We enjoyed showing an extended view of the South African wines in our portfolio at SPIT 2025. With a significant number of old vines, moderating climate influences and a variety of soils, there are some remarkable wines with distinctive features coming out each year from South Africa. We have one new winemaker, Angus Paul Wines from Stellenbosch, a young guy focusing on single variety wines from old blocks, showcasing the distinctive features of Chenin Blanc and exciting, delicious expressions of Pinotage and Cinsault. These wines have now arrived in Ireland, as well as new vintages from DeMorgenzon, Keermont, Kershaw Wines, and BlankBottle. Here is an overview of all the new additions! To provide further context, we include some details from the Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2025.
Please get in contact with Helene, Vera or Ben or email info@winemason.ie for more information.
Angus Paul Wines
A passionate young winemaker crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that celebrate authenticity and place. His philosophy is on balance, purity, and respect for nature, resulting in wines that are vibrant, honest and deeply connected to origin. Tim Atkin’s Fourth Growth.
On a flight of furious fancies - Single vineyard Chenin Blanc from 1988 on bony granite. Kelp, citrus, and white stone fruit. Tim Atkin - 94 pts.
Fantamtango - Single vineyard Chenin Blanc from 1980 on red and yellow granitic soils. Baked clay, jasmine and peach. Tim Atkin - 95 pts.
Barbarary Fictions - Single vineyard Chenin Blanc from 1972 on granite soils with lots of clay. Lemongrass, apple, and citrus. Tim Atkin - 93 pts.
Diapsalmata- Single vineyard Cinsault from 1966 on decomposed granite. White pepper, strawberries, raspberries. Tim Atkin - 93 pts.
Transient Lands - Pinotage blend from Swartland and Stellenbosch. Red and black berries, dark cherries, and star anise. Tim Atkin - 93 pts.
BlankBottle
Pieter Walser started BlankBottle with a goal to create an honest wine brand with no limitations on style, vintage, area or cultivars in order to break down any preconceived expectations. Tim Atkin’s Third Growth.
Orbitofrontal Cortex 2024 - Experimental white blend of 12 varieties from 17 vineyards crafted to appeal to the senses rather than biased expectations. Layered texture, vibrant orchard fruit. Tim Atkin - 95 pts.
Retirement @ 65 2024 - A Blend of 95% of the oldest Cinsault Vineyard in Darling (1951) and 5% Syrah. Turkish Delight, ginger, strawberry, and goji berry. Watch the YouTube video for the story. Tim Atkin - 95 pts.
Kershaw Wines
As someone who loves detail and a touch of nerdy geekiness, Richard (MW) dives into the smallest quirks and metrics of winemaking. His focus is the vineyard first, maturation second, and winemaking, arguably, third. Tim Atkin’s First Growth.
Smugglers Boot 2023 100% Pinot Noir from French clones PN777 and PN115. Rose petals, fynbos, pomegranate, cherry and plums.
Groenland Kogelberg CY548 2022 - Deconstructed single vineyard Chardonnay from CY548, crushed stones, nectarines, lemon and orange.
DeMorgenzon
The winery name means “morning sun”. It was named after the first part of the Stellenbosch Kloof valley to see the sun due to its high altitude. Tim Atkin’s Fourth Growth.
Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023 - Single vineyard Chenin Blanc from 1972 on decomposed granite soils, aged in barrel for ten months (20% new oak). Ripe peach, apricot, almond, vanilla. Tim Atkin - 93 pts.
Reserve Chardonnay 2021 - South-facing and offer the very best of a cool site. Aged for ten months on gross lees with 30% new oak. Toasted brioche and marmalade. Tim Atkin - 93 pts
Keermont
Set in the naturally formed amphitheatre between Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountain ranges, resulting in very special and unique vineyards. Alex Starey has been in charge of the vineyards and the winemaking since the start of the redevelopment of the farm. Tim Atkin’s First Growth.
Topside Syrah 2018 -
Single west-facing vineyard from 2006 on rocky soils consisting of sandstone and granite.Damson, black fig, violet, lavender and stony, well-structured finish. Tim Atkin - 97 pts.
