Raise a glass to summer for the best of this season’s harvest

LA MOTTE SYRAH 2017 

The syrah from this acclaimed Franschhoek estate contains a natural fruitiness, along with a full-bodied character and velvety texture. Freshly cracked black pepper and subtle, well-integrated notes of wood are also evident on the palate. Pair alongside rich, flavourful stews, grilled veggies or a juicy steak. 

MON DÉSIR CHARDONNAY 2018 

Eikendal winery has just released its second-ever vintage of Mon Désir Chardonnay 2018. Only produced in exceptional years, this particular vintage was crafted from grapes from the cool-climate Elgin Valley. Once vinified, the wine was matured for 14 months in French-oak barrels, followed by more ageing, this time in bottle, for just under two years. The end result: finely balanced aromas of citrus and orange blossom give way to an exceptional level of purity on the palate, coupled with a hint of flint and the promise of its only getting better with age. The limited-release Eikendal Mon Désir Chardonnay 2018 is now available at a recommended retail price of R320 per bottle. 

HAMPDEN GREAT HOUSE 2020

Founded in 1753, Hampden Estate has been distilling rum for almost three centuries. Renowned throughout the world for its intensely flavourful, pure single rums, this particular Distillery Edition is a tribute to the old mansion on the Jamaican estate. A blend of two rums from different vintages, it features aromas of roasted pineapple, rum cake, peppermint, and a hint of smoke. The palate is warm and spicy, showing notes of chocolate and liquorice, before leading to a finish of cinnamon and tobacco leaves. Available at spiritssouthafrica.co.za 

JACK BLACK CAPE PALE ALE 

C lean, well rounded, and generously dry hopped, Jack Black’s new Cape Pale Ale is destined to become a classic. Crafted at its now-famous Cape brewery, this is a lager that’s refresh-ing, flavourful, and distinct. A must-have beer for your cooler box this season. 

WADE BALES BRUT ROSÉ 

Wade Bales Wine Co.’s new prosecco-style bubbly, produced in the prestigious Con-stantia Valley, is light salmon in colour and has a persistent, fine mousse. The luscious strawberry and red-cherry flavours lead to a crisp, dry finish. 

HIGHLAND PARK TRIO 

Known as the single malt with a Viking soul, Highland Park single malt Scotch whiskies hail from the remote Orkney islands, off the extreme north coast of Scotland. The islands were once ruled by a succession of Viking earls, and the founder of Highland Park was one of their direct descendants. Today, Highland Park is the only single malt produced in Scotland that’s still made in the truly traditional way, using hand-cut peat, hand-turned maltings, and sherry-seasoned oak casks. 

18Year-Old Viking Pride This whisky has a unique flavour profile bursting with overripe cherries, bitter dark chocolate, sweet marzipan, and aromatic peat smoke. 

12 Year-Old Viking Honour This single malt boasts warm, wintery spices — perfectly balancing smoky sweetness and heather honey with spice, orange, and peat flavours. 

10Year-Old Viking Scars Expect a fistful of fallen oranges, dollops of vanilla cream, and smoky heather peat on the palate. 

Available at bottle stores nationwide and cutlerdrinks.co.za. Recommended retail prices: 18-Year-Old Viking Pride R 1 799.99 12-Year-Old Viking Honour R 549.99 10-Year-Old Viking Scars R 449.99