Raise your glasses to the top three wines

Steenberg Magna Carta 2011 (5*)

• Price: R495 (due for release March 2014)
• WO Constantia
• Abv 13.5%, RS 2.5g/l, TA 7.2g/l, pH 3.1

60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon. Semillon fermented and matured for two months in 500-litre and 600-litre French oak barrels, 45% new. After blending, the wine went back into barrel for a further seven months, 41% new.
Tasting note: Attention grabbing aromatics – citrus blossom, peach and tangerine plus a hint of vanilla on the nose. Powerful but well-knit palate – dense core of fruit and a great line of acidity. Really persistent finish. Drink now to 2021.

Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2011 (5*)

• Price: R185
• WO Stellenbosch
• Abv 14.33%, RS 2.6g/l, TA 7.3g/l, pH 3.27

71% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Semillon. Fermented and matured for nine months, Sauvignon Blanc in 400-litre barrels, Semillon in 225-litre barrels, 26% new altogether.
Tasting note: Peach, blackcurrant and attractive oak spice on the nose and palate. A sumptuous wine with great flavour intensity and tangy acidity. Drink now to 2021.

Celestina 2012 (4.5*)

• Price: R95
• WO Cape Agulhas
• Abv 13.19%, RS 2.9g/l, TA 6.7g/l, pH 3.28

60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon. Fermented and matured for 11 months in a combination of 300-litre and 500-litre French oak barrels, none new.
Tasting note: Subtle and complex – lime and white peach before some peppery bite on the finish. Good concentration and texture offset by bright acidity – great poise. Drink now to 2017.

More information?

Click here to read Christian Eedes' complete tasting report.