Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards Reserve

Mid ruby with garnet edges. Fresh aromas of lavender, blackcurrant pastille, red currant, menthol, fynbos and fennel captivate the nose. The palate is soft and welcoming, with lively, chalky acidity and a sweet-edged fruit profile of black pastille, blackberry compote, and a hint of black pepper that carries the wine through to a long finish. However, this is a wine of two halves as both a stemmy edginess and riper caramelised fruit that feels like burnt jam emerge, which distracts. …

Mid ruby, the aromas are savoury and sour with red fruits, pepper and some stemmy characters. A touch of bonfire and vegetal came through as the wine opened. A crisp, cool entry with vegetal flavours interspersed with bonfire, red apple and lavender. There is a sappiness to the wine that feels a tad underripe, yet there is a coolness typical of high stem inclusion. The wine feels edgy and malic, with medicinal notes later on. It feels a little raw …

This blend of 60% Shiraz, 22% Cinsault, 10% Grenache, and 8% Mourvèdre has savoury, meaty aromas joined by black peppercorn and red berry notes. The medium+ bodied palate is spicy with nice aroma replays on the flavour profile and supported by fresh acidity and fine, supple tannins. Very good length on the savoury finish.