Ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, violet and menthol. Silky on entry, then dry and classic in the middle, with kirsch and dark berry flavors lifted by violet and licorice. Really spreads out and builds on the back. Powerful without being brawny or unrefined, this very young cabernet avoids the hard tannins that characterize so many Spring Mountain reds.

Saturated deep ruby. Crushed black fruits and minerals on the lively nose. The densest and richest of these 2006s, with a compelling sweetness to its extremely primary dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. Not yet complex but has terrific stuffing to support its big, chewy, broad tannins. Lay this one down.

Full ruby. Briary dark berries, licorice and tar, lifted by a floral nuance. Impressively concentrated but tightly wound and backward, with powerful flavors of briary berries, chocolate and truffle. Finishes with chewy, firm tannins and excellent aromatic persistence. This has turned out very well, but calls for at least five or six years of bottle aging.

Glass-staining ruby. Brooding dark berry, kirsch and licorice aromas and flavors are enlivened by a zesty blood orange nuance and an intense floral quality. Dense and chewy in texture initially but softens and becomes livelier with aeration. Shows excellent power and focus on the finish, which is firmed by dusty tannins and a touch of smoky minerality. The yield from this vineyard was reportedly under a half ton per acre in 2012.

Bright red. Exotic red and dark berry compote, cherry-cola and potpourri aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and herbs. Fleshy, seductively sweet raspberry and candied cherry flavors are strikingly pure and concentrated, with silky tannins adding support. Gains weight with air and finishes with excellent clarity and persistence. Put this one away for a couple of years, at least.

Deep red. Brooding aromas of cherry pit, licorice, dried rose and dark chocolate. Powerful, palate-coating dark fruit flavors slowly unfold to display sexy baking spices and flowers. The licorice note repeats strongly on the finish, which hangs on with great tenacity. I'd give this some time in the decanter or cellar.

Pale lemon-yellow. High-pitched aromas of orange blossom, lemon and minerals. Bright, lively and intense, with citrus, nectarine and stone flavors nicely framed by strong but well-integrated acidity. Very juicy, tautly structured chardonnay with a youthfully firm, lingering finish. I like this!

Dynamic and rich with tension, this red opens with deep tones of black cherry and dark berries that open to hints of tarragon, black olive and spices as this persists toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035.

Gracefully structured and refined, with expressive pear and apple flavors that are laced with honeydew and spice notes. Drink now.

Graham Weerts is a Chardonnay wizard, but he can also apply his considerable talents to Chenin Blanc. This comes from three old-vine parcels on Adi Badenhorst’s Kalmoesfontein farm, with fermentation and ageing in concrete eggs, ceramic pots and older wood. Leesy and intense, has layers of thatch, yellow apple and citrus, a hint of subtle reduction and some underlying granitic grip.

Silene is a well-judged assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from the Helderberg. The 30% new oak is deftly integrated here, adding scents of coffee bean and cedarwood to a palate of tarragon and blackcurrant complemented by hints of graphite and green herbs. Good now but will reward a degree of patience. 

Medium-full colour, gold with a brassy tint. The bouquet is showing early maturity, with toasty development and baked lemon pudding aromas, the palate full and rich, concentrated and ample, with abundant phenolics imparting grip and a hint of bitterness. Full of flavour and personality, it would make the most sense when served with food. 08 Jul 2026

Medium-full red with a faint trace of purple in the meniscus; the bouquet of dry earthy nuances and a hint of cherry cough lolly is reticent while the palate is drying and sinewy, like a tightly closed fist, and there's a sense that it's hiding some of its goodies. Can be enjoyed now but come back later for the full benefit. 15 Jul 2026

Lush and fruity, showing plums and black cherries, slightly reductive, with a whiff of violets and subtle spices. Medium-bodied with a supple attack as well as firm, somewhat dusty tannins and long, juicy acidity. Drink or hold.

Disgorged in March 2025, the NV Gran Moraine Brut Rose is mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a dash of Pinot Meunier. It is refined and sleek on the mouth with a smooth mousse. Delicate cranberry and salmonberry fruits collide with copious minerals and sourdough bread accents on the palate. Showing excellent length, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034

The 2023 Pinot Noir Telluric blends wild blueberries and plum with sweet herbs and nuances of autumnal spice. It's more savory and lifted on the palate, with silken textures and polished red berry fruit. This finishes with hints of Earl Grey and a coating of fine tannins as an air of licorice fades.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate entices with a whiff of sweet sage and dusty stone that gives way to dried strawberries. It is juicy to the core, with depths of ripe red and blue fruits that slowly saturate the palate. A citrus twang pinches at the cheeks as licorice mingles with fine tannins through the long, lightly structured finish.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate entices with a whiff of sweet sage and dusty stone that gives way to dried strawberries. It is juicy to the core, with depths of ripe red and blue fruits that slowly saturate the palate. A citrus twang pinches at the cheeks as licorice mingles with fine tannins through the long, lightly structured finish.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard reveals a florist's shop bouquet of rose petals, geraniums, cedary spices and dried strawberries. The palate is bright and focused, with a cascade of ripe red berry fruit and perfumed violet tones over a stream of lively acidity. It finishes long and structured, with a pop of residual acidity that maintains freshness.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate is airy and fresh with vivid strawberry and sweet herbal tones wafting from the glass. Lifted and spry, it sweeps across the palate with bright red berry fruit and sweet spices. A web of fine tannins frames the finale, leaving a gentle mineral tinge and hints of lavender to fade.

The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Willamette Valley mixes oregano and rosemary with lemon-laced green melon to form an enticing bouquet. This is soothingly round and supple on the palate, with cooling acidity and pure white pit fruits elevated by a candied citrus tinge. It cleans up nicely on the finish, leaving a tart lime twang and nuances of spice.

Crystal clear straw green color. Fresh green pineapple with a touch of smoked cream and melon. Slightly creamy and mineral at the same time on the palate, with a medium-bodied, lightly phenolic and long finish. Supple, medium acidity offers enough freshness. 250 cases. Drink now.

Punchy aromas of fresh berry and tart cherry mingle with rose petal, black tea, and cola spice on the nose of this wine. The palate is rich and sultry, with broad tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of dusty Bing cherry, cocoa powder, roasted mushroom, cedar, floral potpourri, and star anise along the finish.

Earthy notes of blackberry tea and marjoram are flanked by a savory note similar to meat grilling over open coals. Thanks to a combination of lively acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a juicy mouthfeel, these damson plum, anise, and sage flavors feel like they surfing a wave, cowabunga-style. I would like to match this wine with a nice bowl of mushroom soup.

An extroverted style, with a burst of blackberry and black cherry compote flavors that’s fresh and energetic, while ink and salted licorice snap notes underscore the finish. Vivid and built in an accessible manner. A fun wine. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 75 cases made.