Wine Cellar Plus

‘Poetically reminiscent of the legendary 1985 vintage’ The highly anticipated 2021 Barolos are here! Many are calling it one of the greatest modern-day vintages, and we rate it alongside 2016, 2019 and 2020. In a nutshell, the 2021s are noble wines, showing verve and structure with pure, concentrated fruit and notable ageing potential.

Thorne & Daughters’ Rocking Horse is the ‘poster child for new-wave white blends’. It’s been a top performer for more than a decade, and the 98-point 2024 is ‘a wine of presence’, says Christian Eedes. Taking its aesthetic from white Burgundy, rather than the Rhône, this multi-variety blend offers immense value at R370. In 2025, the Cat’s Cradle sees the inclusion of an old vine Swartland vineyard, making it the greatest release in recent years. Eedes agrees, scoring it 97 points.

Jun 5, 2026 | All, Local wines | ‘Oenophiles want to drink Crystallum!’ enthuses Neal Martin. At Brice & Burnett, we find every reason to collect them, rave about them, and drink them. Lucky for us, the 2025s are exceptional and – with minute quantities available – this is a rare opportunity to secure some of South Africa’s most distinctive Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

‘One of the truly great Spanish wines, Viña Tondonia Reserva remains a must-have in the cellars of all dedicated enthusiasts.’ – Decanter The 2013 was a remarkable release for Viña Tondonia Reserva, receiving the highest Vinous score in the history of the cuvée. Elevated to a new level in this vintage and released at its prime, what more could one want for R750 per bottle? Viña Tondonia is produced by Rioja royalty López de Heredia, and the 2013 is beautifully aromatic.

Today’s offer is all about terrific value and immediate drinkability. This is classically styled Claret – unmistakably French with its bone-dry, lifted character. Offered at R295 per bottle, you’ll be hard pressed to find twelve-year-old Left Bank Bordeaux at this level. We’re so impressed by the price-to-quality ratio that we’re offering 15% off when buying six or more bottles.

Stellenbosch is among only a handful of incredible Cabernet terroirs in the world, and Le Riche is its benchmark. The 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is about to be released and it seriously flirts with perfection. Many collectors think of Le Riche as the Latour of South Africa – not because it imitates Bordeaux, but because it consistently delivers Cabernet with authority, structure and cellar-worthiness. The 2023 is defined by elegance.

It would be remiss of us not to alert you to the high praise Christian Eedes has just given Storm Wines – a pinnacle of South African fine wine. ‘Storm is producing some of the Cape’s most considered and compelling contemporary wines,’ says Christian, rating their latest releases in a narrow band of 96–98 points. These are significant scores from this respected local critic.

Banele Vakele of Tembela Wines is among the most exciting Young Guns to come out of SA. Just named the best overall winner in the Winemag Next Generation Awards 2026, his Chenin and Syrah are on track to become some of the country’s finest examples. Banele’s 2025 Syrah hails from the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch – one of South Africa’s most distinctive terroirs, especially for New World Syrah. This is a seductive wine with tapenade, dark fruit perfume and ‘impeccably managed tannins’ (Winemag).

A red next to a roaring fire is great, but have you experienced the joy of a cracking Champagne alongside samp and mushroom risotto, Cape Malay curry, a comforting chicken stew, or warm toast and butter? Michel Genet’s Blanc de Blancs Spirit Grand Cru is the floral, pretty, creamy, rich but focused Champagne of dreams, for only R795. From the Côte des Blancs in Champagne, this 100% Chardonnay offers breadth and minerality with fine bubbles and a velvety finish.

The 2024s from Vouvray’s most famous address are here! It was a tumultuous vintage, but Domaine Huet has drawn on nearly a century of experience to produce three gorgeous Sec Chenins. First up is the original Huet vineyard, Le Haut-Lieu, purchased in 1928. This vintage is pretty and vibrant, showing airy, lemony, apple blossom notes. Cool spring conditions ensured ample acidity and energy, expertly softened by around 6g/l of residual sugar and balanced by a lovely salty, citrus finish.