Assorted Cape Reds: Pinotage, Cabernet & Beyond Tasting Lot

2016 HVH "The Nink" Red Blend Simonsberg-Paarl

HVH works from high-altitude sites in the Cape, focusing on small-parcel fruit from granitic and shale soils shaped by strong maritime winds. The project was built around low-yield farming, careful canopy work, and a clean, modern approach that highlights freshness over weight. Grapes are picked with an eye toward natural acidity, then fermented in small lots with strict sorting and cool temperature control to protect aromatics. Aging leans on older French oak and stainless steel to keep the wines focused, savory, and mineral. The style tends to show lifted fruit, spice, and a clear sense of the Cape’s coastal influence, with precision driving both farming and cellar work.

2017 Glen Carlou "Gravel Quarry" Cabernet Sauvignon Paarl

Glen Carlou emerged in 1985 at the foot of the Simonsberg, part of the early wave of modern Stellenbosch estates focused on precise farming and clean, site-driven winemaking. The vineyards sit on decomposed granite and shale with warm days and cool nights that help preserve natural acidity. Farming keeps yields low, with careful canopy work to balance ripeness and structure. Fermentations run in small lots with temperature control and strict sorting, followed by aging in a mix of stainless steel and mostly older French oak to keep the wines focused and polished.

2018 Delheim Pinotage Stellenbosch

The celebrated Pinotage grape is South Africa's golden child. Created in 1924 by Professor Abraham Perold, Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Cinsault is known as Hermitage in South Africa, thus the portmanteau "Pinotage" for Pinot Noir and Hermitage.

2018 Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon Paarl

2019 L'Avenir "Single Block - Block 02" Pinotage Stellenbosch

Established on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, L’Avenir has long been regarded as one of South Africa’s benchmark producers of Pinotage. The estate’s vineyards benefit from decomposed granite soils, warm daytime temperatures, and cooling maritime influences that help the grape achieve both concentration and freshness, a balance that is essential for top-quality Pinotage. The “Single Block” bottling highlights a specific parcel selected for its low yields and site character, showcasing the more refined and structured side of a variety that has become closely tied to South African wine identity.

2019 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage Western Cape

2019 Beyerskloof Pinotage Western Cape

The celebrated Pinotage grape is South Africa's golden child. Created in 1924 by Professor Abraham Perold, Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Cinsault is known as Hermitage in South Africa, thus the portmanteau "Pinotage" for Pinot Noir and Hermitage.

2019 Fairview Pinotage Paarl

The celebrated Pinotage grape is South Africa's golden child. Created in 1924 by Professor Abraham Perold, Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Cinsault is known as Hermitage in South Africa, thus the portmanteau "Pinotage" for Pinot Noir and Hermitage.

2020 Tempel "Tydsaam" Tempranillo Paarl

2021 Groot Phesantekraal "Berliet" Pinotage Durbanville

Dating back to the late 17th century, Groot Phesantekraal is one of the historic farming estates of the Cape, with vineyards positioned in the cool, windswept hills of Durbanville just inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The region’s maritime influence moderates temperatures throughout the growing season, while decomposed granite and shale soils help produce wines with freshness and structure rather than excessive weight. The estate has become particularly well regarded for its thoughtful approach to Pinotage, crafting a more restrained and terroir-driven expression of South Africa’s signature red grape.