The original of Giant Step’s single-vineyard wines, this vintage of Tarraford strikes a lovely, lucid balance of oyster shell and briny goodness, with toasted cashew, vibrant, ginger-flecked melon and preserved lemon. The palate is both linear and focused but also mouthfilling, with salty, crystalline acidity and just the right amount of oak and lees influence to lend power, texture and complexity without wrestling out the fruit. A harmonious, classy drop, this is drinking well now but is capable of another seven to eight years in bottle. Jackson Family Wines. —C.P.

Bright aromas of cherry and cranberry are underpinned by white pepper, savory spice and a slight meaty nuance, with a stony, mineral core. Succulent red-berry flavors are lifted by tart acidity on the midweight palate, and a line of chiseled, textural tannins weaves it all together. This is a still tightly wound vintage of High Sands that should evolve nicely with time in bottle, for a decade or more. Sovereign Wine Imports. Cellar Selection. —C.P.

This wine has a deep, dark and tempting core of black fruits and oak spices that is surrounded by the velvety, welcoming texture expected from a Merlot. Blackberries, blueberries, toasted wood and cedar bring out complexity on the palate and linger on the finish. Best through 2030. —J.G.

Supersaturated with black fig and dried cherry aromas, this full-bodied wine dives into more deep, pure and ripe-tasting fruit flavors on the palate, accented by dark chocolate and blueberries. Mild tannins and a full body lend a mouthfilling texture that contributes to a lingering finish. —J.G.

From Fijnbosch & 3 other Stellenbosch sites, impressive 2021 bright & fresh; citrus, spice & toasty notes form lively, intricate aromas. Lemony flavours are ripe & juicy, lees adding a serious tone & deeper silky texture. On-point structure & balance portend long future. Supportive oak, 30% new, some foudre; 10% ceramic pot ferment textural extra.

Tender red fruit aromas. Smooth and quite elegant: raspberries, strawberries and cherries, subtle pepper. Savoury complexity and smoky notes. Drink 2023-2030.

Perfumed nose, sophisticated and inviting aromas of red forest fruits. Savoury and complex on the palate. Silky texture with a pleasant savoury twist. Long, salivating and very class. Drink 2023-2030.

Beautiful aromas immediately waft out of the glass, recalling coconut, white orchid, lily of the valley, sea salt salinity and white peach. The palate is driven by steely acidity softened by balanced alcohol. It incorporates additional notes of lime leaf, lemongrass and blanched almond. The challenge is to delight in each nuanced detail, since the wine is just too delicious to stop sipping. Editors’ Choice. —S.B.

An almost 50-50 blend of Cab and Shiraz, this is a big but balanced and perfumed bottling with heady aromas of blueberry and blackberry preserves, savory spice and licorice. There’s a charred veg nuance, like the pan scrapings of a vegetable roast, with a subtle coating of sweet toasty oak. The rich palate is buoyed by crunchy acidity and framed in powerful but fine, talc-like tannins. Oak is better tucked here. This is a polished, mouthcoating Cab that needs serious protein if drinking now, but that should cellar until 2040 or longer. Majestic Imports. Cellar Selection. —C.P.

Distinctive rhubarb and sour cherry flavors distinguish this nervy, lighterbodied wine that offers vibrant acidity and a racy, tangy mouthfeel on moderate tannins. Fans of a steely, palate-cleansing style will find this wine from the Jackson Family especially appealing. —J.G.

This is a fun wine to sip throughout an evening because it continues to open, even through the length of one glass. Initial notes of red cherry, plum, currant and toasted wood evolve into even more integrated, layered flavors of fstrawberry, black tea, cacao, juniper, basil, tarragon and pomegranate. The palate is knit together by firm tannins, generous acidity and a well-integrated, medium level of alcohol. Sip, savor, enjoy. —S.B.

Ripe and robust in flavor, this medium-bodied wine pours out poached pears, baked apples and a touch of lemon for good balance. A nice tang in the texture balances rich, indulgent fruits, keeping the wine appetizing.

The brambly, wild-berry expression of this arresting wine is unmistakable. Raspberry, blackberry and sage aromas lead to juicy, satisfying plums and cooked strawberries on the palate. A soft texture of light tannins and a full body give the wine a comfy mouthfeel. —J.G.

A vivid, deep-gold color
concurs with ripe, buttery aromas and sunny pineapple and mango flavors in this soft, smooth and
deceptively light-bodied wine. While low-ish in
alcohol, it is beautifully balanced by a rich, melted
texture. —J.G.

Fascinating aromas of Asian pear, lime and white rocks create a cohesive combination on the nose of this bottling by Greg Brewer. The palate is tremendously tense and lively, using crushed seashell and yuzu flavors to offset the tropical hints of guava peel and spicy pepper touches.

Classically styled 2020 sees subtle yet effective interplay of yellow citrus flavours, oak spice, silky texture, lees influence & sustained freshness. Seamless, refined & elegant, with usual distinctive salty length. From several sites; barriques only & 11 months (as Fijnbosch), 38% new.

Young, vibrant. Ripe forest fruit with strong,leafy, vegetal notes. Ceylon tea blends with mellow cherry. Structured and bursting with fruit. Drink 2023-2030.

Young and vibrant with elegant ripe fruit. Aromatic and nuanced with a savoury earthy tang. Fruit underpinned by fresh acidity. Drink 2023-2030.

This seamless blend of red and white grapes glides across the palate, spreading raspberries, red cherries and red-tea flavors amid subtle acidity and light tannins. The wine has a charming, lively quality that will be easy to pair with food. —J.G.

2021 was a cool vintage in McLaren Vale and this “egg” wine takes its time opening. When it does, the perfume evokes fresh blue and red berries, dried florals, some peppery spice and an autumnal, just-fallen-leaves vibe. The succulent, silky palate is framed in fine, talc-like tannins that never overwhelm the berry fruit or spice. A lift of acidity and long finish take this cool-edged wine to a place that suggests that more time in bottle will reward. Sovereign Wine Imports. Cellar Selection. —C.P.

This complete and well-balanced wine is a pleasure to drink soon, but will also develop more nuances for a few years. Fresh blackberries and blueberries are accented by light vanilla and cinnamon-scented oak spices on a lightly tannic texture. —J.G.

Appetizing aromas of Marcona almond, Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese immediately waft out of the glass. This varietal Pinot Noir made in the style of a white wine has a unctuously rounded, fleshy body with vivacious acidity that cuts right through the center. The palate adds notes of Meyer lemon, mango, honeydew melon, honeysuckle and agave nectar. Editors’ Choice. —S.B.

This wine lives up to its song name with pronounced, layered aromatic intensity that reverberates with red and black cherry, cacao, crusty toast, red and black plum and black pepper spice. Fine-grained, sandy tannins create a pleasing mouthfeel, while joyous acidity uplifts the nuanced flavors, adding rose and violet potpourri, forest floor, dried wood and nutmeg to the chorus. And with that long, lingering finish— unforgettable, indeed. —S.B.

Good balance and mouthwatering acidity bring a zesty expression to this mediumbodied wine. Green apples, apricots and a hint of coconut light up the flavors. Light oak and mineral accents develop with more sips, adding extra interest. —J.G

This monument to blazing acidity, and perhaps Lucy Lawless, leads with aromas of lemon curd, white pepper and traces of papaya and mango chutney. Fans of crisptextured Chardonnays that have some weight should flock to this wine and its Meyer lemon, cayenne and toasted filbert flavors. —M.A.