This month's value case
Cavalli, Filly Chenin Blanc 2020 – R 125
'Fermented and matured for 10 months in a combination of new, second- and third-fill barrels. Wonderfully complex aromatics of pear, white peach, lime plus hay and dried herbs and some leesy character while the palate has a weightless intensity about it – great fruit purity, fresh acidity and a saline finish. Full but balanced – has a luscious quality to it in addition to possessing plenty of detail.' – Winemag Prescient Chenin Blanc Report 2021, Top 10 (96/100)
Usana, The Runaway Pinot Gris 2020 – R 120
'The wine is nice and fresh with hints of Granny Smith apple some pear and white peach. The lees contact adds lovely texture and weight to the palate. It has good depth and Pinot Gris is very versatile with food. Paired well with seafood, pasta or vegetarian dishes. Be adventurous and add some spice.' – Winemaker
Tokara, Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2019 – R 230
'Fermented and matured for nine months in French oak, 36% new. A super-complex nose with notes of burnt matchstick, lemon and orange plus attractive oak. The palate is rich and intensely flavoured but equally possesses a lovely line of acidity while the finish is long and saline. Powerful without sacrificing intricacy.' – Winemag Prescient Top 20 Wines South Africa 2020 Report, 95/100
Intellego, Halagasha Pinotage 2020 – R 205
Notes on the 2019 vintage: 'From Paardeberg Pinotage which underwent a semi-carbonic fermentation. Very attractive notes of musk and rose before red fruit and white pepper. Light-bodied and entirely charming – lovely fruit expression, fresh acidity and fine tannins.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100
Faustino, Crianza 2017 – R 190
'Limpid ruby. Bright, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry and black pepper. Light-bodied and energetic on the palate, offering zesty red and dark berry flavors and a hint of licorice. Finishes clean and brisk, with no obvious tannins and a hint of jamminess. Drink 2021-2024.' – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 88/100
Glenelly, Glass Collection Merlot 2018 – R 135
'Matured for 12 months in French oak, 18% new. Aromatics of red and black berries, some leafiness and a little cocoa. Rich and round on the palate – concentrated fruit with firm but fine tannins, the finish long and very dry.' – Winemag Prescient Merlot Report 2020, Top 10
'Fermented and matured for 10 months in a combination of new, second- and third-fill barrels. Wonderfully complex aromatics of pear, white peach, lime plus hay and dried herbs and some leesy character while the palate has a weightless intensity about it – great fruit purity, fresh acidity and a saline finish. Full but balanced – has a luscious quality to it in addition to possessing plenty of detail.' – Winemag Prescient Chenin Blanc Report 2021, Top 10 (96/100)
Usana, The Runaway Pinot Gris 2020 – R 120
'The wine is nice and fresh with hints of Granny Smith apple some pear and white peach. The lees contact adds lovely texture and weight to the palate. It has good depth and Pinot Gris is very versatile with food. Paired well with seafood, pasta or vegetarian dishes. Be adventurous and add some spice.' – Winemaker
Tokara, Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2019 – R 230
'Fermented and matured for nine months in French oak, 36% new. A super-complex nose with notes of burnt matchstick, lemon and orange plus attractive oak. The palate is rich and intensely flavoured but equally possesses a lovely line of acidity while the finish is long and saline. Powerful without sacrificing intricacy.' – Winemag Prescient Top 20 Wines South Africa 2020 Report, 95/100
Intellego, Halagasha Pinotage 2020 – R 205
Notes on the 2019 vintage: 'From Paardeberg Pinotage which underwent a semi-carbonic fermentation. Very attractive notes of musk and rose before red fruit and white pepper. Light-bodied and entirely charming – lovely fruit expression, fresh acidity and fine tannins.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100
Faustino, Crianza 2017 – R 190
'Limpid ruby. Bright, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry and black pepper. Light-bodied and energetic on the palate, offering zesty red and dark berry flavors and a hint of licorice. Finishes clean and brisk, with no obvious tannins and a hint of jamminess. Drink 2021-2024.' – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 88/100
Glenelly, Glass Collection Merlot 2018 – R 135
'Matured for 12 months in French oak, 18% new. Aromatics of red and black berries, some leafiness and a little cocoa. Rich and round on the palate – concentrated fruit with firm but fine tannins, the finish long and very dry.' – Winemag Prescient Merlot Report 2020, Top 10
