Jason Brater

9.0

Very interesting bubbly w nose of slight mustiness of a craft hard cider (in a good way). Tastes of yellow grapefruit, a hint of ripe peach, followed by an almost vegetal hint. This is followed by an almost-toasted biscuit and a dash of subtle nutty flavor. Really nice small, active bubbles. Bottle says extra dry but this has to be right on the edge of a Brut. Kinda grooving on it. Huge QPR, too. — 16 days ago

with Heather

Ellen Clifford

9.1

Smells and tastes like expensive winemaking aka the new french oak is rife but you wanna know‽ I don’t mind. It makes this Pinotage nummicious (industry lingo). It. Is. Friendly. And tasty. Let us parallel it to to my unabashed love for Taylor Swift. Is it designed for all to love? Sure. Does it have a hearty that wants the best behind it? Yes! A lot and it fucking rocks. Not sure of this wine’s politics. But.
I love it even though it clearly wants the masses to buy in. This is not eccentric or out of the box Pinotage but it is excellence. — 14 days ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.6

The 2017 Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Syrah is a scintillating new bottling by the talented Todd Alexander. The aromatic range is thrilling from bacon fat to dried herbs and lavender infused black tea that collide with rich dark fruits and sagebrush undertones that take shape in the glass. The texture and mouthfeel of the wine is seriously good while the bright acidity provides a beautiful backbone. A deep core of dark fruits expansively greet you on the palate, combining with shades of Hoisin sauce, smoked brisket, coffee grounds and suggestions of blueberry compote that all create a beautiful range of flavors. Gorgeous now in its youth the 2017 Force Majeure ‘Estate' Syrah will cellar well for the next fifteen years — but is nearly impossible to resist in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 96 — 19 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

A classic Cabernet blend nose of Cassis, black currant and lead pencil. Lovely on the medium weight palate - beautiful balance with chocolate, blackberry and mocha. Easy to drink with totally resolved velvety tannins. Easily the standard of a top classed growth Bordeaux without the longevity. Drinking beautifully now. A blend of 60%Cabernet Sauvignon; 25% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 5% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc. I bought this at the cellar door in Stellenbosch back in 2012. I have never seen it available for sale in Australia. Always admired Ernie as a golfer and I must say this wine matches the “Big Easy” ability as a golfer. Winemaker: Louis Strydom. — 8 days ago

Mark Welton

9.4

Took one whiff of the cork and thought, Hmmmm. Then a little swirl and a whiff. That’s smell fantastic. Can’t quite describe that pleasant smell. Now for the test. . . . Ok I love not being disappointed. Has a soft tender taste that offers a nice ahhhh at the end. — 14 days ago

MICHAEL COOPER

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

9.0

So many #southafrican #southafricanwine even if they say they are a different varietal, seem like they have pinotage. — a day ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.0

13.5%. Looks to me like unfiltered. Very light color. Earthy and mushroomy nose. Dark Raspberries cranberries black tea - its a touch bitter - limes. Well made with complexity and therefore a very! good value for 30$ at the 3rd corner in Encinitas, CA. Drink now or give it a couple of years. — 16 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Star bright yellow gold. Inviting nose of yellow apples and hay. Dry honey added on the medium-full palate. Medium plus acidity. Long, sweet hay finish. A rustic yet polished white that’s a natural with foods of all types. More complex than Spier’s entry level Signature series, and a classic example of the SA style. — 18 hours ago

Shawn Thompson

9.5

A gorgeous rose-gold colour with a nose of strawberry, stone fruit and a hint bread yeast. The bubbles are delicate and subtle, palate is dry with kumquat, orange blossom and white cranberry. An amazing bottle of bubbles for our Valentine celebration. 💝 🥂 — 3 days ago

Allison Lyzenga

9.0

Huge day of tasting in Stellenbosch, so no complete tasting notes; complex and full bodied with notes of soy sauce — a day ago