Luddite Mixed Case 2026

Bot River (Only from fruit grown at Luddite Farm)
100% Shiraz

Special attention was paid to the temperature of the grapes during fermentation, a slow steady ferment ensures bigger fruit expression and more time on skins helps intensifying the structure.

"Matured for 24 months in barrel, 15% new. Classic aromas of black berries, lavender, fynbos, olive, pepper, and spice. The palate is succulent and sappy, where pure fruit meets vibrant acidity and crunchy tannins. Beautifully balanced and finely detailed – while Luddite Shiraz is often bold and burly, this vintage is expertly judged, whilst not becoming too delicate or restrained. 96/100"
- Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Luddite Chenin Blanc comes from the House Block and Dog Block on the family’s Bot River farm. Only 3,300 bottles were produced in 2025.

The grapes were crushed and destemmed before undergoing a natural fermentation in open fermenters. After 20 days on the skins, the wine was pressed directly into barrel with its sediment and received regular lees stirring during maturation.

"Fermented in open bins, then sealed for 20 days of post-fermentation skin maceration. Apple, citrus, potpourri, a hint of fynbos and spice on the nose. Excellent fruit purity and lively acidity, the finish pithy and persistent. Focused, taut and precise, with plenty of flavour for a wine of just 10.7% alcohol. Understated and carefully crafted. 95/100" - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

The eleventh release of Saboteur White is slightly larger and more epic than last year, with more weight and breadth while retaining the freshness that has always made this wine so approachable.

Chenin Blanc makes up 69% of the blend, supported by Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and a small portion of a nine-variety field blend. The fruit comes from six vineyards across Bot River, Stanford and Elgin, allowing each component to play a different role.

"69% Chenin Blanc, 14% Viognier, 12% wooded Sauvignon Blanc and 5% from the Erin field blend. Some seven days of skin contact for some of the Chenin and Viognier; a portion of Chenin fermented in tank for freshness; the remaining components matured in barrel for 11 months. Subtle notes of lemon, apple, peach, apricot and blackcurrant. The palate is well balanced with good fruit weight, bright acidity and a savoury finish. More well behaved than the previous vintage." - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Saboteur Red is the juicy, immediately approachable side of Luddite.

The 2023 is a blend of 55% Shiraz, 20% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache Noir and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Each variety was fermented and matured separately before the final blend was assembled, with 12 months in barrel and only a small proportion of new French oak.

"55% Shiraz, 20% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 16% new. Strawberry, cassis, floral perfume, herbs and spice on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Juicy and round, perhaps lacking a little grunt but compensating with an appealing accessibility." - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za