Vinous (90)

Full ruby-red. Classic varietal aromas of redcurrant, plum, tobacco, spices and milk chocolate. Plush, sweet, fruit-driven flavors of cassis, black raspberry, licorice and pepper offer a pliant, rather open-knit texture but have the concentration and energy for mid-term aging. Nicely perfumed and not heavy. Finishes with a ripe but serious dusting of tannins and very good length. An excellent showing.

Vinous (85)

The 2012 Merlot comes half from the estate and half from Keermont. It has a light blackberry and raspberry bouquet that feels a little timid and needs more vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky red berry fruit, soft texture and moderate acidity, the one-third new oak neatly used, but it needs more vigor and vivacity on the tertiary finish.

Platter’s Wine Guide (94)

4.5* Naturally fermented fruit (as all) from 4 Mont Fleur and Keermont parcels. Fine tannin structure for intense bramble fruit, plum pudding spice from 19 months in 35% new oak. Beautiful balance and great prospects. Also showed great freshness. Unfined and unfiltered.

Platter’s Wine Guide (96)

5* First in SA; 21st vintage in 2017. Sumptuous and sensual dessert wine from shade-dried chenin, 30 months in 50% new barrels. A taste sensation of exotic tropical fruit, sundried apricot, toast hazelnut and a hint of vanilla; terrifc acid ballance.

Vinous (90)

(15.7% alcohol; aged for 22 months in 50% new oak; 4 g/l r.s.): Full ruby-red. Musky blueberry, black raspberry, mocha, licorice pastille and violet on the nose, plus a hint of smoked meat. Very sweet, concentrated dark berry and pepper flavors show a slight warmth and liqueur-like ripeness leavened by firm acidity. Densely packed and filled in but not heavy. Finishes with serious tongue-dusting tannins and excellent length. I suspect this will be better once it absorbs some of its baby fat and early sweetness.

Vinous (91)

Saturated ruby. Musky blackberry, blueberry, mocha, gunflint, black pepper and underbrush on the nose. Plush, smooth and deep, with superripe flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate and sexy smoky oak. Utterly seamless Syrah with serious but fine-grained tannins and excellent lingering sweetness. Really stains the palate with sweet dark fruits.

Wine Advocate (91)

The 2012 Syrah 393 is de-stemmed and crushed gently, undergoing malolactic fermentation in the barrel. It has a tightly wound, mint-fresh, more floral bouquet compared directly to the 2012 Blueprint Syrah. The palate is well balanced with slightly lighter and more tensile tannin structure, brisk and lively with moderate depth. It offers vibrant black fruit towards the finish and a lingering balsam aftertaste, completing a well-crafted Syrah that should give 8-10 years of pleasure.

Vinous (91+)

(15% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Perfumed scents of blueberry, cassis, violet, pepper and licorice. Juicy, brisk and concentrated, with the dark berry and licorice flavors showing surprising energy and lift for the high alcohol. At once powerful and fine-grained, finishing with dusty, building tannins and lingering black fruit and violet perfume. This very young wine possesses a serious tannic spine for aging but is already nicely delineated. An excellent Syrah in a black fruit style. The tannins turn a bit dusty with aeration.

Vinous (92)

The 2015 Syrah 393 includes 10% whole bunch fruit and was matured for 12 months in 40% new fine-grain French oak with a light toasting, and then transferred into used oak for another nine months. It has a very attractive bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, crushed violet and vanilla scents that are pure and opulent. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin, and quite harmonious and smooth, delivering good density while not compromising on fruit. This is still quite backward and deserves another couple of years in bottle, but there is good potential here.

Platter’s Wine Guide (93)

4.5* Altitude of rocky, steep, partly terraced home-vineyard on Mont Fleur farm inspires the name of this celebrated syrah, deftly marries richness and power with refinement. Full-ripe blackcurrant and raspberry, spicy hint of liquorice, fine tannis boding well for the future. 12 months in 40% new barrels.

A stablemate of classic Islay distillery Bunnahabhainn and the iconic Tobermory Distillery on Mull, Deanston is a hidden gem of a Highland Malt. Founded on the banks of the River Teith in 1795 as a cotton mill, the beautiful stone building was converted to its present purpose in 1965. Drawing water from the river which also powers its own hydro-energy facility, it has the distinction of being the only energy self-sufficient distillery in Scotland.

The spirit produced here is a classically fine, balanced Highland Malt with a bit of punchiness to its profile that does well ageing relatively unhindered in ex-Bourbon wood as is the case here. The distillery’s production of bottled single malt is small with 85% of the output going into blends. That gives holders of Deanston casks a point of relative rarity that very little of this delicious spirit is bottled as single malt, and even rarer, bottled at an advanced age. As such this will greatly reward patience.

Tasting Note
Fresh and bright with excellent potential given the performance over 9 years of maturation in a single refill hogshead, it was regauged just this year close to 60% ABV, this is well suited to a very long term hold, while Deanston's profile rises as it has done for the past decade. Look for classic apple, pear and stone fruit aromatics alongside crisp barley and cereal notes as it shows a remarkably youthful nose. This is ageing slow indeed with a lot left to give in the years (and decades) ahead.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)

Full medium ruby. Roasted black raspberry and cassis lifted by musky espresso and an exotic smoky, peaty element. Dense and rich; sweet and approachable but with shape and grip. A bit youthfully grapey in the mouth, with smoke and earth notes. Finishes with building, slightly austere tannins and very good length. (Kobrand, Inc., New York, NY)

Wine Spectator (95)

Wonderful aromas of blackberry, lilac and a bit of stems. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, medium sweetness and a long finish. Solid. Needs a little time still. Seems to be coming together now. '77/'85/'97 blind Port retrospective.

Vinous (94)

The 2020 Chardonnay DeMorgenzon Reserve comes from two blocks behind the winery and sees around 30% new oak for around 9 to 10 months on the gross lees with another three months in foudres and used oak/tank. It has an attractive nose with orange blossom, hazelnut and light spicy notes. The palate is very balanced with a lovely texture, a nice "bite" of acidity, taut and fresh with a saline finish that lingers. A wonderful Chardonnay.

Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 is the embodiment of elegant sophistication. Produced in the historic Wellington region of South Africa, this divine single varietal wine is handcrafted by the acclaimed Diemersfontein Wine Estate. Renowned for their unrivalled dedication to quality, the Diemersfontein team meticulously harvest Pinotage grapes at optimal ripeness to fashion a wine brimming with character.

The intensive fermentation process coupled with a carefully measured maturation period in French and American oak barrels delivers a wine with a delightful complexity. Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 presents an intoxicating fusion of rich dark chocolate, ripe plum, and delicate hints of coffee on the nose. With a lush, velvety palate carrying nuances of black fruit and a captivating finish, it truly encapsulates the grace of the Pinotage variety.

Suitable for ageing, Diemersfontein The Original Pinotage 2021 is a magnificent representation of the estate's wine-making artistry, helping to uphold their exemplary reputation within the global viticulture community.

The Dobogo Tokaji Furmint 2017 is a luxurious, well-crafted white wine deriving from the renowned Tokaj wine region of Hungary. Dobogo, a boutique winery, stands for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods, harvesting meticulously by hand to ensure only the finest quality grapes are selected. The 2017 Furmint has been skilfully matured in aged oak barrels, imparting rich, complex flavours into this elegant wine.

On the nose, it presents an enchanting bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, complimented by lively notes of exotic spices. With each sip, one experiences a sublime balance of crisp acidity, and pronounced mineral character harmonising with luscious fruitiness. The finish is persistent, leaving a delightful aftertaste. Such a profile makes it a superb companion for a variety of dishes.

As a fine wine connoisseur, one cannot miss the opportunity to experience the unique character and immaculate quality of Dobogo Tokaji Furmint 2017.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Only the most subtle notions of wet oakmoss, citrus peel and yeast escape on the shy nose. This is absolutely honed and taut, but time in the glass allows salty miso and crushed fennel aromas to shine through. A glint of ripe pear joins in but the utter, precise, stony freshness will take a while to unravel. This is indeed a wine to be treasured for decades. Drink 2025–2050.

The case contains one bottle each of: Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Axpoint 2017 (90 Points, Wine Advocate) Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Achleiten 2017 (95 Points, Wine Enthusiast) Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kellerberg 2017 (95 Points, Wine Enthusiast) Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kirnberg 2017 Riesling Smaragd Ried Achleiten 2017 (96 Points, Wine Enthusiast) Riesling Smaragd Ried Kellerberg 2017 (91 Points, Wine Advocate) Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg 2017 (92 Points, Wine Enthusiast) Riesling Smaragd Ried Singerriedel 2017 (94 Points, Wine Advocate) Roter Traminer Reserve Ried Setzberg 2017 ABV's: - Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Axpoint 2017 - 13.5% - Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Achleiten 2017 - 14.5% - Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kellerberg 2017 - 14.0% - Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kirnberg 2017- 13.5% - Riesling Smaragd Ried Singerriedel 2017- 13.5% - Riesling Smaragd Ried Achleiten 2017 - 14.0% - Riesling Smaragd Ried Kellerberg 2017 - 14.0% - Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg 2017 - 13.5% - Roter Traminer Reserve Ried Setzberg 2017- 13.0%

The exquisite Donatsch Completer Malanserrebe 2022, handcrafted from a rare and ancient white grape variety, embodies the heritage of the Donatsch family's five generations of wizardry in winemaking. Maintaining the highest of Swiss standards, this wine is cultivated on the sun-drenched slopes of Malans, enriched by their schistous and calcareous soils. What sets this wine apart is its intricate production process with a prolonged fermentation followed by ageing in large, neutral oak barrels.

The Donatsch Completer Malanserrebe 2022 greets the palate with an exceptional balance of sleek acidity and warm minerality. This luxurious pour allures the senses with an intricate bouquet of honeyed apples, lush white peaches, and a hint of intriguing Asian spice. With its layered complexity and persistent finish, it is no surprise this stellar ambassador from the Donatsch family's exclusive fine wine repertoire is celebrated amongst connoisseurs worldwide.

The Donatsch Passion Chardonnay 2022 is a masterstroke from the eminent Donatsch family's winery in the picturesque Malans region of Switzerland. Harnessing the unique terroir of the region's limestone-rich soil and cool alpine climate, this spellbinding Chardonnay is meticulously crafted from low-yielding Burgundy clone vines. The grapes are handpicked at optimum ripeness, lending the wine an exquisite balance between acidity and fruit expression.

A gradual, controlled fermentation in French oak barrels follows, fortifying the wine's profound depth and complexity. Maturation on lees imparts a creamy texture and enriches its layered nuances. Resplendent with alluring notes of ripe apples, crisp pears, and subtle vanilla, the Donatsch Passion Chardonnay 2022 exudes an elegant minerality. The finish is long, persistent, and endearingly refreshing. A firm favourite amongst true connoisseurs, this Chardonnay encapsulates the Donatsch family's relentless pursuit of viticultural excellence and passion for creating world-class wine.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Tasted from the tank that is ready to be bottled in late March or early April, the 2021 Pinot Noir Passion offers a pure, fresh, intense and elegant nose of red cherries and wild dark berries as well as peppery/savory notes. Clear, fresh and juicy on the palate, this is a medium-weight, charmingly round and juicy Pinot with spicy tannins and astringent acidity. The finish is intense but delicate and remarkably long. 13.4% existing alcohol Tasted at the domaine in Malans and at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in February 2023.

Discover the exquisite delight of Donatsch Passion Pinot Noir 2022 - an exceptional Swiss offering whose refinement and delicacy speak volumes of the mastery of winemaker Thomas Donatsch. This wine hails from the renowned Malanser in the Graubünden region of Switzerland and boasts the fifth-generation expertise of the Donatsch family. Each berry used in Donatsch Passion Pinot Noir 2022 is hand-picked only from old vines that have borne fruit for over 30 years.

The wine expresses a fascinating interplay between fruity sweetness and subtle acidity. Its sparkling ruby colour and distinctive aromas of black cherries and subtle earthy tones transport you to the vineyards on the slopes of the Swiss Alps. The carefully executed barrique ageing process brings out robust, refined nuances to delight the palate. Experience the lyrical balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin in Donatsch Passion Pinot Noir 2022 and fall in love with the seductive allure of Swiss Pinot Noir.