This tiny parcel of vines of less than a hectare, produces wines that are the very epitome of terroir precision. Eschewing boldness in favour of pure elegance, the aromas are at once fresh bramble fruit and minerality. The palate strikes an alluring mix of concentration and restraint making this a brilliant, ultra-focused Malbec worthy of the high praise the 2022 has received.

Arguably representing the pinnacle of the Zuccardi portfolio, the 2022 Gravascal has a profoundly mineral structure owing to the alluvial gravel and granite upon which these Malbec vines are grown. This is a remarkably intense and focused wine with concentrated dark berry aromas and an absorbing, distinctively savoury palate. Ultra-fine tannins give structural grip and suggest patient cellaring will be richly rewarded.

An elegant yet vibrant Malbec from Gualtallary, Mendoza. On the nose are aromas of fresh strawberry and forest fruits and just a suggestion of liquorice. The palate is rich with concentrated dark fruit, underpinned by precise, fresh acidity and silky tannins that combine to create a wine of great depth and elegance.

The 2022 Finca Piedra Infinita is the standard by which all high-altitude Malbec should be judged. A stunningly fresh and elegant nose of blue fruits and herbs is seamlessly followed by a palate rich with vibrant cassis, held together by fine chalky tannins and a delightful saline edge to the finish.

Hailing from vineyards grown at 1,400 metres above sea level, Finca Las Cuchillas is an exceptional example of high-altitude Argentinian Chardonnay. Flinty and subtle aromas of white fruit and wild herbs are followed by a creamy, balanced palate that exhibits a delightful linear freshness.

From Mullineux’s own Roundstone vineyard on Kasteelberg Mountain, where shallow schist soils produce small berries of great concentration, this is a Syrah of remarkable grace and complexity. Aromatics of black pepper, wild herbs, fennel seed and liquorice lead into a palate layered with black plum, dark hedgerow fruit and savoury spice. There is a fine balance between floral perfume, richness and freshness, while supple tannins build seamlessly through the palate, carrying the wine to a long, poised finish. Extremely impressive.

From the iron-rich Koffieklip soils of the rolling hills around Malmesbury, this is a Syrah of deep fragrance, power and impressive refinement. Aromatics of black pepper, violets and smoky spice lead into a palate of dark berry fruit, black plum and savoury olive notes. The tannins are round and generous, giving the wine a broad, textured feel, while fresh acidity and a subtle mineral edge bring balance and lift. Complex, layered and persistent, this is a compelling expression of Swartland Syrah.

From the Jakkalsfontein vineyard, planted in the late 1980s on granite-rich soils, this is a Syrah of purity, energy and impressive structure. Peppery and intensely aromatic, there are notes of black olive, violets and crushed granite, while the palate shows dark black cherry fruit, hints of grilled meat and a savoury edge of wild herbs. There is remarkable focus and freshness throughout, with nervy acidity carrying the wine to a long, spicy finish.

This parcel, situated on the rolling hills outside of Malmesbury on distinctive Koffieklip soils, consistently produces fruit of remarkable concentration and energy. The wine opens with notes of flint and white pepper, alongside bright yellow orchard fruits, fresh orange peel and a subtle salty hint of ocean spray. The palate is crystalline and tightly wound, balancing intensity with precision, and unfolds with beautiful layers of fruit, mineral freshness and impressive natural extract.

Coming from the Mullineux estate’s own schist vineyard on the Paardeberg, the vines produce small, concentrated berries that bring impressive intensity and structure to the wine. There are notes of ginger, white pepper and orange peel, opening onto a palate of stone fruit and tangerine peel with a fine, chalky texture. There is a sense of focus and density throughout, underpinned by bright freshness and a hint of lemon balm on the finish.