£29.99
Finca del Mar Cabernet Franc 2020 is from a vineyard on the slopes of the Langeberg between Swellendam and Ashton, about an hour and half’s drive from Cape Infanta where Alex Starey and family of Stellenbosch property Keermont takes their holidays.
It’s pretty much the antithesis of Starey’s often rather opulent red wines under the Keermont label, the grapes picked early, and winemaking involving carbonic maceration before maturation lasting 12 months in a second-fill French oak barrel and a glass demi-john.
The nose shows lifted aromatics of roses, violets, red berries and some attractive herbal character while the palate is delicate and intricate – lovely pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish very dry and even lightly spicy (alcohol is 12.07%). A delight to drink.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
£18.99
Corvina Veronese 70%Rondinella 25%Oseleta 5% Bright ruby red in colour, it opens with the captivating fragrance of red berries. On the palate it is dry and velvety and reveals a pleasant aftertaste of almonds, with a gratifying, persistent finish.
£19.99
A juicy wine with fresh aromas of plums, raspberries and spices. It has soft silky tannins to compliment the ripe blackberry and oak flavours on the palate
£13.75
This medium-bodied red wine has aromas and flavours of plums, black cherries and hints of violet. It has a velvety smooth texture and a soft lingering finish.
£15.99
A spicy full bodied red wine, with white pepper undertones. Slight French oak gives this wine a soft tannin structure with smooth mouth feel. Combining dark berry fruit with spicy richness makes this wine a drinking pleasure. Able to age for five years.