Wines tipped for investment

WINE judge Roland Peens, director at Wine Cellar, says investment in fine South African wine is gaining momentum.

“Intrinsic wine quality is at an all-time high as we enter a new era of industry-wide, quality-focused winemaking.

“Smaller producers and larger historical properties are harnessing young and old vines with a deeper understanding than ever before.”

These are wines Peens recommends investing in.

Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2015 Consistency in quality is key to investment potential and no other South African wine has been more consistent. Paul Sauer has been South Africa’s first positive growth-investment wine since the 1990s, with a stream of regular local and international awards. The latest and probably the most impressive of accolades is the perfect 100 points from Tim Atkin, international master of wine. Meerlust Rubicon 2015 Rubicon is arguably South Africa’s greatest wine brand. Produced in significant volume and with an impressive distribution network, Meerlust has built up incredible brand equity over the past four decades.

The quality of Rubicon did not match its status, however, until the 2015 vintage, which has pushed the Rubicon to a new level.

Thelema cabernet sauvignon 2015

Cabernet sauvignon is king in Stellenbosch and Thelema has been a leading example of cab sav production since the early 1990s. Their 2015 edition is arguably their finest yet and will age well for two decades. The price of Thelema cabernet sauvignon has been increasing below inflation over the past five years and we believe it is underpriced in the market.

Alto cabernet sauvignon 2015 Alto is another wine that we feel is under- priced. Distell has finally realised the potential of this property and is investing in future quality. The 2015 edition provides momentum for it to regain the status it enjoyed in the 70s when it was at the top of the industry.

Sadie Family T’Voetpad 2017 Eben Sadie is South Africa’s best and most famous winemaker and the wines in his Old Vine series all offer an excellent investment proposition. The T’Voetpad is South Africa’s oldest vineyard and produces majestic white wine that will age for decades.

Restless River cabernet sauvignon 2015

Not considered “blue-chip” stock, Restless River is an outside bet for great returns. Craig and Anne Wessels planted cabernet sauvignon in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley 20 years ago, going against the pinot noir trend.

The great 2015 vintage, refinement of winemaking and maturing vines have produced a sensational cabernet sauvignon.

KEIRA Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mackenzie Foy as Clara.