The TASTE case: 6 wines to drink in July

1. Spier Creative Block 2 2018

This wine is a harmonious and pleasing blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It’s pale straw in colour with hints of lime on the edge, presenting a flavour explosion of fynbos and gooseberries with a tropical note of white peach and granadilla. R169.99

2. Beyerskloof Signature Series Beyers Truter Pinotage 2017

Beyers Truter has made some of SA’s finest Pinotage wines, so he was an obvious addition to Woolies’ Signature Series, a range I blend with winemakers who I feel are masters of a certain cultivar. This wine has layers of dark fruit and plum with tasty nuances of oak spice, while the palate is velvety with silky tannins and a lingering finish. R169.99

3. Rustenberg RM Nicholson Red Blend

An innovative blend of classic varieties, named for Reg Nicholson who was Rustenberg’s charismatic winemaker from 1945 to 1977 and the creator of Rustenberg’s legendary Dry Red. The Bordeaux grapes, Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), contribute blackcurrant and chocolate, while the Rhône grape Shiraz adds pepper and spicy aromas. R94.99

4. Boschendal Jean Garde Unwooded Chardonnay 2017

Boschendal’s viticultural heritage dates back to 1685. Today it produces a large range of fine wines and is a bustling hub of food and wine activities. The Jean Garde Chardonnay is from carefully sourced vineyards in Stellenbosch and Robertson and reveals an expressive burst of citrus with tropical overtones of ripe per and apricot. A classic al fresco wine, much enjoyed at the legendary Boschendal picnics under the stone pines. R84.99

5. Graham Beck Blanc De Blanc Méthode Cap Classique 2014

When celebrations are in order, your wine of choice has to be a Graham Beck bubbly, which was served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and at Barack Obama’s election night victory in 2009. The Blanc de Blanc is Graham Beck’s Prestige Cuvée, a total stimulation of the senses. As the bubbly froths in the glass, thrill to the steely lemon colour and fizzing mousse, delight in the stone fruit and brioche aromas on the nose, then fill your mouth and feel the veritable explosion of bubbles. R279.99

6. Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz 2016

This was the first wine to be named as a Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz in South Africa. It has just celebrated its 25-year milestone, so it’s with good reason that it has become Hartenberg’s top seller. Expect vibrant red fruit, hints of forest floor and intriguing spice on the bouquet, while the palate reveals juicy fruit, soft, gentle tannins and a lingering, elegant finish. R114.99