Vintages New Release Collection – November 22, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

NEW ZEALAND – WHITE WINE CONT’D

SOUTH AFRICA – RED WINE CAPE PASTORAL ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT 2022 WO Western Cape

PADDY BORTHWICK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024 Wairarapa, North Island

Complex and enticing bouquet with a core scent of mineral and clay, then aromas of fresh citrus and red apple, quite pure fruited and fragrant, lifted and distinctive, Flavours on the palate reflect the bouquet led by lemon and apple, gooseberry and roasted pineapple then peach and hay. Great texture and overall mouthfeel, a wine to chill and drink ... through 2027. Excellent. Score: 94 (Cameron Douglas, MS, camdouglasms.com, Dec. 19, 2024) Aromatic & Flavourful 361220 (XD) 750 ml $ 20 .95 2

... This full-bodied, bone-dry red is packed with sweet-fruited goodness. Each swirl of the glass exudes a pure crush of wild cherries and blueberries. Then it rolls in with robust, almost savory character that tastes dark, deep and intense. Cassis notes give way to dark chocolate shavings and poached black cherries before a touch of pink peppercorn and salt emerge. The saline-cherry finish lingers for ages. Outstanding value. Score: 92 (Carolyn Evans Hammond, Toronto Star , March 21, 2024) Full-bodied & Smooth 36978 (XD) 750 ml $13.95 2 4 Organic product

THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2023 WO Swartland, vegan (Boekenhoutskloof)

NEW ZEALAND – RED WINE

It’s no mean achievement to produce 1.2 million bottles of a wine that’s as good and as consistent as this. Based on Syrah, with the rest of the blend made up of 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault and 1% Viognier, it’s a seamless cuvée with fynbos, pepper and liquorice aromas, understated oak and flavours of black- berry, bramble and apricot skins. Drink date: 2025-2032. Score: 93 (timatkin.com, South Africa

ESCARPMENT NOIR PINOT NOIR 2023 Martinborough, North Island

Floral and vivid with strawberries and hints of rose stems. Light to medium body. Fresh finish. Crisp. Drink now. Score: 91 (jamessuckling.com, Nov. 7, 2024) Light-bodied & Fruity 41810 (XD) 750 ml $29.95 1

Special Report 2024 ) Full-bodied & Smooth 129353

$41.95 2

(XD) 750 ml

Featured in ’Tis Your Season

SOUTH AFRICA – WHITE WINE

AUSTRIA – WHITE WINE

BELLINGHAM THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC 2024

ESTERHÁZY ESTORAS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 DAC Leithaberg

WO Coastal Region (Bernard Podlashuk)

Sourced from vines nearly 30 years of age, this wine saw eight hours of skin contact and received nine months’ lees ageing in large oak casks before spending three months in bottle prior to release. It’s ripe and juicy with excellent balance, an elegant frame, and a refined minerality. Look for notes of apple, orange, lemongrass and white pepper. Aromatic & Flavourful 40882 (XD) 750 ml $24.95 2

Sourced from dry-farmed old bush vines in Paarl and fermented in French oak, this wine has excellent weight and a fine balance. It’s intense, with a delectably tropical flavour profile featuring passion fruit and quince along with lime, orange, peach, a hint of spice, and a saline-infused minerality on the close. Enjoy this through 2028. Full-bodied & Rich 484055 (XD) 750 ml $19.95 2

44 VINTAGES SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025