This is South African Merlot 101 people! Intense aromas of baked black cherry pie and blackberries with a slightly leafy, menthol lift. As we tend to find in Merlot from the Western Cape, there is a slightly jammy, tarriness to the fruit in the mouth. A few years age is offering up a gorgeous smoky, scorched earth character. This is rustic and minty with knitted, fine tannins.

The irresistible pull of Stellenbosch - surely South Africa’s most renowned and respected wine region - can be felt right across the globe. It called out to Ginny Povall, an intrepid young American back in 2009, and when she first travelled over to visit the Cape vineyards and winemaking landscape, she fell head over heels in love. Ginny had taught herself the art of winemaking, having had a fascination with the process and its history from a young age. Her love affair with Stellenbosch resulted in her purchasing the beautiful Protea Heights farm, situated in the heart of Devon Valley, where her dreams of being a successful vintner began to come true. Year on year, Ginny’s natural talents and passion shone through her stunning vintage releases, and today, her Botanica winery is regarded as a bonafide rising star of the region.