Wine list

Francois Naude gave up his pharmacy in Pretoria to make wines in his house in Stellenbosch. After a spell at L'Avenir, he decided to link with six producers of Pinotage from Stellenbosch, buying a single barrel from each, and then blending to create the 'Francois.' Released only by auction, 34 South was smart about grabbing a few. After a tasting that our wine notes guy, PB, gave in 2017, he said this wine emerged as way out the best. It will astound you, too - R 2,295

A more assertive Cape Bordeaux blend, quite intense with 22 months in new French oak barrels. Present from a magnum to break the grip of its youth - R980

Winter was cut a little short with temperatures rising quickly in August. Moderate to cool conditions during ripening resulted in wines with expressive aromatics and flavours. Exceptional white and red wines from this vintage, very classic in style. The wine is elegantly structured with a typical tight and dry structure which finishes with great balance and freshness. R175 per glass; R700 per bottle

Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards is situated in the coastal region of South Africa, an area that boasts some of the oldest soils in the world. Evidence of this lies in the tall, weathered mountains that grace the surrounding landscape and the Helderberg Mountain Range against which our vineyards nestle.

Great care is taken when designating our vineyard sites to a particular rootstock, varietal and clone. The latest in technological research has been carried out on soil profiling of each individual vineyard to unlock nature’s secrets as to which rootstock, varietal and clone will flourish in each specific location. 

Leaf fall occurred later than usual which allowed good reserves to build up in the vines. The similarly delayed onset of Winter allowed for good cold unit accumulation. Rainfall was the lowest to date. Days were warm and nights cool. Budding occurred later and flowering was uniform. A dry, warm season resulted in compact berries with some supplementary irrigation necessary. A cooler February allowed for even ripening. An abundant vintage of exceptional quality.

The primary dark fruit profile dominates the aromas of this wine, while dark chocolate cacao adds creamy richness. Refreshing herbal notes and graphite to cigar box, earthy aromas provide the backbone to this clean, fresh and charming nose with floral notes of wild jasmine and savoury dried olive. Remarkably composed and polished with notes of cassis, black cherry and pencil shavings followed by a full-bodied, elegant yet savoury palate with well balanced acidity. This wine has a fine silky structure and a creamy texture with a hint of savoury black olive contributing nicely to the flavour spectrum. It has concentration with a touch of fresh tobacco leaf and moreish truffle and a long, mouth-watering close. R115 per glass; R460 per bottle