Discovery Case: South Africa

From the wind-scoured granite peaks of the Cederberg to the sun-drenched mountain slopes of Stellenbosch, from the ancient bush vines of Swartland to the cool coastal passes of Bot River, South Africa's Cape Winelands are producing wines of breathtaking ambition and originality. This is a country finding its voice with extraordinary confidence — honouring old vines and wild landscapes while pushing boldly into the future. Six wines, one remarkable nation, the Cape at its most thrilling.

Each wine in this case is also available to purchase individually — simply click the link beneath each bottle to explore further.

WOW Series South Africa:

Genevieve MCC 2018 Blanc de Blancs, Bot River, Western Cape: luminous and refined; born from old Chardonnay vines in the cool Van der Stel Pass, this single-varietal Méthode Cap Classique is all finesse — fine, persistent bubbles carrying lemon blossom, green apple, toasted brioche and a whisper of chalky minerality in an elegant, unhurried arc. Named after the patron saint of Paris, it has all the poise to match. Pair with oysters on the half-shell, dressed crab or smoked salmon blinis.

Blackwater Piquet Chenin Blanc, 2020, Swartland: wild and beguiling; sourced from François Haasbroek's self-declared 'grand cru' at the base of Piket-bo-berg's steep granite peak, this whole-bunch pressed Chenin aged 13 months in old barrique delivers sun-dried pear, white peach, chamomile and warm hay with yeasty complexity and a bracing lift of acidity that lingers long and memorably. Pair with roast free-range chicken, aged hard cheese or a slow-cooked pork belly.

Bartinney Chardonnay, 2023, Stellenbosch: poised and mountain-fresh. Rose Jordaan describes her wines as "made on a mountain", and this Chardonnay proves it — lime, apricot and green pineapple on the nose, giving way to a velvety palate of vanilla cream, almond and vibrant citrus, shaped by 12 months in French oak and a high altitude that keeps everything taut and alive. Pair with pan-seared scallops, lobster bisque or a creamy mushroom risotto.

Driehoek Pinot Noir, 2021, Cederberg: Ethereal and precise; from one of South Africa's highest-lying vineyards, hidden deep within the great Cederberg Wilderness, this Pinot Noir is all cool-climate fragrance – red cherry, raspberry, earthy undertones and a whisper of toast, carried on a silk-smooth finish that speaks quietly but says everything. Pair with duck breast with cherry jus, roasted beets and goat's cheese or a classic coq au vin.

Nieuwe Haarlem Pinotage, 2023, Coastal Region: bold and deeply South African; named in tribute to the Dutch East India Company ship that wrecked in Table Bay in 1647 and planted the seeds of Cape viticulture, this dryland bush vine Pinotage is layered and generous — roasted coffee, dark cherry, plum, mocha and smoky oak unfurling on a full, smooth body with silky tannins and a long espresso finish. Pair with slow-braised short rib, lamb sosaties or a dark chocolate and cherry dessert.

Rainbow's End Family Reserve, 2022, Stellenbosch: the crowning jewel!. Just nine barrels made from the finest fruit of the vintage, this Cabernet Franc-led Bordeaux blend aged 24 months in French oak and a further 18 months in bottle is commanding and complete — mint, tobacco, dark forest, cassis and blackberry are woven through seductive, well-balanced tannins on a finish built for patience and reward. Pair with beef fillet with bone marrow butter, braised lamb shoulder or aged hard cheese.