Stuart Pollack

9.7

I love Chenin Blanc. And South Africa is a master of Chenin Blanc. The FMC never disappoints. Vanilla a cream and passion fruit. Complex. — 9 days ago

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. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Dark ruby red color, some purple edges, with aromas of dark fruits and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry and blackberry with vanilla, cedar and cinnamon spice. Fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, cedar and spice. — 6 months ago

David White

9.2

Deep ruby colour with lighter crimson rim, nose of red/black fruits with savoury notes.
Smooth and silky tannins and really well integrated at 9 years.
Beautiful on palate with good aftertaste and a lingering finish. — a year 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.

— a year ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.2

Such a cool wine, and a one of a kind blend. — 5 years ago

Jody Scharf

9.2

Again great value. Tastes like a better Pinot. — 6 years ago

Mary H

9.3

An explosion of apricot flavor. Round and smooth, heavy weight, with sufficient but not overt acidity. A beautiful sweet wine. — 16 days ago

Barny

9.4

Wine 1500 🙈 ; opened for World Cup starting 2026 Mexico and South Africa; The cork popped off…; but still managed to get the fine juice out 😉; Vintage 2006, just like the „Summer Fairy Tale“ of the World Cup in Germany; and the wine leaves you wanting more „mehr Lust“, beautifully aged, fine fruit 😋 Wishing everyone a wonderful and peaceful World Cup — a month ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2022 | high acidity and curious light hint of sweetness | — 5 months ago

Peter Coulthard

9.0

Really good wine but remembered it better. Maybe I aerated it too well but lacked some of its usual smooth punch. — 6 months ago

Jess

8.9

Pale straw color.
Aromas of subtle citrus, herbaceous.
Dry. Flavors of snap peas, creamy lemon, soft tropical fruits underlying.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — a year ago

Steven Goh

8.9

Touch of sweetness at first glance, perish and strong sensation after taste — 3 years ago

Brandon T

9.3

Light on its feet, with loads of cherries. Started out a bit dusty, but the fruit began to shine after an hour decant. — 5 years ago

Mark Parsonson

9.5

One of the best whites out there. — 25 days ago

with Melissa and Dustin

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. — 4 months ago

Day Watson

10

Fruit forward, medium bodied, some acid, spice, a splash of tannin. Well rounded! So worth your time. — 4 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. — 9 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2020 | lots of power with velvety structure — 3 years ago

Jerry Mimus

9.0

Beautiful blend. Can't go wrong for the money — 5 years ago