The reputation of wines from South Africa has grown enormiously in recent years.   This varied selection includes a wide range of vintages (1987 to 2024), alcohol concentrations and different regions. The styles include a delicate rosé, oaked Chardonnays, a young Chenin, Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernets, a low-alcohol sweet straw wine and a powerful Constantia sweetie. Some producers are well-known, others are interesting rarities. Voor-Paardeberg is an up-and-coming area of Paarl, receiving Wine of Origin status in 2006. Many of the wines are not now available in the UK. 

Rosé, Rosie D, 2024, Doran Vineyards, W. O. Voor-Paardeberg, 10%, Grenache Noir, Provence style. 2 hours’ skin contact. 

Delheim Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, 1997, 13.5%. Lightly wooded. 

Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2017, 13.5%. Barrel fermented, 10 months’ oak. 

Chenin Reserve, 2023, Doran Vineyards, Voor-Paardeberg, 13.5%. 12 months in French oak. 

Pinotage, 2023, Doran Vineyards, Voor-Paardeberg, 14%. 

Iosa 2023, Shiraz, Doran Vineyards, Voor-Paardeberg, 14%. 16 months in oak. 

Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015, 15%. French oak for 22 months. 

Rustenberg Stellenbosch John X Merriman 2016, 14.5%. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc. 20 months in oak.

 Villa Esposto Muscat d’Alexandria, Straw Wine, 2021, Olifants River, 8%. Selected grapes were dried on straw mats for two weeks. Fermented in French oak. 2 x 37.5 cl bottles. 

Groot Constantia Landgoedwyn Estate, Constantia, Noble Late Harvest 1987, 15.5%. 2 x 37.5 cl bottles. 

Organised and presented by Dr Bernard Lamb, National Guild of Wine and Beer Judges.  A cold buffet will be provided by the Club.

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Mobility rating: 3 – steps up to the front door, then lift access.
Nearest tube: Green Park
Dress: Smart casual
Organiser: Bernard Lamb. E-mail: bernardlamb@btinternet.com