Cost: R110;
From: Nabygelegen, Bovlei Valley, Wellington 27 (0)82 829 1189;
Why: Grapes have to suffer in the Agter Witzenberg mountains above Tulbagh and Pinot Noir, the teenage heartache grape, suffers here more than Bobby van Jaarsveld in Liefling, die movie. If crying in a mirror is your métier (like Bobby), then this delicate mélange of strawberries and double Devon cream is your prescription for outrageous pleasure.

James McKenzie, Snow Mountain seigneur

In winter, the vineyards are covered in snow (hence the name) so the vines shut down tighter than an SA civil servant on strike. Altitude provides increased UV radiation for the berries, energizing them with molecular vim which explodes on the tongue. Serve slightly chilled to keep passions taut and expectations tingling.

But best of all, this is a wine the local pundit fraternity has serially overlooked. I tasted it blind with French wine exporter Fred Dasse yesterday and we both scored it 18/20 – Fred because he thought it French and me because I liked it. Of course the sighted guide missed the boat as it was one of the few reds in the 2011 edition printed in black. Not that Snow Mountain seigneur James McKenzie gives a snowball or even throws a shoe, having sold most of his stock to Michelin three star restaurants in Europe!

Rating: *****

*****: Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
****: Gunnbjørn Fjeld (Greenland)
***: Öræfajökull (Iceland)
**: Thabana Ntlenyana (Lesotho)
*: Ski Deck (Randburg)

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