Wine Cellar Insiders' November 2023 Bottle size: 750ml

Gabriëlskloof, Whole Bunch Syrah 2022 – R 200
‘Red and black berries, some black olive plus hints of floral perfume and herbs. Whole-bunch fermented and then aged for 10 months in tank. The palate has lots of sweet, juicy fruit to go with fresh acidity and crunchy tannins – drink anytime, anywhere.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 90/100

Wildeberg, The Tea Leaf 2022 – R 140
‘Almost ridiculously cheap for an Old Vine Project white, this is a well-framed, naturally fermented assemblage of Chenin Blanc with 20% Grenache Gris and Marsanne. Citrus and yellow apple flavours are embellished by some skin tannin bitterness and notes of aniseed and wet stones. 2023-27’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 90/100

BLANKbottle, Epileptic Inspiration 2022 – R 295
‘Epileptic Inspiration - great name, even better label - is a wild fermented Elgin Semillon of great poise, balance and palate length. Featuring understated 35% new wood, it's waxy yet refreshing, with vanilla, cashew and citrus flavours, a herbal twist and a backbone of acidity. 2023-28’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 94/100

Can Sumoi, La Rosa 2022 – R 320
This vintage has not been rated yet, see 2021 tasting notes:

‘Bright, salmon skin color. Spice-accented raspberry, cherry and orange pith aromas, along with a pit fruit quality that builds with air. In a fresh, lively style, offering intense citrus fruit and red berry flavors and hints of candied flowers and white pepper. Finishes with firm cut and mineral-tinged persistence, leaving a dusty mineral note behind. 2022-2024’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 91/10

Lagar de Cervera, Pazo de Seoane Rosal 2022 – R 340
‘Clean and bright, with yellow colour and greenish hues. The nose is very intense and persistent, with hints of white flowers as well as notes of grapefruit peel and tropical fruits such as pineapple.On the palate the wine is delicate, fresh and elegant but at the same time, remarkably structured and balanced.’ – Winemaker

Laventura, La Nave Blanco 2020 – R 199
‘The new entry-level white 2020 La Nave Blanco is fruit-driven, young, fresh and tender, reminiscent of green almonds and white flowers. It mixes grapes and zones, 65% Viura and 35% Garnacha Blanca. It's medium-bodied, with 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.5, so with a soft mouthfeel and a drinkable profile. It fermented with natural yeasts and matured in concrete with the lees. 2022-2026’ – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 90/100