South Africa: New releases

45% Syrah from Bredekloof and Bot River, with 33% Breedekloof Grenache, 13% Carignan, and 9% Mourvèdre. This is very pure and focussed, with lots of wild strawberry character, wet stones, bramble, and white pepper. A lovely red, that shouldn't be overlooked.

From 5 separate vineyards, this is a brilliant, juicy, delicious Pinot Noir, that shows just how talented John is. There's a coolness and sapidity here, but also perfectly ripe fruit. One to enjoy, any night of the week.

Made with 50% skin contact and 50% without, the 2021 Tin Soldier is beautifully balanced. There’s lots of iron oxide on the nose, with ripe red apples, and a wonderfully driven, saline finish. This is from a parcel of Semillon Gris planted on the Paardeberg, on decomposed granite soils.

From a 1993 planted vineyard on the Skurfberg, this is an astonishing expression of Sauvignon Blanc. There’s orange blossom and peaches, and then there’s that amazing Skurfberg acidity that comes screaming through. This is more a product of its place than of its grape variety.

A blend of grapes from as far afield as the Ceres Plateau, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, the Swartland and the Voor Paardeberg, this is a blend of Roussanne, Semillon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Clairette Blanche. It’s textured and weighty, but there’s the freshness of the ‘21 vintage shining through. A stunning Rocking Horse: the best yet?

Mainly from a block of Chenin Blanc planted in 1979 on the Paardeberg, this is chiselled and fine, with amazing purity. A benchmark for Paardeberg Chenin: stunning.

From an old, 1963 planted vineyard on granite soils on the Paardeberg, this has such depth and density. It’s been vinified for the first time in a 500 litre Stockinger foudre, and is all about finesse and purity. Utterly beguiling.