Ming L

9.2

From the excellent 2017 Stellenbosch vintage, this Bordeaux blend leans into its Cabernet Franc (43%) core. Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and graphite are lifted by a herbal edge. The fresh bell pepper note is quite distinct initially and might be off putting for some. The palate is structured yet balanced, with fine tannins and bright acidity supporting ripe but controlled fruit. Subtle iron and tobacco nuances add depth.

Will continue to improve in the bottle and drink beautifully the next 10-15 years. — a month ago

David White

9.3

Deep Ruby with slightly lighter ruby edge nose and palate of dark cherry flavours with some vanilla and tobacco flavours
Still maturing but will last a long time.
Great accompaniment to a NY cut steak. Should further mature for a decade or more.

— 10 months ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Deep purple in color with a short reddish rim.

Pretty nose with cedar, vanilla, wild flowers, chocolates, coffee and black pepper.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black fruits with cedar, earth, herbs, black pepper, light vanilla, spices, dark chocolates and tobacco leaf.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This is a tasty red blend from South Africa. Soft and smooth with nice complexity. Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel.

Needed 4 hours to open up properly, so be patient.

A blend of 36% Mourvedre, 22% Shiraz, 13% Carignan, 11% Grenache, 9% tannant and 9% Petite Sirah.

14% alcohol by volume.

91 points. — 2 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

vintage 2021 | Lovely to discover 100% cinsault: very light colour, loads of red fruit, raspberry like, balanced taste. Paired with beef tenderloin tartare. — 2 months ago

Kishan Tsang

9.8

One of my all time favourites.

Last one of 2021 left in the collection. Fell in love with this wine in 2022 during a dinner at La Colombe. Great characterful wine from the west coast. You can taste it’s origin in the briny/kelp like taste with a bit of stone fruit, chamomille/jasmine and a touch of fennel/anise. Always a bit lower on the alcoho and acidityl, which makes it a great early drinker. Can’t wait to try the 2024 with 99 points. — 6 months ago

Yash Gala

9.2

Deep. Full bodied. Strong tannins. Best after 20 mts of opening. Dark cherries plums tannins . This one was young. They can be stored 20 years acc to shop. Can buy again. — 2 years ago

David White

9.2

Another great Bordeaux blend 51% cab franc from Stellenbosch SAF
15% merlot
Very elegant blend with full feel on palate and lingering aftertaste
Had this a number of times across Africa and found an importer to acquire a quantity for me — 5 years ago

David White

9.3

Classic well structured Cab Sauvignon at 7 years entering the twilight zone- clean and expressive flavours of cedar tobacco and pencil shavings and earthy traits . This seems to be developing better than 2018 which I must try again for comparison. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Spier – 21 Gables Pinotage / 2020
Stellenbosch – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
A benchmark Pinotage from one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Spier (est. 1692). This single-varietal Pinotage highlights both Stellenbosch terroir and the estate’s commitment to sustainability and vegan-friendly practices.

Aromas & Flavors
A concentrated nose of ripe blackberry, plum, and mulberry intertwined with smoky mocha, sweet spice, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, dark fruit depth melds seamlessly with cocoa and subtle oak.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet polished, with smooth, integrated tannins and a long, velvety finish. Rich and powerful, but retaining freshness that keeps it balanced.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, smoky barbecue ribs, roasted root vegetables, or aged Gouda. A natural partner for bold and savory dishes.

Verdict
An exceptional Pinotage that balances tradition with finesse. It showcases why Stellenbosch is considered the spiritual home of the grape, and why Spier remains a leader in South African fine wine.

Did You Know?
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then known locally as Hermitage). Spier’s “21 Gables” line honors the Cape Dutch heritage architecture of the estate.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A jewel of Stellenbosch. This vintage shows remarkable balance and depth, one of those rare Pinotages that leaves a lasting impression and deserves a spot in any serious collection. — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Shiraz, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits and cigar box spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with notes of cacao and tobacco. Lively acidity, fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and mineral tones. Very nice, will continue to age. — 4 years ago