South Africa 2021

First produced in 2015, his Grenache Blanc comes from 600-650m elevation in Piekenierskloof, and this elevation makes sure that this is as taut an expression of Grenache Blanc that you’ll find, all about texture and focus. It’s a benchmark for the grape in the Cape.

Donovan’s Cinsault was first released in 2015, and is a blend of fruit from Swartland, shared with David Sadie, and Darling, from the same vineyard as Duncan Savage’s Follow the Line. It’s a really lovely expression of this grape, with loads of rose petal and plenty of juicy berry fruit. Will also age well.

A blend of 70% Syrah, 12% Grenache, 10% Carignan, and 8% Cinsault, this is a brilliant Mediterranean red from a master winemaker. Hints of wild herbs and plenty of red fruit, there are saline tannins here, and a really lifted, elegant quality to the fruit.

From the same schist vineyard as the Ava Chenin, farmed by Donovan and his team. Incredible purity of fruit here, with plenty of baked earth complexity, as well as amazing energy. Donovan is making some of the Cape’s best wines today. Don’t miss this.

This comes from a tiny single vineyard planted on the Kasteelberg, planted on Schist soils and managed by Donovan and his team. The result is one of the Cape’s best whites, with incredible concentration of fruit, vibrant acidity, and a remarkable texture. Don’t miss this.

64% Chenin Blanc, 32% Verdelho and 4% Viognier. This is quite opulent, with notes of clementines and fresh ginger spice on the nose. But it’s all held together by impressive acidity, and a beautiful texture. Donovan’s wines sometimes fly a little under the radar: with examples like this that really shouldn’t: this is one of the best whites you’ll try from South Africa.

This is the only example we know of, from anywhere in the world. From a 33 year old, 0.2ha vineyard in Wellington, planted with a mutation of Cinsault Noir, just 650 bottles are produced. It’s remarkably low in alcohol, and is bright, savoury, vibrant, and delicious.