Celebrate the women shaping the wine industry with these exceptional selections where local and imports are lekker. Du Retout Haut-Médoc 2020, crafted by Hélène Kopp, is a Cabernet Sauvignon delight and perfect for wintry days. Brookdale Chenin Blanc 2022, with Kiara Scott in charge, is a showcase of Paarl’s potential whilst Alex McFarlane’s Capitoline Wolf Red 2023 has become a new favourite – a delicious blend of Cinsault & Grenache and priced for everyday drinking. Sister duo Mercedes and Maria López de Heredia from Rioja serve up a the perfect red with the López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2011 – and available in magnum! And what better to have on your table this month than Querciabella‘s calling card, the 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico 2020?
Du Retout Haut-Médoc 2020
R 365 PER BOTTLE
Château Du Retout is situated in the small village of Vieux Cussac in the Haut-Médoc, managed by the Kopp family since the 1950s. Hélène Kopp is now at the helm, her excitement for Cabernet is palpable. ‘Every year when the first Cabernet is in the cellar it reminds me of why I make wine’ noted Hélène during our recent visit. This wine (with a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon) is a rare find at this price point. ‘Merlot is nice, but working with great Cabernet is an emotive experience for me’, notes Hélène. The 2020 is delicious at the moment and at R365 there is no need to wait – pull the cork and enjoy! We also have a handful of magnums from the legendary 2019 vintage – ideal for hosting during winter.
Brookdale Chenin Blanc 2022
R 385 PER BOTTLE
Brookdale is a property to watch in Paarl. And with Kiara Scott in the driving seat, the wines are singing! Planted in 1985, this single vineyard was the only vines not uprooted when Tim Rudd bought the farm in 2015. The wine is mineral-driven with notes of preserved lemon, pear and white peach. With a pithy texture and plenty of verve, it’s a testament to the incredible potential of Paarl. Made in minute quantities, it’s a must-have for your collection.
McFarlane Wines Capitoline Wolf Red 2023
R 165 PER BOTTLE
A light red that should be part of your daily drinking stash, the Capitoline Wolf by Alex McFarlane exudes sunshine as much as she does. With red cherries, wild strawberries and orange zest jumping out of the glass, it’s saline and absolutely delicious! At R165, it offers incredible value. It’s just been released and we have no doubt it will be a staple in our homes this Spring.
López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2011 Magnum
R 1,475 PER BOTTLE
What is better than a bottle of one of the world’s greatest reds, Viña Tondonia? A magnum of the Viña Tondonia, of course! This ‘traditional beauty’ (James Suckling) is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo, aged for six years in barrel and at least 6 years in bottle before being released. The flavours are nostalgic, balsamic fruit, tobacco and umami with brilliant acidity and fine tannins that form the basis of this iconic wine’s longevity. Headed by sister duo, Mercedes and Maria López de Heredia, ‘this remains one of the greatest wines I’ve had the privilege to drink’, proclaims our very own Jolette Steyn.
Querciabella Chianti Classico 2020
R 415 PER BOTTLE
One of the trailblazers for quality farming and winemaking in the Chianti Classico region, just celebrated 50 years and announced that Mita Castiglioni, daughter of founder Giuseppe Castiglioni, has taken over as the new owner and leader. This 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico is ‘Querciabella’s calling card – and an impressive one at that’ (Decanter). It is vivid and pure with black cherries, violets and orange – medium-bodied, mouthwatering, and has ‘terrific precision and energy’ (Vinous).
NOW LIVE: Strauss & Co Cape Heritage Auction
The latest Strauss & Co. auction is a celebration of the Cape’s wine heritage. The first session features outstanding whites from the likes of Alheit Vineyards, Beaumont, David & Nadia, Kaapzicht, Ken Forrester and Mullineux Family Wines, with verticals of Magnetic North, La Colline and Nautical Dawn, as well as early vintages of Cartology and extremely rare Radio Lazarus. The Red Wine Session shines the spotlight on 25 lots from The Tabernacle – all of which have been carefully assessed and recorked. Look out for treasures such as Lanzerac Pinotage 1964, SFW Stellenbosch Cinsaut, 1974, Zonnebloem 1964 and Chateau Libertas 1964 in 375ml bottles. The Pinotage list includes Beeslaar, Kanonkop and Kaapzicht, while Session 3 is an eclectic selection of interesting and super rare vintages from the Loire Valley, with highly collectable lots from Domaine Huet, Alphonse Mellot, Henri Bourgeois and Thierry Germain. The auction closes on Monday, 12 August from 6 pm at one-minute intervals.
