The 2023 de Pez is packed with ripe blackberry, scorched earth, leather and incense. Powerful and quite broad, the 2023 is a decidedly big, dark wine. Wild Saint-Estèphe acids and tannins are nicely tamed, but the wine's essential brawn is impossible to fully escape. Drink this with a juicy steak.

Black currant, pencil shaving, subtle sandalwood, wet earth, forest floor and violet aromas follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins that integrate perfectly at the end. A polished and caressing texture that goes on for minutes. The balance and drinkability of this Dominus is terrific, and it will age beautifully. A blend of 87% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully.

The Meerlust 2022 Stellenbosch Estate Red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, spent 16 months in French oak and presents a polished, international profile. Dark fruit, spice and grilled herb are delivered with confident balance on the nose, while the palate reveals a more distinctly South African character through its restrained, silky, mid-weight texture. Stellenbosch’s combination of warm days and cooling maritime airflow supports this contrast between aromatic generosity and controlled structure.

This is a wine with a long and beloved following that was first made in 1980. The Meerlust 2021 Stellenbosch Rubicon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dark fruit layers are interwoven with grilled herb and earthy tones, supported by firm tannins and a notably lean mouthfeel. The estate’s gravelly, granite-derived soils naturally emphasize freshness and tension, giving Rubicon its classical frame, even in riper vintages.

Not yet bottled, the 2023 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes offers brilliant aromatics of cassis, graphite, violets, smoked herbs, and a kiss of blood orange on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered, pure mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It picks up a beautiful floral character with air and shines for its beautiful overall balance, finesse, and elegance.