While Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc have carved out an enviable quality offering from specialist premium producers in the Cape wine regions of Stellenbosch and Paarl, another cultivar has joined the party of late, showing an incredible affinity to the local terroir and climatic conditions. This cultivar is Malbec of course and there are roughly 450 to 490 hectares of Malbec currently planted. This represents a significant increase from the 40 hectares planted in the 1990s. The Swartland, Paarl, and Stellenbosch regions in the Western Cape currently account for about three-quarters of the total Malbec plantings.

A particular favourite among consumers in the UK, there is simply no holding back the success of single cultivar Malbec wines whether from Argentina or indeed South Africa. Handled correctly and vinified with care and attention, some very attractive, rich, fruit forward Malbec wines are being produced in South Africa and Winshaw Vineyards are becoming a leader in this new(ish) premium single varietal category. The 2024 vintage should hit the UK retail market in the Autumn of 2025 and retail for approximately £26.99 per bottle and I tasted a bottle on my recent trip to the Cape. 

Winshaw Vineyards Malbec 2024, WO Stellenbosch, 13.5% Abv. 

A beautifully composed, well constructed fine wine from the Winshaw’s boasts a delicious aromatics of sweet mulberries and damson plum, black berries, and black cherries laced Christmas spices, cinnamon and vanilla pod. Dense, fleshy and creamy, the palate shows a delicious black berry breadth punctuated by a complexing sapidity, leafy black currant depth and a long savoury leesy finish. Malbec lovers will be smitten once again! Drink now to 2030+.

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