Neal Martin’s latest South Africa report brings critical proceedings for the 2019s almost to a close. With Tim Atkin MW, Jancis Robinson MW, Platter’s Guide and Christian Eedes, Neal Martin’s report means we now have a full complement of rave reviews for the latest releases (bar Storm Wines and Wolf and Woman who we hope to see featured in Martin’s second tranche).
2019 is evidently a supremely elegant vintage in South Africa. It comes at a time in which producers have ramped up quality to an all-time high. Prices remain extremely fair for serious wines that exude complexity, ageability and, increasingly, well-defined site specificity. Moreover, soft-touch winemaking and naturally fresh acidities means these bottles have a clear competitive edge in the global fridge-to-face race.
Read MoreWe have picked out some highlights from the Vinous report. We were pleased to see two of our exclusive agencies, David & Nadia and Rall Wines, at the top of the pack. All of the following wines are in stock and can be purchased for immediate delivery duty paid or for transfer to Cellarers under bond.
Rall White 2019 (top scoring White Blend) - £154.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT.
The 2019 White, a blend of Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Viognier, has a lovely, beautifully defined bouquet of yellow plum, jasmine and white flowers. The palate is quite tangy on the entry, with a slither of Seville orange marmalade mixed with an underlying saltiness that drives the finish forward. Great tension and freshness. This is a killer white blend from Donovan Rall. Superb. – 94pts, Neal Martin.
David & Nadia Hoe-Steen Chenin Blanc 2019 (joint top scoring Chenin Blanc) - £310.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT
The 2019 Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc has a fragrant nose, more resinous than floral, with melted wax and hints of dried honey, plus just a very faint apple blossom note in the background. It revs up with aeration, unfolding to offer linseed and grilled walnut aromas. The palate is very well balanced, demonstrating more weight and concentration compared to the Skaliekop, a beautifully well-judged line of acidity and a slightly creamy texture toward the finish. Very persistent in the mouth. This is a gorgeous South African Chenin Blanc. – 94pts, Neal Martin.
Rall Ava Syrah 2019 (top scoring Syrah) - £316.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT.
The 2019 Ava Syrah comes from schist soils and is whole bunch fermented before aging in used oak. It has a gorgeous, seductive nose of pure blackberry, mulberry and light pine needle and garrigue scents, a bit of fennel emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannins on the entry, and plenty of graphite-tinged black fruit merging with savory dried blood notes toward the beautifully balanced finish. You could broach this now, but personally I would tuck away a few bottles. – 93pts, Neal Martin.
David & Nadia Skaliekop Chenin Blanc 2019 - £310.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT
The 2019 Skaliekop is pure Chenin Blanc from the titular single vineyard. It has a wonderful bouquet of yellow flowers, honeysuckle, nashi pear and melted candle wax, all supremely well defined. The palate is extremely well balanced, intense yet not taxing or exerting excessive weight in the mouth. It skips along with light ginger and white pepper notes. Focused and delineated toward the finish, which fans out with confidence. Superb. – 93pts, Neal Martin.
David & Nadia Grenache 2019 (top scoring Grenache) - £160.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT
The 2019 Grenache is taken from the top drawer. It has a pure, almost Pinot Noir–like bouquet of vivacious morello cherries, white strawberry and just a touch of baking powder. The palate is well balanced with crunchy red cherries on the entry and a lovely bitterness from start to off-dry finish that lends a real edge. But what I really like is the transparency of this Grenache (something you do not always find with this grape variety); it’s as if you can really feel the terroir. A finely crafted Grenache that should age with style. – 93pts, Neal Martin.
David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2019 - £160.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT
The 2019 Chenin Blanc has an appealing nose of grilled walnut, smoke and juniper berries, quite backward at first but opening nicely with aeration. The palate is well balanced with satisfying weight, a Chenin of more texture than obvious flavors, offering hazelnut, walnut, desiccated orange peel and a twist of sour lemon, and again that back note of juniper. This is very harmonious and cerebral. Superb. – 92pts, Neal Martin.
Rall Grenache Blanc 2019 - £130.07 per 6 bottles inc. VAT.
The 2019 Grenache Blanc comes from high-altitude vines in the Piekenierskloof region, matured in concrete eggs and amphorae. It has an understated nose of wax resin, grilled walnut and a touch of smoke, becoming oilier and nuttier with time. The palate is well balanced, fresh and quite saline, delivering a fine bead of acidity and a texturally satisfying, peppery finish that lingers. This really shows what the variety can do in the right hands. – 92pts, Neal Martin.
All wines are in stock and available for immediate delivery. Orders over £300 inc. VAT qualify for free delivery, otherwise charged at £18 anywhere in mainland UK. Prices are listed under bond excluding duty and VAT. For inc. VAT prices per case please refer to the descriptions above.