This piece looks at some of what might be considered the top reds in South Africa. But it is really some of my favourites. I have also included wines that were icon wines and are less so today. In doing so I have left out many of the current cult wines of the present. Still many of our top wines are included.
To my mind Cabernet Sauvignon remains South Africa’s top red grape variety. Kanonkop has for a long time produced one of our finest Cabernet’s. Powerful and brooding it is a wine that only starts to open up at ten years. This is the case for most of the Kanonkop reds. Another icon SA Cabernet is the Rustenberg Peter Barlow. Long one of my favourites. This wine has power, depth and class. Finally, Le Riche makes some of the finest classical Cabernets in the country. From their basic Cabernet Sauvignon to their Reserve and CWG Cabernet’s all show power, restraint and class. I also really enjoyed Klein Constantia’s 1995 Cabernet as a classic and their 1997 Reserve.
In terms of red blends Kanonkops’ Paul Sauer stands out. Their value Kadette has to be one of the finest value red blends in the country with the 1998 and the 1990 being two examples that I particularly enjoyed. Meerlust was at one time one of SA’s preeminent estates with their Rubicon remaining a benchmark red blend with their 1989 being a classic. Rustenberg still produces one of SA’s finest red blends with its John X Merriman and Morgenster produce a Merlot dominated red blend called Morgenster. Vergelegen have their Vergelegen Red as well as their iconic Vergelegen V.
Merlot as a solo variety has not done so well in South Africa working better in blends but Veenwoudeen in Paarl has established a reputation as a top Merlot producer. I really enjoyed their 1997 drunk in pristine condition, rich, sensuous with overwhelming aromas. Shannon in Elgin produced a stunning Merlot in 2008 called Mount Bullet. It has a rich, full, opulent palate with tremendous aromas.
Shiraz as a variety has been touted as the big red hope for SA and subsequently highly planted. It has not always met its expectations. One of my favourites are the old vintage Stellenzicht Syrahs made under the then winemaker there Andre van Rensburg now at Vergelegen. Try the 1995 and 1997. Hartenbergs Gravel Hill Shiraz has a fine reputation and try the Luddite Shiraz. Power with fine tannins and softness.
Finally, when it comes to Pinot Noir we have a few top examples. Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson near Hermanus both produce wines with body, concentration and fragrance. Shannon Vineyards Rocklands Pinot Noir is a lovely silky wine and Paul Cluvers Seven Flags Pinot Noir is a power house pinot both from Elgin. My red wine selection is a combination of the old and the new. Old stalwarts and the new wave. But the reoccurring theme is quality.
