Savage Red 2024 is the highlight of Duncan’s new releases. The whole set is extraordinary, offering immediate aromatic pleasure alongside the structure to go the distance. Due to increased scarcity and an incredible quality-to-price ratio, the new vintages are flying out of the cellar.
The 97-point Savage Red is Duncan’s greatest expression yet from this special site in Polkadraai. It’s densely packed and layered with florals and deep-set fruit, showing attractive white pepper aromatics and terrific ageing potential.
A wine of power and precision, the 95-point 2025 White is a classy Sauv-Sem blend. The concentration of citrus, fennel bulb and blackcurrant leaf is spot on, and the ‘evolution of the blackcurrant is going to be so exciting,’ notes Duncan. The palate is long and ever-so-slightly grippy with a saline undertow. Superb!
Follow the Line is better than ever. The 96-point 2025, from a Cinsault vineyard in Darling, boasts all the crushed roses, lavender and white pepper spice we love. It’s intensely flavourful yet light-footed, ending with a chalky, energetic finish.
Read our thoughts on the rest of the range here, or request an allocation
Tasting Notes:
‘Syrah from Kuils River and Polkadraai. 15% fermented as submerged cap. Matured in old 500-litre barrels for 13 months before a further 10 months in foudre. Gorgeous aromatics with pronounced fynbos preceding red berries, rose, cinnamon and pepper. Lovely fruit expression, bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish long and dry but not at all astringent. Seamless, not too lean nor stemmy. So coherent from entry through mid-palate to finish. Alc: 13.7%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Classic
‘71% Sauvignon blanc, 29% Semillon from the Overberg, Stellenbosch and Villiersdorp. Matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels (20% new) and concrete eggs. Exotic aromatics of nectarine, peach, apricot and blackcurrant, with a subtle leafy note. Dense fruit meets tangy acidity, finishing savoury. Open and creamy in texture, this is a particularly generous rendition of this wine (full MLF). Alc: 13.54%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Luxurious
‘93% Cinsault, 7% Syrah from Darling. 50% whole-bunch fermentation; matured for 12 months in foudre and amphora. Alluring aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, pepper and the merest hint of rose. Lean and taut, ultra-dry, the wine narrowing to a precise point. The acidity is beautifully integrated, lending the wine energy. Pure and precise. Alc: 12.7%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 | Classic
