Natte Valleij OVP Darling Cinsault 2023 Bottle size: 750ml

'It's not always the case, but in 2023 this was the more concentrated of the two Old Vine Project Cinsaults at Natte Valleij. Sourced from a bush vines parcel in Darling that was established in 1978, it's savoury, intense and full of life, with some clove and pepper spice from partial whole bunch fermentation, goji berry and raspberry fruit and refined filigree tannins. 2025-30' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 95/100

‘Every year, I lift this glass to my nose, breathe deeply, taste it, breathe deeply, and sigh with relief. My Darling, darling Cinsault. It has yet to disappoint me. It takes me back to African sunrises – sitting on kopjes in the Matobo Hills, watching blood-red light spill across and down the splits of bald granite rocks, the scent of resurrection bush in my nose, and the smell of rooibos tea. It has that fragile transparency of a paper-thin sliver of ruby – it feels as if it might crack in your mouth and maybe disappear. It really does taste of ancient rocks (and if you think I'm crazy, you need to watch the sun rise from the edge of the Matobo Hills). You can taste the rocks in the air. You can taste the sun rise. It's not a wine that seeks to charm or please. It's a wine that is. Meet it at its place. 2024-2031’ – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20

'Supple and harmonious, with beautiful floral notes that are becoming synonymous with Darling cinsaults. Layering of fruit, textured earthiness and equally elegant tannic pull.' – Winemaker