South Africa: New releases

Caro is the Argentina project for the Rothschilds of Chateau Lafite, along with the pioneering Catena family. The nose is complex with aromas of red fruits, figs, and gentle notes of blue berries. On the palate the wine is round with soft tannins and refreshing acidity, displaying good density and persistence, well balanced. 2021 is the coolest vintage Mendoza has seen in years, and the result is one of the freshest, most vibrant Malbec blends we've tried.

One of South Africa's most legendary wines. This has so much intensity and power, but remains refined and wonderfully balanced. Notes of mulberry and ripe plum, and also graphite and leather. This is so long, stony, and refined. It will make old bones.

From a North-East facing vineyard, this is all about intense fruit and spice. There’s a floral element here that wouldn’t look out of place in the best Côte-Rôties, and there’s also remarkable fruit purity. This is so long and fine boned. Brilliant.

Much more savoury and structured than the steepside, this is much more Cornas to Steepside’s Côte-Rôtie. The palate has notes of lavender and other herbs, and there’s also loads of bloody notes. From a vineyard that sees no morning sun, it’s no surprise that it’s so savoury and complex. This will age spectacularly.

From the hills that surround Malmesbury, this single vineyard Syrah is always the most backward of the Mullineux's wines. It's intense and bloody in character, with loads of dark fruit, intense tannins, and also a saline minerality. Long, precise, and incredibly soulful, it's a simply wonderful wine.

The 2019 Taaibosch Crescendo is a Cabernet Franc led blend, that's utterly stunning in its second vintage. This has floral lift, plenty of body, and a lovely, saline, long, expressive finish. Delicious: this will age brilliantly, too.