SA’s 10 Best Luxury Red Wines Revealed

Want to treat yourself to a luscious night in with mountains of comfort food and a few bottles of top-notch vino? We can’t help you out on the food front but we sure can suggest a few bottles of cracking red wines for you to try thanks to WineCellar.co.za. The online wine retailer hosted 70 tasters for a blind luxury taste-off of SA’s best red wines above R1000 per bottle and now, after tabulating the results, they’ve finally revealed South Africa’s 10 most luxurious, sought-after red wines. If you love experimenting with different blends and flavours, this is the perfect guide to sampling the best on the market. Just make your way down the list:

1. Vilafonté, Series C 2015

Vilafonté has been regarded as one of SA’s most luxurious wines ever since their 2003 release. This bottle displays a beautiful fruity sweetness and plush tannin that South Africans seem to love. This is a rich and succulent vintage that can be drunk early and will also age well for a decade or more.

Pick up a bottle of SA’s number one most luxurious red wine for R1190 per bottle. 

2. Kanonkop, Black Label Pinotage 2016

Ranked first place back in 2016, this is arguably SA’s most acclaimed Pinotage blend. It’s made from ancient vines on Kanonkop farm that date back to 1953 and is aged in brand new oak. It has hints of cherry, delicate floral notes and fine tannins. It will also age beautifully.

Kanonkop, Black Label Pinotage 2016 can be found for R1750 per bottle.

3. Rust en Vrede, 1964 Classification 2015

An exquisitely balanced, powerful wine with a luxurious finish, the Classification 2015 is made from only the finest grapes on the Helderberg. It is perfectly balanced and powerful with a luxurious finish, and will age well.

A bottle of Rust en Vrede, 1964 2015 retails for R1500.

4. Anthonij Rupert, Blend 2011

Experience a complex flavour blend of cassis, spice, tobacco lead and fruitcake with a hint of violet at the end. Supple, elegant, silky smooth and regal, this bottle is the ultimate luxury treat.

You can find a bottle of Anthonij Rupert, Blend 2011 for R1190.

5. Boekenhoutskloof, The Journeyman 2015

Arguably SA’s rarest wine, this modern-day-classic has only been produced in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2015. It is beautifully pure and smooth and showcases black cherries, a touch of spice, a hint of tobacco lead and black currant – the perfect winter warmer. This is bound to age well for over two decades.

Seek comfort in this wonderful winter red blend for R1500 per bottle. 

6. Waterford, The Jem 2012

Ideally, this wine will develop well over the next 10 to 15 years. You can pick up aromas of pencil shavings, spices and cassis with a seamless balance of fruity flavours. Opulent and elegant, this wine will make you feel like you’re queen of the world!

You can grab a bottle of Waterford, The Jem 2012 for R1395.

7. Mvemve Raats, De Compostella 2015

A compelling wine with a classic taste, this wine gives off notes of purple flowers and fresh violets, crème de cassis, blueberry crumble, cherry liquor and plum. While you’re welcome to drink this as is, it is recommended to age it for around 30 to 40 years for the best flavour experience.

Add a bottle of MR, De Compostella 2015 to your collection for R1150. 

8. Vergelegen, Vergelegen V 2012

This Vergelegen blend showcases a complex nose of blackcurrant, red cherry, cedar wood, lead pencil and cigar box. While some of these tastes may sound wild, these flavours develop in the glass and are soon joined by raspberry, black cherry and a hint of spice with a concentrated, elegant palate.

Treat yourself to this blend for R1395 per bottle.

9. La Motte, Hanneli R 2012

A combination of rose petal perfume, black berry, mulberry fruit, cinnamon and black pepper spice renders a spicy depth, complexity and personality to this elegant blend. It has a lingering aftertaste and a lively presence that is sure to brighten up your dull winter day.

La Motte, Hanneli R 2012 costs R1200 per bottle.

10. Leeu Passant, Dry Red 2016

This pure, fresh wine contains hints of red cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and a touch of vanilla on the nose. It’s worth a try with an appealing flavour palate and 14% alcohol. that’s bound to help you destress while you spend a night in.

Add this blend to your cellar for R1000 per bottle.

Shop the entire WineCellar.co.za tasting line-up online here. 

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