Wine Cellar Insiders' March 2025 Bottle size: 750ml

Patatsfontein Wit Versnit 2024 – R 240
‘Grapes from the same Montagu property that supplies grapes for the Steen. 55% Chenin Blanc, 45% Colombard. Fermented and matured in combination of old oak and concrete. Pretty aromatics of orchard blossom, pear, peach, guava and a hint of hay. The palate is light but not lean with fresh acidity and a dry finish. Clean and poised. Alc: 12.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100

Niepoort Drink Me Tinto 2021 – R 170
This vintage has not been rated; see 2019 vintage tasting notes:
'Mid purple crimson with vibrant purple rim. But the colour is not as vibrant as the fruit, which soars from the glass, in sweet black fruit aromas especially blackcurrant and cassis but with the wildness of elderberry. Dark-red fruits too, mulberry and raspberry. There’s a dark, rocky, almost dusty, overlay that I associate with the Douro though the wine is labelled as a wine of Portugal. Deep and rich-fruited on the palate, generous and yet so lively and fresh, with what might be a little bit of extra sweet spice from the oak. Dry and fine tannins balance all the zesty fruit. Still pretty firm. Drink Me is so apt for this wine but at the moment I’d broach it with food. A great all-rounder. It may not be a wine for long ageing but I think this will be even better with another 6 months in bottle.' – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16+/20

Leeuwenkuil Reserve Red 2021 – R 160
‘Shiraz at 85% with 4 others, long skin contact post ferment, then year seasoned foudre, which rewards with full dark-toned fruit, cocoa, savoury spice including pepper, clove. Lots of layers, depth. Tannin perceptible on finish, firm but ripe, no barrier to current enjoyment.’ – Platter’s Guide, 4*(93/100)

Pesquié Paradou Vermentino Rolle Blanc 2022 – R 175

Petit Manou Médoc 2019 – R 325
'This ripe wine offers dark-chocolate flavors over tannins and young black fruit. It is dense, piled with tannins and ripe blackberry flavors. Drink from 2025.' – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 90/100

Tierhoek Straw Wine NV – R 240
'The NV Straw Wine has a lovely marmalade and quince-scented bouquet that bursts from the glass. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening, plenty of marmalade and tangerine notes and a crisp line of acidity. While not overly complex, this is a pure and delicious straw wine. 2021-2032' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100