The Wolftrap Red 2024

There's a clear Rhône thread running through this blend, with Syrah taking the lead, supported by Mourvèdre and a touch of Viognier. It's full of dark berry fruit - blackberry, blueberry and a trace of violet - rounded out by liquorice and a hint of sweet tobacco. The feel is supple and seamless, the tannins fine and lightly textured, giving shape without weight. It's a wine with depth and polish in equal measure, showing how well the Cape handles the classic Rhône mix when balance takes priority over sheer power.

Works well with roast meats or grilled sausages, where the wine's dark fruit and spice can play off the richness and savoury flavours.

Without doubt one of the leading South African wineries Boekenhoutskloof is situated in a remote corner of the scenic Franschhoek Valley. Whilst first established back in 1776 it wasn't until 1993, under new ownership, that the completely renovated vineyard and estate started to build their current reputation. Marc Kent is the man who's responsible for their success. Completely committed to high quality and attention to detail he's, nevertheless, a keen experimenter and always willing to try something new. He was one of the first to establish Syrah as a significant South African variety in the late 1990s. The famed Chocolate Block is their flagship wine. Each vintage is a slightly different blend, using the best quality fruit in each year, but is always largely based on Syrah. And while red wines are their best-known products, the white they make using the Semillon grape is also well worth seeking out.