If we didn’t know better, we might guess that this wine is from the northern Rhône. A completely classy old-world-style Syrah, it’s made by a low-intervention winery that consistently gets plaudits from the critics. The cooler vintage makes this expression especially restrained and elegant. Proof again that Stellenbosch deserves its place among the world’s greatest wine regions.

On the day that Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994, Alex Dale handed in his resignation and decided to relocate from Burgundy to the new ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa. It was a great move – especially for Stellenbosch’s wine scene. His vineyards on the slopes of Helderberg Mountain turn out some truly exceptional bottlings.

It’s Stellenbosch again – and with good reason. This region is as good for making Syrah as it is a host of other French varietals. The grapes for this organic wine come from ocean-facing granite slopes up on Helderberg Mountain – the perfect conditions for producing that classic northern Rhône profile.

This wine will go perfect with Lamb Shank Pie