Heritage Day Mixed Case

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

The fruit comes from a 27-year-old, dry-farmed bush-vine vineyard on neighbouring Klipdam Farm in the south-western corner of Paarl. Its clay-rich Malmesbury shale soils produce a characterful, beautifully balanced wine with juicy notes of lychee, cantaloupe and pear. Medium-bodied and gently expressive, the palate is fruit-driven without being overtly sweet, concluding with a crisp, bone-dry finish.

The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and fermented in seasoned barriques, followed by nine months of maturation on the lees. Made with minimal intervention, sulphur was the only additive used.

Rocking Horse sits at the heart of Thorne & Daughters and the 2024 vintage is one John is especially excited about. A slightly smaller crop brought impressive fruit concentration, while extended time in tank allowed the wine to come together naturally before bottling. Chardonnay plays an increasingly important role in the blend, adding subtle flinty notes and tension. Layered and complex, yet remarkably composed, Rocking Horse combines richness with freshness in a way that makes each glass more compelling than the last.

“Source from sites across the Western Cape. 28% Roussanne, 23% Chenin Blanc, 23% Chardonnay, 19% Semillon, 7% Clairette Blanche. The aromatics are complex and compelling, moving from flinty reduction to beeswax, flowers and herbs, then all manner of fruit – citrus, apple, stone fruit, mango and pineapple. The palate is dense and layered, with punchy acidity and impressive length. A wine of presence, combining poise with texture. 98/100”

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

This white blend, the first wine he ever crafted, is dedicated to Lindi Carien, his wife. We hope she enjoys many bottles, savoring each one as a reminder of Franco's love and dedication.

Lindi Carien, named after Franco’s wife, is a blend of 66% Chenin Blanc from Swartland and Piekenierskloof, 23% Verdelho from Stellenbosch, and 11% Colombar from Swartland. Grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented with no added yeast or enzymes. The wine was fermented and matured for 10 months in older, neutral 300L and 500L barrels. The Colombar component underwent 7 days of skin contact, contributing to the mid-palate, flavor, and concentration of the final wine. It was bottled un-fined and with only coarse filtration.

The final wine has a pithy and granitic note to it, more mature and realised than previous vintages.
“66% Chenin Blanc, 23% Verdelho, 11% Colombar (seven days skin contact). Grapes sourced from across the Western Cape; Colombar replaces Grenache Blanc in this vintage. Exotic aromatics of pear, peach, orange, pineapple with potpourri and spice in the background. The palate is rich and flavourful with tangy acidity and finish that is savoury and lightly grippy. Alc: 13.27%. 94/100” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

WO Stellenbosch

100% Pinotage

Atlantikas 2025 is an expression of maritime Pinotage, sourced from three bushvine vineyards located on the same band in False Bay. These sites are within 5km of the Southern Atlantic Ocean, exposing the vines to coastal influence.

This wine champions a brighter, lighter Pinotage. To achieve this style, Bernhard uses a Blanc de Noir pressing techniques on a portion of the wine to dramatically reduce skin-to-juice contact. The wine is then aged for nine months on its fine lees in a combination of concrete and stainless steel vessels. This careful handling, coupled with the slower, maritime-influenced ripening, results in a refined and intensely juicy, cherry-driven profile.

Because of the site's naturally high acidity and low pH, De Keur releases roughly a year later than most of its peers - the wine simply doesn't need to be rushed out, and we have the luxury of being able to let it sit a little longer before bottling. Fermentation includes a portion of whole bunches (25% in 2024), and the wine is aged across a mix of old oak and concrete, with concrete taking on a larger share each vintage to let the fruit speak more clearly.

On the nose, expect the perfumed floral, rose-petal lift that's become a signature of this vineyard, with a distinctive, apricot character, typical of the variety. Savoury fynbos notes round it off. On the palate, the wine carries real power - Grenache from this site typically lands around 14%+ alcohol - but wears it effortlessly, with the site's natural acidity keeping everything fresh, structured and precise rather than heavy.

“The nose is shy, showing traces of red and black cherry, rose, fynbos, menthol and earth. The palate is more concentrated and inherently more powerful than the 2023, but far from heavy or lifeless. On the contrary, there’s excellent freshness, while firm tannins suggest this will benefit from further cellaring. 94” - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za