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If you’re looking for a touch of the divine this week, Terre Nere’s Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2021 is ‘pure magic’ (Vinous). This Sicilian volcano wine is made from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape, which produces superb single-variety red wines reminiscent of Pinot noir. Further north, Pio Cesare is a Piedmont pioneer and their L’Altro Langhe Chardonnay 2022 offers terrific quality and bang for your buck at R345. The 95-point Rall White 2023 is ‘a wine of great refinement’ (Chiristian Eedes), while J.L. Vergnon MSNL Extra Brut 2012 is a Grand Cru Champagne produced by one of the leading estates in the Côte des Blancs. From Pauillac, we have the last couple of bottles of legendary Second Growth Pichon Lalande, and our February Insiders’ Case has it all – from Bordeaux, Rioja and Oloroso Sherry to local releases that should be on your radar.
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Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2021
R 899 PER BOTTLE
‘Fleshy, succulent and sapid, this is an incredibly beautiful Nerello Mascalese,’ exclaims Decanter. Marc de Grazia of Terre Nere was the first to produce globally recognised Nerello Mascalese. The vineyards that craft this gem are 60-100 years old, planted on ancient volcanic soils. It immediately charms with notes of black cherry, terracotta, light spices and violets. Displaying the perfect balance of elegance, concentration and structure, it will leave a lasting impression.
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Pio Cesare L'Altro Langhe Chardonnay 2022
R 345 per bottle
This Chardonnay from one of Piedmont’s – if not Italy's – greatest names is ‘medium-bodied, creamy and sleek with a polished and textural finish’ (James Suckling). It spends a brief period in barrique, and a smattering of Sauvignon Blanc is added for vibrancy – resulting in a fresh, delicious wine that’s bursting with lemon, white peach, beeswax, a hint of vanilla and great minerality. Stock up while you can.
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Rall White 2023
R 375 per bottle
Donovan Rall is one of SA’s finest, most exciting winemakers. It all started with a bang in 2008 when his first Rall White was awarded five stars from Platter’s. Since then, the wine has continued ‘its track record for excellence’ (Platter’s Guide). We had a bottle of the 2023 over lunch last week and couldn’t get enough of its bright fruit, purity and tension. You know those wines that finish first on the table but linger in your brain for days on end? This is one of them, and we’re drinking it by the caseload!
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J.L. Vergnon MSNL Extra Brut Grand Cru 2012
R 1,785 per bottle
J.L. Vergnon is situated in the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and focuses on refined, vivacious and chalky expressions of Chardonnay. This Grand Cru Champagne spent around eight years on the lees before it was disgorged and no dosage was added, leaving a residual sugar of less than 1g/L. Complex, concentrated and refreshing with a mineral finish, it’s an excellent aperitif and pairs well with shellfish.
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Pichon Lalande Pauillac 2020 & 2021
From R 3,675 per bottle
Neal Martin recently upscored Pichon Lalande’s 2020 vintage to 99 points! Simply put, it’s ‘a fabulous Pauillac that flirts with perfection’ and competes with the First Growths. 2021 is another triumph in a vintage that wasn’t easy. It’s a ‘towering wine’ that ‘dazzles from start to finish’, notes Antonio Galloni, scoring it 98 points. At a 14% discount to previous vintages, the 2021 offers fantastic value for a Second Growth Bordeaux.
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Wine Cellar Insiders' February 2025
R 1,490 per pack – Free Delivery
Our first taste of February’s Insiders' Case is the Cape Point Vineyards Noordhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – a fine expression of the variety, according to Neal Martin. The Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Blanc 2016 is 'bright, crisp and intensely saline' (Antonio Galloni), while the Lalela Cinsaut 2023 is 'appealingly drinkable' (Tim Atkin MW). The McFarlane Wines Capitoline Wolf Red 2023 is ‘charming’ (Christian Eedes) and represents exceptional value at R160. From Rioja, Torre de Oña’s Finca San Martín Crianza 2020 has summer berries, spice and appealing acidity, and we round off the pack with the 'fresh and fearless' (Wine Enthusiast) Emilio Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño NV.
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