Second Labels Mixed Case

If you’re looking for a Chardonnay that prioritises energy and elegance over heavy oak and "butter-bomb" richness, you’ve found it. Made by Lukas Van Loggerenberg—one of the modern stars of the South African wine scene—this bottle is a masterclass in balance.

A fresh, vibrant, medium-bodied wine with bright raspberry and blackberry notes, a spicy character, and gentle earthy undertones. Grown on 25-year-old bush vines (Malmesbury shale/clay soils) and matured in stainless steel and Foudre.

"W.O. Swartland. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in a combination of stainless steel tank and foudre. Cherry, raspberry and rose on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with lively acidity and gentle tannins. Approachable, balanced, entirely unthreatening." Christian Eedes, Winemag

Adam and Ex Animo have been speaking about a Stellenbosch Bordeaux Blend for a while, and it has finally come to fruition.

Very basic winemaking here, this wine is all about the sites. From very respectable sites in Bottelary and near Raithby. A mix of dark and ripe red berries with an underlying savoury element to the nose. A seamless integration of red fruits and a well balanced tannin structure with a long lingering finish.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Pinotage, 17% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Abrie's latest wine, a Cape blend. Cape Courage is made to deliver integrity and structure at a more accessible level, without compromising quality or balance. Led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and supported by Bordeaux varieties, matured mainly in older barrels with a small portion of new oak. Fresh, savoury, and finely structured, it is immediately drinkable yet far from simple; a wine designed to perform confidently in the glass now, while retaining the ability to age gracefully.

“Matured for 20 months in 225-litre barrels, 10% new. Red and black berries, plum, a hint of violets and cigar box on the nose. The palate is pure and juicy with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins, finishing properly dry. Classically styled, well-structured and precise – total production is an impressive 43,000 bottles. Alc: 14%.” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

High-altitude Chardonnay from Ceres Plateau and Piekenierskloof, combining the former’s cool mineral precision with the latter’s generous fruit and subtle spice. Bright lemon, delicate white flowers and a touch of almond lead into a concentrated yet weightless palate, zesty acidity and a crisp, pithy finish.

Refreshing, expressive and effortlessly quaffable.

Proefkonyn, meaning Guinea Pig, is a Verdelho from Franco Lourens, it is his "playground" for experimenting with different varieties and processes. He emphasises that he's not trying to reinvent Verdelho but is simply having fun making it, and that consumers shouldn't expect a wine similar to the rest of the Lourens Family Wines range. Verdelho is known for its resilience to heat and drought and its natural acidity and low pH.

The wine was fermented spontaneously in two older, neutral 500L barrels and matured on its fine lees for 10 months. It was bottled unfined and with only coarse filtration. On the palate, it presents a profile of yellow fruits with a clean, energetic character that might be reminiscent of a Chenin Blanc.