2021 Series M

"We are asking questions of ourselves in the post-Zelma era,” proprietor Mike Ratcliffe tells me when I visit the winery just outside Stellenbosch together with winemaker Arlene Mains. “We are questioning, again, about the possibility of a single wine, so we are testing experimental blends with Series M and Series C. It will take a number of years. We have to see if it would be a tangible level-up. The 2021 vintage is the first under Arlene Mains. The Cabernet Franc from Stellenbosch is a beautiful blending component. We have a new irrigation system using a 40cm pipe so that water is injected directly down into the earth. Our water usage has dropped 70%. When you switch it on, the vine reacts much quicker as the water goes directly to the roots.” It’s easy to see why they have established such loyal demand that their wines sell out on pre-allocation each year. It is stylistically consistent, veering more towards a fruit-driven, maybe more Californian inspired Bordeaux wine that is expected given Zelma Long’s prior involvement, plus Ratcliffe’s tireless own promotion overseas, which is crucial to establish brands. All three cuvées are worth seeking out, the Seriously Old Dirt representing excellent value for money.