The ‘Mabalel’ Pinot Noir comes from a high-altitude vineyard in Elandskloof, at 700 metres above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Clay soils with a sandstone and quartz top layer produce late-ripening fruit with elegant, savoury aromas. It is a distinctive and more powerful style with dark cherry fruit, wild herbs and a subtle spiced note. The tannins are sinewy and fine grained with a salinity that runs through the palate. It is a truly impressive Pinot that transports the beauty and drama of this place.

The coastal ‘Litigo’ vineyard, just outside the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, is south-facing with shale and clay soils, producing a fresher style. There is a beauty and perfume to the wine that opens with notes of cherry blossom, wild raspberry and wild herbs. There is a sappiness and energy on the palate matched with wonderfully intense red berry fruit and a lift of rosehip and subtle spice on the finish.

The ‘Cuvée Cinéma’ Pinot Noir comes from a high-altitude single vineyard in Hemel-en-Aarde, with clay and shale soils and a cool climate that slows ripening. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, the wine included 60% whole clusters before ageing in barrel. It is so expressive with notes of violets, wild flowers, red cherry and a fine earthy note. The tannins are sinewy and fine and clothe the ripe red berry fruit. It is a very fine and elegant style of Pinot.

This Chardonnay comes from the 'Clay Shales' single vineyard, named after its clay and shale soils, located 300 metres above sea level. There is a sense of structure and intensity here, with notes of nectarine, acacia, grapefruit and stone fruits. It is a beautifully elegant Chardonnay with a vibrant and saline finish.

The Ferrum Chardonnay comes from Crystallum’s Overberg vineyard, with iron-rich shale soils and a cool coastal climate that promotes flavour concentration and acidity. There is a more tense and oceanic feel to the wine with notes of sea spray, white flowers, and white grapefruit. It is beautifully fresh and vibrant with finely etched detail and a sense of purity on the finish.

The Peter Max Pinot Noir is the introduction to the estate. Named after the original growers, Peter and Max, this Pinot Noir now draws fruit from coastal Hemel-en-Aarde vineyards and a new high-altitude inland site. It is fresh, floral and full of detail. With around 50% whole clusters used there is a subtle spiced note of white pepper and wild herbs that accents the bright red berry fruit. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity frame the wine with a pure and saline finish.

The Agnes Chardonnay honours Peter-Allan’s grandmother, who arrived in South Africa at the age of 14. It is sourced from various vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde and Overberg, with soils ranging from clay to shale, sandstone, and quartz. This is a fresh and vibrant Chardonnay with notes of white grapefruit, white peach and acacia. The palate is crystalline and saline with a real sense of balance.

This is one of the most unusual and exciting wines we have on the list. It is made from Malbec, a variety that has long been grown in the Loire, known locally as Côt. Today it’s hard to find much Côt, and this wine gets snapped up quickly every year. The 2022 has a ripe abundance of juicy black fruits, dry, well-formed tannins, and a bright balance on the palate. Delicious.

The Pinard brothers are the leading authority on Sancerre Rouge. This comes from a blend of parcels in the village of Bué, thought to be the best source of Pinot Noir in the Sancerre appellation. 50-year-old vines and low yields of around 30hl/ha give wonderful concentration. This means volumes are small, and demand far outstrips supply for this wine. It has deliciously fresh, ripe red fruit at its core, and silky tannins, it is an exceptionally well made Pinot Noir in any context. Wonderfully rich yet vibrant.

This always stands out among Sancerre Rouges for its charming, early drinking style. It has lovely concentration of fruit with well-managed ripeness. Whole bunch vinification gives it a delicate juiciness. It is extremely pretty and nicely weighted. Drink this young and slightly chilled for a superbly refreshing glass of red.