10 STONKING REDS

WARWICK THE FIRST LADY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017, R85 is more than capable of taking on a strongly flavoured winter curry: you get the fruit first, quickly followed by a lovely warm, woody roundness. Delish! – Nerisa

JOURNEY’S END PASTOR’S BLEND 2018, R95: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 11% Cabernet. An unusual taste for a red but very palatable, this blend has a sweetness to it with a hint of pepper, spice and lots of plum. It’s silky smooth, and would pair well with a winter stew. – Caryn

DU TOITSKLOOF NEBBIOLO 2014, R60: Du Toitskloof is one of only nine Nebbiolo producers in SA. This delicious, well-priced wine is spicy with a hint of lavender, and is a beautiful deep red colour. I love it slightly chilled, but it’s as good at room temperature. – Suzy

DE KRANS BASKET PRESS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017, R75 has wonderful flavours of ripe berries and cassis with hints of prunes and cedar spice. – Johan

FLAGSTONE TRUTH TREE PINOTAGE 2017, R100 is a smooth, delicate full-bodied wine. It has notes of berries, spices, dark chocolate and much more. – Liza

SLANGHOEK PRIVATE SELECTION PINOTAGE 2017, R65: This is rich and full of the red berry flavours of cherry and strawberry, but I love that the fruit doesn’t linger in your mouth – it softens down and becomes quite dry. I liked it very much. – Suzy

VAN LOVEREN CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2017, R52: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. Spicy, smooth and full-flavoured, crack this blend open at your next braai. – Johan

VRIESENHOF PINOTAGE 2017, R100 isn’t as smokey as a typical Pinotage. This is a light dry red, with a predominantly fruity taste: cherry and raspberry, with hints of floral flavours. It’s easy-drinking without being bland, and pairs well with Cape Malay-style curries and game meat. – Liesl

ALVI’S DRIFT SHIRAZ 2018, R70 This beautifully balanced wine is a drink-alone as well as an excellent accompaniment to a meal. Subtle flashes of pepper, vanilla and red berries come through in a jewel-coloured, elegant whole. Excellent value for money. – Suzy

KLEINE ZALZE CELLAR SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017, R85:

A classic medium-bodied Cab Sav with dark fruit on the nose and subtle tannins. While it isn’t full-bodied enough for my palate, it went down well over cheesy wood-fired pizzas. – Maya