South Africa: New releases

The Main Road and Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon comes from two vineyards, planted 21 years ago. Just 5km from the ocean, and at 1,200 feet elevation, this is one of the coolest spots in the Cape’s winelands. And that results in an elegant, pure, unique style of South African Cabernet. Here, Craig’s been known to harvest grapes as late as May: that’s the equivalent of November in the Northern Hemisphere. And with baboons and birds seeking out the final grapes on vines in the valley, the yields are pitifully small. But the wine is remarkable: already a Cape cult classic. Lovely energy here, saline and very pure, with grippy tannins and a very long finish.

The latest addition to the range is another Hemel-en-Aarde staple, Le Luc Pinot Noir, named after their son. It’s from a granite and clay site, in the heart of the slope, and is now really finding its feet. It’s a floral, precise expression of Pinot Noir: as you’d expect from tasting the other wines here.

This year there are just 2,500 bottles of a blend of Pinotage and Pinot Noir, that will challenge what you’ve ever thought about South Africa’s enigmatic grape. Smoky but still so pure and vibrant, it dances across the palate. This has to be tried.

Made from vines that were first planted 21 years ago, and named after Anne and Craig’s daughter. Incredibly Burgundian in style, the granite soils here give taut minerality and restraint, while the finish on the wine is astonishingly long.