Riebeek, Western Cape.

We’ve been long delighted by the quality and value of South African wine, and have worked with them in the past.

 
This time we have sourced Bonfire Hill from the tireless Ed Adams, of La Bascula fame. Ed and his South African winemaking colleague Bruce Jack have built strong contacts and expertise in the Cape. Working with the progressive, black empowerment cooperative Riebeek in Western Cape, they have the space and means to produce fresh, clean and pure wines with a great deal of precision and control. Of greatest importance is the
complete lack of burnt rubber flavours that characterize some Cape (red) wines. Bruce Jack’s is after all one of the very best South Africa winemakers, one only needs to look at his pedigree with Flagstone wines. That, and the dry-farmed vineyards in this part of Swartland.
 
 
We have selected 2 wines from their output, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. South African Chenin Blanc (or Steen) is a star performer, and Bonfire Hill shows plenty of crisp, ripe custard apple flavour, aromatic and mineral. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a delightful combination of mouthwatering blackcurrant, melting tannins and a hint of menthol. Neither wine has seen any oak.