+.

(Wine Safari Score: 97/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Sneak preview tasting of the MR de Compostella 2024 and 2025 barrel samples with Bruwer Raats.
An unlabelled Raats Family Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2025.

Raats Family Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Polkadraai Hills, 13% Abv.

Made from three blocks of Chenin Blanc with an average age of 55 years old, this 2025 release was 50% whole bunch pressed into neutral oak barrels and aged for 11 months after natural yeast fermentation. A 30% component was fermented in a concrete egg and aged for 11 months on its lees, with the remaining 20% fermented and aged for 11 months in stainless steel tanks. The aromatics on this 2025 Chenin Blanc show a delightfully floral, peachy lift defined by a beautiful purity and clarity, with delicate hints of honied quince, pear and apple puree nuances developing in the glass. The palate shows a harmonious breadth and depth, cool, creamy and seamlessly glycerol and fleshy in the mouth with wonderful precision, peachy fruit phenolics and a finely integrated oak spice all tightly woven together by a bright, crystalline tangy acidity. More sophisticated than showy, this is a confident, self-assured wine with a clear and present pedigree on display. Drink not to 2036+.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Raats Family Wines Eden High-density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2024, WO Polkadraai Hills, 13% Abv.

The 2024 Eden Chenin Blanc was aged 30% in a new 500 litre Chassin French oak barrel for 11 months with the remaining 70% aged in concrete egg. The aromatics are incredibly complex and sophisticated interweaving hints of peach skins, waxy yellow apples and sappy sandalwood spices before a more pronounced top note of orange peel and honeycomb emerge from the glass. The palate is cool, supple and silky soft, the acids harmoniously fresh and integrated with a delicately fleshy tangy intensity alongside dried guava and sweet orange peel notions. A bold, regal wine that slowly reveals its complexity and sophistication at its own pace, finishing with a subtle mineral Granitic suggestion. A super premium, classical 2024 vintage Chenin Blanc where power and muscle is replaced with elegance and finesse and the fruit weight shines with a real purity, transparency and persistency making this a real pleasure to enjoy already in its youth. Drink on release to 2038+.

(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Raats Family Wines Proxima Centauri Red Blend 2024, WO Polkadraai Hills, 13.5% Abv.

The red blend in the Proxima Centauri range is a room for experimentation for Sam Raats, changing in character slightly every year. This year, inspired by Mendoza, Argentina, the blend sees a tilt toward experimenting with 60% Malbec in the cuvee sourced from the Baken Block in the ‘Bluegum’ vineyard planted in 2008, with 40% Cabernet Franc coming from the Vlag Block on the Carinus farm across the road from the Raats cellar, planted in 2021. The single barrel blend was aged in a 300-litre used neutral oak French barrel for 18 months. The aromatics are lifted and plush, deliciously hedonistic with rich textured notes of sappy Malbec black berry fruits, black currant, graphite and black chai tea nuances before being pierced with an arrow line of Cabernet Franc musky perfume and cedar lead pencil spice. The palate is crisp and bright, medium bodied with a crunch, a linear acidity and a chalky, powdery tannin texture supported by backing notes of red currant, black currants and sour plum fruits. This is a majestically pure, chiselled wine with all the clarity and precision of the 2024 vintage – both linear, fresh and fabulously polished and tight grained on the long bright finish. A complex, well-constructed counterpart to the Proxima Centauri Chenin Blanc. Drink from 2027 to 2040+.

(Wine Safari Score: 94+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Raats Family Wines Vlag Vineyard Selection Cabernet Franc 2024, WO Polkadraai Hills, 13.5% Abv.

Sourced from two vineyards on the Vlaeberg mountain, one planted in 2002 on high mid-slopes, and the other from a mid-slope vineyard planted in 2008. 33% open tank fermentation and then transferred to a new 500 litre Chassin French oak barrel as well as several older neutral older barrels. 33% was fermented and aged in concrete tanks, with the remainder tank fermented and then aged in 2500 litre French oak fourdre. The aromatics on the 2024 are incredibly taut, tight and restrained, almost smoky from the dusty Granitic spice, before hints of saline black currant, maritime sea breeze, lead pencil cedar and nori kelpy spice. The texture is tight grained, stony but also finely polished with powdery tannins, fresh linear acids and a chiselled nervy finish. The purity is impressive, showing a medley of black berry fruits, black currants and a kiss of pithy sappy black cherry all wrapped in a beautifully suave, chalky, powdery mineral frame. All the class and sophistication you would want from a premium Cabernet Franc along with 2024’s purity and mineral laden character. Drink on release to 2040+.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Raats Family Wines Eden High-density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2024, WO Polkadraai Hills, 13% Abv.

This tiny 0.2 Ha Single Vineyard planted in 2009 right next to the Raats cellar on the Vlaeberg Road, is a high-density block with 8,000 vines per hectare. With the first vintage made in 2014, this 11th vintage shows all the regal grandeur, precision and opulence of a genuinely global iconic benchmark Cabernet Franc site capable of rivalling anything produced from this cultivar any where in the world. With only circa 500 litres made, the wine goes into a new Chassin tight grained lightly toasted French oak barrel for 11 months, before being transferred into a 5th fill of exactly the same barrel for another 9 months. The aromatics are incredibly complex and suave, revealing a sophisticated, super-premium character with a finely poised mix of violets, pink musk, gun flint, black berries, blueberries and a kiss of tight grained, almost Burgundian oak spice. This smells premium and also tastes super premium, with the palate showing an incredibly fine-grained texture, powdery chalky tannins and a refreshingly bright well integrated acidity. Where many 2024 reds show light touch intensity and linearity, this Eden Cabernet Franc reveals extra dimensions of fruit concentration, refined elegance, length and structure. Simply benchmark quality for this cultivar once again. Drink now to 2040+.

(Wine Safari Score: 97/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The Raats Family Wines are imported into the UK by Alliance Wines.

From the Fine Wine Safari Cellar – Part 12: Tasting the Crystallum Clay Shales 2014 Chardonnay from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

Crystallum is one of South Africa’s most compelling and impressive boutique wineries, founded by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson in the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. Since its establishment, the estate has built a reputation as a benchmark producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, wines that reflect a distinctly Burgundian sensibility while remaining unmistakably expressive of their local South African terroir.

Crystallum’s Chardonnays are particularly celebrated for their precision, tension, and mineral-driven character, achieved through meticulous vineyard selection, whole-bunch pressing, wild yeast fermentation, and thoughtful use of older oak that allows fruit and site to speak clearly rather than being overshadowed by winemaking. Among these, the Clay Shales Chardonnay stands out as a wine of remarkable focus and individuality. Named for the distinctive clay-shale soils from which it is sourced, this cuvée captures the interplay between soil, cool maritime climate, and careful cellar craft. It typically shows a taut, saline minerality layered beneath ripe citrus and orchard fruit, with a textural richness balanced by vibrant acidity. The result is a Chardonnay of both elegance and structure, capable of ageing gracefully while offering immediate pleasure – a fitting emblem of Peter-Allan’s broader philosophy of letting terroir lead the way.

Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2014, WO Overberg, 13.5% Abv.

The 2014 vintage was a cooler year in South Africa and this deliciously youthful 2014 from Peter-Allan Finlayson is an absolute stunner! The Clay Shales cuvee is of course Crystallum’s top white, and this classy expression simply shines, brimming with fresh, pithy, herby aromatics of white flowers, honey suckle, lemon cordial, dried baking herbs and a delicate limestone minerality over defined leesy biscuit nuances. In the mouth, the wine is cool, fresh and crisp, the flavours taut and tight, incredibly pure and vivid with a crystalline white citrus freshness, tangy orange peel-tinged acids, notes of brioche, lemon pith, yellow grapefruit and lemon cream biscuits on the dry pithy finish. But it is the youthful clarity and structure of the wine that is simply astounding at almost 13 years old! If this wine’s ageing is linear, on the basis of this incredible bottle (sealed under DIAM and wax), it will age easily another 10+ years beneficially. What an incredible treat… for a bottle purchased on release!

(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Crystallum Wines are imported into the UK by Liberty Wines.

Domaine Jerome Galeyrand’s Stunning New 2024 Burgundies Tasted in London…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

Over the past few years, Jérôme Galeyrand has emerged as one of Burgundy’s most quietly compelling winemakers, crafting fine wines in Gevrey-Chambertin that have quickly gained a devoted following far beyond what his modest production would suggest. Originally from the Loire, Jérôme does not come from a winemaking family, working for eight years in the food industry before turning his hand to winemaking, bringing a new sensibility to his craft, one with an instinct for balance, transparency, and drinkability that runs through every cuvée he produces.

Working with parcels across the Côte de Nuits, Jérôme favours a light touch in the cellar: whole-bunch fermentation, minimal extraction, gentle use of oak, and an unwavering focus on freshness over power. This philosophy has made his red Pinot Noir wines extraordinarily expressive of site and vintage, with a purity of fruit and a silky, energetic texture that has drawn comparisons to some of the region’s most revered producers… or part of a new group of vignerons that I personally like to call “the New Burgundy.”

His village and Premier Cru bottlings from Gevrey-Chambertin in particular have become highly sought after, prized for their perfumed elegance, textural precision, fine-grained tannins, and a remarkable sense of place, all qualities that belie their relatively accessible origins. As allocations have tightened and word has spread among collectors and sommeliers ‘in the know’, Jérôme’s reds have taken on somewhat of a cult status, personifying what many critics consider the new guard of Burgundian winemaking: precise, honest, and deeply terroir driven.

But nothing announces cult status quite like the production of a Grand Cru Burgundy. With the 2023 vintage, Jérôme produced four barrels of the revered Grand Cru red from the Clos de Vougeot vineyard as well as his first Meursault village white. Visiting Jérôme at his new cellar in Gevrey in November 2025, I got to taste the follow up vintages of both the Meursault and his Clos de Vougeot from the tiny 2024 harvest. Indeed, Jérôme only managed to produce two barrels of Clos de Vougeot in this vintage but boy what an incredible wine it has proved to be.

While Jérôme was over in London for En-primeur tastings in March 2026, trade and press were treated to another tasting of a tank sample of his fabled Clos de Vougeot 2024 Grand Cru at an event organised by his exclusive UK importer, Andrew Pavli of Musigny Wines. With all the 2024 Galeyrand wines having recently arrived into UK bonded storage, Musigny Wines took this opportunity to arrange another exceptional tasting of a selection of Jérôme’s 2024 releases at the 1 Star Michelin Restaurant Chez Bruce. The wines are now available, and remaining stocks are currently being allocated by Musigny Wines.

Domaine Jerome Galeyrand Meursault Au Village 2024

Aged for 14 months in barrel, 25% new oak, this is another very classy expression of Meursault with complex aromatics of green apple, lemon grass, and wet stone minerality. Youthful and punchy, the depth and power are super impressive, with a full throttle tangy acidity, green apple cordial notes, white peach and a leesy, biscuity depth. Phenomenal concentration, precision and harmonious balance. This is another step up in quality on the maiden 2023 vintage. 

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Domaine Jerome Galeyrand Cotes de Nuits Village Les Retraits 2024

This iconic vineyard next door to Frederic Mugnier’s Clos de la Marechale Monopole offers an intricacy and complexity almost unmatched. Layered aromatics with limestone, chalk, sapidity, wood spice and black cherry follow to a fully loaded palate packed with bramble berries, blueberries, piercing salinity and a velvety concentration that leaves you in awe. Massive concentration, effortless power, and undoubtedly one of the finest Retraits expressions I have tasted from Jérôme yet. Truly iconic!

(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Domaine Jerome Galeyrand Nuits Saint Georges Vieilles Vignes 2024

The 2024 Nuits Saint Georges from Jerome announces itself from the glass with aromas of dark damson plums, blueberries, Christmas spices, dark chocolate and delicate woodsmoke nuances. Medium-bodied, this impressive young wine is ample, fresh and perfumed with a sweet core of broody black berry fruits, powdery precise tannins and an elegant persistence. This fourth vintage could be Jerome’s best yet and is already drinking beautifully. Effortlessly classy.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Domaine Jerome Galeyrand Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2024 

Only two barrels produced with 18 months of ageing in barrel and bottled in April 2026. The aromatics offer up a wealth of depth and breadth with plenty of perfumed violet fragrance, earthy black berry fruit notes, wood spice and a smoky graphite complexity. The palate shows weight and power, a sleek mineral limestone depth with chalky tannins and ample pithy black cherry and bramble berry fruit intensity of the finish. A very taut, chiselled, seriously impressive Grand Cru wine.

(Wine Safari Score: 95+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The wines of Jerome Galeyrand are exclusively imported into the UK by Musigny Wines. To request a trade allocation, contact:

andrew@musigny.wine

The famous lobster raviolo at Chez Bruce.
Venison and Pinot Noir – the perfect pairing.
The famous Mullineux Straw Wine from the Swartland served with dessert.
Grower Champagne Petit & Bajan to kick off proceedings at Chez Bruce. Imported exclusively into the UK by Musigny Wines.

Cape Winemakers Guild Auction 2026: Quick Reference Summary of the Wines’ Critical Scores…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

The 2026 Cape Winemakers Guild Auction returns to Brickfield Canvas in Cape Town on Friday, 2nd October and Saturday, 3rd October 2026, offering rare, small-batch wines crafted exclusively for the sale by South Africa’s most respected, peer-nominated winemakers. For over four decades, this auction has been the premier showcase of the country’s finest cellars, drawing serious collectors seeking exceptional, hard-to-find bottles. 

JD Pretorius (Warwick Estate) and David Sadie (David & Nadia), Guild members.

To bid, register a Bidder’s Account with Strauss & Co before Thursday, 1 October — one registration covers both sessions, with online, telephonic, and commission bidding available worldwide. Whether you attend in person or bid remotely, this is your chance to secure some exceptional South African wine history.

Gary Jordan, long time Guild member.

Auction Wines’ Critic Scores:

CE = Christian Eedes, Editor, Winemag.co.za (Tasted and Rated Sighted)

MF = Michael Fridjhon, Trophy Wine Show & Business Day (Tasted and Rated Blind)

GSMW = Greg Sherwood MW, A Fine Wine Safari (Tasted and Rated Sighted)

AA Badenhorst Akkerbos Grenache Blanc 2025, WO Swartland, 12.86% Abv.

94 CE | 87 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Ataraxia Echo of Earth Pinot Noir 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.27% Abv.

93 CE | 91 MF | 93+ GSMW

 

Ataraxia Under The Gavel Chardonnay 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 12.98% Abv.

93 CE | 93 MF | 93 GSMW

 

Bartho Eksteen Vloekskoot Sauvignon Blanc – Op Hout 2025, WO Cape South Coast, 13.78% Abv.

94 CE | 94 MF | 94+ GSMW

 

Beaumont Family Wines GG’s Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Bot River, 12.33% Abv.

96 CE | 96 MF | 96 GSMW

 

Beaumont Family Wines Hope Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Bot River, 12.07% Abv.

95 CE | 92 MF | 94+ GSMW

Gary Jordan tasting Abrie Beeslaar’s CWG wine.

Beeslaar CWG Pinotage 2024. WO Stellenbosch, 14.25% Abv.

96 CE | 92 MF | 96 GSMW

 

Boschkloof CWG Auction Epilogue Syrah 2024, WO Stellenbosch, 13.66% Abv.

98 CE | 94 MF | 97+ GSMW

 

Cederberg Black Slate Shiraz 2024, WO Cederberg, 13.66% Abv.

92 CE | 95 MF | 95 GSMW

 

David & Nadia Veiling Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Paardeberg, 11.85% Abv.

96 CE | 94 MF | 95 GSMW

 

David Finlayson Wines Sleepless Nights Grenache Noir 2024, WO Stellenbosch, 13.6% Abv.

91 CE | 89 MF | 92 GSMW

 

De Grendel Rietfontein Syrah 2023, WO Ceres Plateau, 13.74% Abv.

93 CE | 94 MF | 93+ GSMW

 

De Grendel West Side Merlot 2024, WO Cape Town, 14.58% Abv.

92 CE | 94 MF | 93 GSMW

 

De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon 2024, WO Stellenbosch, 15.04% Abv.

91 CE | 93 MF | 93+ GSMW

 

De Trafford Chenin Blanc L17 2025, WO Stellenbosch

94 CE | 95 MF | 95 GSMW

 

Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, WO Banghoek, Stellenbosch, 14.71% Abv.

95 CE | 97 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Dewaldt Heyns Family Wines Saailand Shiraz 2024, 14.11% Abv.

92 CE | 92 MF | 93 GSMW

Erika Obermeyer Wines Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, WO Stellenbosch, 14.5% Abv.

94 CE | 94 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Erika Obermeyer Wines Silver Linings 2023, WO Coastal, 14.72% Abv.

91 CE | 93 MF | 94 GSMW

65% Syrah, 17% Grenache Noir, 12% Cinsault, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 

Ernie Els CWG 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 14.23% Abv.

94 CE | 92 MF | 94 GSMW

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault. 

 

Frans K. Smit Sentinel Red 2022, WO Stellenbosch, 14.5% Abv.

94 CE | 92 MF | 94 GSMW

66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. 

 

Frans K. Smit Sentinel White 2025, WO Coastal, 13.01% Abv.

93 CE | 95 MF | 94 GSMW

Gary Jordan presenting the Hamilton Russell CWG Chardonnay.

Hamilton Russell Vineyards CWG Chardonnay 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 13.01% Abv. 

94 CE | 95 MF | 95 GSMW

 

Jordan CWG Chardonnay 2025, WO Stellenbosch, 12.73% Abv.

92 CE | 90 MF | 94+ GSMW

 

Jordan Sophia 2024, WO Stellenbosch, 14.2% Abv.

93 CE | 95 MF | 95 GSMW

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Petit Verdot

 

Kaapzicht The Auction 1947 Chenin Blanc 2025, Bottelary, Stellenbosch, 13.38% Abv.

94 CE | 94 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Keermont Vineyards Where Mountains Meet 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 14.17% Abv.

93 CE | 94 MF | 94 GSMW

40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Kershaw Wines Vertiginous Pinot Noir 2024, WO Elgin, 13.26% Abv.

94 CE | 95 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Kershaw Wines Ziggurat Chardonnay 2025, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 13.34% Abv.

95 CE | 96 MF | 97 GSMW

 

Le Riche CWG Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 14.25% Abv.

94 CE | 93 MF | 95 GSMW

 

Leeu Passant Hillside Cabernet Franc 2023, WO Franschhoek, 14.57% Abv.

93 CE | 91 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Lismore Child of Venus Viognier 2025, WO Greyton, 13.56% Abv.

95 CE | 92 MF | 96+ GSMW

Lismore’s Samantha O’Keefe with critic Neal Martin from Vinous.com

Lismore The Sheltering Sky Syrah 2024, WO Elgin, 13.01% Abv.

96 CE | 90 MF | 96 GSMW

 

Luddite Glorious Confusion 2025, WO Bot River, 12.72% Abv.

95 CE | 94 MF | 95 GSMW

A field blend white wine. 

 

Miles Mossop Wines Maximillian 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 14.38% Abv.

95 CE | 95 MF | 95+ GSMW

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Tasting Andrea Mullineux’s “The Gris” Semillon.

Mullineux “The Gris” Old Vines Sémillon 2025, WO Paardeberg, 14.04% Abv.

97 CE | 97 MF | 97 GSMW

 

Neil Ellis Wines CWG MIS À NU 2022, WO Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, 13.96% Abv.

96 CE | 91 MF | 93 GSMW

100% unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 

Neil Ellis Wines Knight in White Satin NV, WO Bottelary, Stellenbosch, 14.5% Abv.

92 CE | 92 MF | 92+ GSMW

100% Tempranillo. 

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Sandford Chardonnay 2024, WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 14.04% Abv.

95 CE | 92 MF | 96 GSMW

 

Paul Clüver Wines Auction Selection Pinot Noir 2025, WO Elgin, 13.84% Abv.

93 CE | 93 MF | 94GSMW


Paul Clüver Wines The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2025, WO Elgin, 12.84% Abv.

96 CE | 93 MF | 93+ GSMW

 

Pieter Ferreira Cap Classique Blanc de Noirs Pinot Noir MCC 2019, WO Western Cape, 11.7% Abv.

95 CE | 91 MF | 95 GSMW

100% Pinot Noir

 

Raats Family Wines Fountain Terroir Specific Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, 12.03% Abv.

95 CE | 91 MF | 97 GSMW

 

Raats Family Wines Stella Nova Cabernet Franc 2022, WO Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, 13.5% Abv.

95 CE | 94 MF | 95 GSMW

Rall Wines Noa Syrah 2024, WO Swartland, 13.5% Abv.

99 CE | 92 MF | 97+ GSMW

 

Rock of Eye CWG Auction Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 13.5% Abv.

93 CE | 96 MF | 94 GSMW

 

Savage Wines Auction Syrah 2024, WO Stellenbosch, 13.6% Abv.

97 CE | 97 MF | 97 GSMW

 

Silverthorn Crazy Diamond Brut Nature Cap Classique 2021, WO Robertson, 11.34% Abv.

94 CE | 94 MF | 95 GSMW

85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir. 

 

Solo Wines by Carl Schultz CWG Auction Merlot 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 14.41% Abv.

94 CE | 92 MF | 95 GSMW

100% Merlot. 

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Chardonnay 2024, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 12.77% Abv.

98 CE | 87 MF | 97 GSMW

 

Storm Wines Bokkeveld Shale Pinot Noir 2024, WO Heme-en-Aade Ridge, 14.26% Abv.

96 CE | 89 MF | 95 GSMW

 

Strydom Family Wines Paradigm 2023, WO Stellenbosch, 14.2% Abv.

93 CE | 93 MF | 93 GSMW

50% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec. 

 

Survivor CWG Pinotage 2023, WO Swartland, 14.44% Abv.

91 CE | 93 MF | 95 GSMW

 

Survivor Tarras Doas Cabernet Franc 2023, WO Tradouw, 14.8% Abv.

94 CE | 93 MF | 92 GSMW

Thorne & Daughters Sand Castles 2025, WO Olifantsrivier & Paardeberg, 14.2% Abv.

96 CE | 92 MF | 95+ GSMW

50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillon. 

 

Van Loggerenberg CWG Auction Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Piekenierskloof, 13.24% Abv.

97 CE | 90 MF | 96+ GSMW

Van Loggerenberg CWG Auction Syrah 2025, WO Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, 13.61% Abv.

96 CE | 96 MF | 97 GSMW

 

Warwick Auction Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, WO Simonsberg, Stellenbosch, 14/5% Abv.

94 CE | 93 MF | 95 GSMW

 

Auction Registration Details:

The auction takes place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd of October at Strauss & Co, Brickfield Canvas, Cape Town, with online bidding also available. For tickets, bidding registration and more information, see:

www.capewinemakersguild.com

info@capewinemakersguild.com

Tel: +27 (21) 852 0408

A Resurgent Douro Valley Releases Some Exceptional Ports – Tasting the Kopke 2024 Vintage Port…

~ Greg Sherwood MW ~ Leave a comment

Founded in 1638, Kopke is the oldest Port wine house in existence, and its vintage ports carry nearly four centuries of Douro heritage. Declared only in exceptional years, Kopke Vintage Ports come from the finest grapes of the Douro’s Cima Corgo, including Quinta São Luiz. Aged just two years in barrel before bottling, they can continue evolving for decades. Expect a deep, opaque colour, concentrated black fruits, floral notes, and firm but fine tannins that soften into spice, cocoa, and dried fruit nuances with time. Although Kopke is often celebrated for its Tawnies and Colheitas, its vintage Ports offer a beautifully age-worthy expression of the Douro Valley.

The 2024 vintage has been widely declared across the Douro, confirming it as another year of real significance. Conditions through the growing season delivered excellent fruit quality, with both ripeness and freshness retained. The resulting wines show classic structure, depth and definition, with the balance required for long-term ageing. Fully declared vintages remain relatively rare, reinforcing the collectability and long-term appeal of wines from this year. Watch out for my Burmester Vintage Port 2024 review coming soon.

Kopke Vintage Port 2024, 20% Abv.

This young, vibrant Port has all the intensity, concentration and power you expect from a declared Vintage wine. Never built around mere sweetness or fatness, vintage Port requires a steely precision, focus, acid frame and a weightless intensity. The aromatics are layered with earthy blue and black berry fruits that waft over a spirity, heady lift that intermingles with liquorice, black cherry and graphite hints. Fabulously compact, plush and powerful, the palate shows in underlying wound spring tension and a pithy, cassis laden, spicy blue berry persistence. Plenty of pedigree on display here. Drink on release to 2050+.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)