As another domestic sales ban takes effect in South Africa, the wine industry there has been thrown into turmoil once more. Exports have become a valuable lifeline in a country particularly hard struck by the pandemic, and we are delighted to extol the virtues of fine South African wines again. It gives us great pleasure to see small, quality-conscious producers at last achieving the recognition they deserve, across a whole host of truly exceptional wines that combine excellence with affordability. In fact, we can’t wait to release the 2019s in September; a vintage that has yielded some beautifully vibrant clear-cut wines, both red and white.
Until then we can’t recommend highly enough this devilish duo from maverick winemaker Donovan Rall. As featured in the Financial Times at the weekend, and on JancisRobinson.com two weeks ago, the Rall Red 2017 is a fresh, finely tuned Syrah-based red chock-full of character, while its partner in crime, the Rall White 2018, is a Cape White Blend, being Chenin-based with a high proportion of Verdelho and just a touch of Viognier. Both wines speak to a hands-off, minimal interventional style, all fermented with natural yeasts and raised in neutral barrels. These are thirst-quenching wines with tons of complexity and an unmistakable sense of place.
Read MoreRall Red 2017
Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, which Rall claims were all grown on the soils most suited to them. Dark purplish crimson. Quite inky and Syrah-dominated on the nose. Really mouth-filling – long and broad – this guy really does have the magic touch. How does he manage to squeeze so much freshness from Swartland fruit? Must be those soils. There is sweetness on the end and a little granite graininess of texture. Absolutely lovely already. GV – 17 Points, Jancis Robinson MW.
The 2017 Rall Red is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault that is matured in 225- and 500-liter French oak. It has a perfumed, quite sensual bouquet of pressed violet and potpourri aromas entwined with black cherries and blueberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate displays very fine tannins that frame exceedingly pure black and blueberry fruit laced with truffle, Provençal herbs and white pepper. It feels very persistent as it fans out on the finish, completing an outstanding Rall Red, one of the best that Donovan Rall has produced thus far. – 95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous
Rall White 2018
Chenin, Verdelho and a little bit of Viognier. Fermented and aged 11 months in old oak on lees. Surprisingly complex for such a young wine. Chalky mineral overlay on green fruits. On the palate, intense freshness clothed in pure bright fruit. Chewy texture and just a light scent on the long finish. – 17 Points, Julia Harding, JancisRobinson.com
The 2018 Rall White is matured in 225- and 500-liter used oak barrels. This has a very composed bouquet of pressed white flowers, hints of linseed and a touch of jasmine unfurling nicely with each swirl of the glass. The palate is very well balanced, offering clementine, pear and light peach skin notes that fan out on the waxy-textured finish. The persistence is very fine, and yellow plum and lemongrass notes linger in the mouth after the wine has departed. Superb. – 93 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous
For our full range of South African wines please click here.
Please contact your account manager or follow the link below to place your order. Both wines are in stock and available for immediate delivery. We have limited stocks of Rall Red 2017 and expect this to sell out. In the event that this happens, please contact us for alternatives or browse our wider South Africa selection online. Our minimum order for free delivery is £300.00 inc. VAT, therefore orders of 12 bottles or more in this instance will qualify for free delivery anywhere in mainland UK, otherwise charged at £18.00. The prices below are listed duty paid including VAT.