Boutinot, Wandering Beeste, Swartland, South Africa, 2013

This is the first vintage of a wine made at Zorgvliet’s garagiste winery for English importer Boutinot, by one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents, Donovan Rall. He makes wines under his own label (Rall) and at Vuurburg, as well as this new range. The grapes are sourced from the Kasteelberg mountain and, true to the spirit of the so-called Swartland Revolution, is a minimal-intervention, comparatively low-alcohol style, with 100% whole-bunch natural fermentation in old oak barrels. The name refers to a famously skinny breed of cattle called Nguni. Tim Atkin MW: Wow! Intense, flavoursome, complex, aromatic, balanced and poised. Spicy, thick, complex and long, mineral and fresh. Pepper spice and wild herbs. Guy Harcourt-Wood: Savoury, olive-infused nose gives way to succulent, balanced red fruit flavours. Firm grippy tannins and lifted acidity make this a delight to drink. Greg Sherwood MW: Ripe, alluring, sweet, musky and cassis-laden nose. Dusty plums, mineral chalky notes and wonderfully fresh acidity integrates with sweet, concentrated, savoury black fruit. A pure joy to drink. Bravo!