Small Parcels of wines with interesting backstories

Every three months, members of Caroline’s Quarterly Wine Club look forward to more new discoveries from top South African producers. “Wine lovers can sit back and have our fine selections delivered wherever you are in the country,” says Caroline Rillema of Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar in Cape Town. “We select the finest wines. Simply choose one or more of the quarterly packages and you’ll receive a different selection every three months for as long as you wish. Hassle free!”

The 6-bottle selection from Small Parcels on offer to club members at R1734 until the end of March 2025 includes the following:
Glen Heatlie The Frontier Grenache Blanc 2023
From Joan Heatlie, who gained experience at top producers such as Reyneke, Mullineux, and whose family farm is in the Hex River Valley. Grapes from a vineyard in Voor-Groenberg, Wellington – one pick fermented with wild yeast and given 15 mnoths’ maturation in barrel, whilst the other was harvested riper with 7.5% skin contact, a portion undergoing carbonic maturation. Flavours of sun-ripened yellow stone fruits and pineapple. 97 points in Platter’s 2025 SA Wine Guide. R354pb.
Perdeberg Rossouw’s Heritage 2022
Hallmarks of the Perdeberg Cellar among the foothills of the Paardeberg Mountain near Paarl are access to unirrigated old vineyards, different mesoclimates and various soil types on farms spanning over 3000ha, mainly in the Paarl and Swartland districts. A blend of Chenin Blanc (62%), Grenache Blanc (14%), Viognier (14%) and Verdelho (10%). An aroma of white flowers and peaches, a textured palate with racy acidity. Medium-bodied fruit with hints of mango on the finish. Goes well with cold curried chicken salad. R223pb.
Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne Sauvignon 2023
André and Ronelle Brink have been growing grapes on their Durbanville property since the late 1990s. The manor house dates back to 1720 and the farm also features other crops, livestock, even a few buffalo, eland and springbok. The Marizanne is an elegant, lingering Sauvignon Blanc, fermented in amphora (20%), concrete egg (40%) and seasoned barrel (40%), and left on the lees for five months. Experience tangy stone fruit, flint and white field flowers. Pairs perfectly with fish tacos, prawn tempura or a salmon hand roll. 96 points in Platter’s 2025 SA Wine Guide. R313pb.
Malanot Triton Shiraz 2019
Winemaker Marius Malan studied at Elsenburg, ‘cut his teeth’ at Uva Mira Vineyards and worked at Slaley before Malanot became his life. Grapes from 42-year-old vines processed the traditional way, which involved fermenting in open casks and punching down the cap of skins. Matured for 26 months in 225L barrels – 20% new, the balance second- and third-fill. Old World style Syrah, deep black, with peppery spice, black cherries and some earthy leather on the nose. Supple tannins. Try with beef short-rib stew. R248pb.
Lozärn Kay’s Legacy 2021
Celebrating a century of farming by the Smuts family in the Bonnievale Valley, honouring ancestor Granny Kay, “a woman of the earth”. A Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Franc (46%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Melot (20%), and Carménère (9%) – each variety harvested, fermented and matured separately in oak barrique before being blended 15 months later. Cellarmaster Salome Buys-Vermeulen has come up with a silky-balanced wine, the tell-tale red capsicum of the Cab Franc to the fore. Excellent with boerewors off the braai or springbok loin with a rich fruity gravy. Drink now or age until 2030. R297pb.
IlGeco Sangiovese 2022
Winemaker Clarise Scoicatti-Langeveldt was born in South Africa but has Italian roots – hence her attraction to the charms of Sangiovese, the black grape variety used to produce the famous Tuscan wines Chianti and Brunello. Natural fermentation (wild yeast) and light punch-downs for soft extraction. Skin maceration followed by a light pressing and 12 months maturation in 500L old French oak barrels. Experience freshly-picked cherries, strawberries, raspberries and plum, complemented by a savoury Parma Ham-like salinity and roasted cherry tomatoes. A textured wine with powdery tannins. Only 1200 bottles. R299pb.

Sign up for Caroline’s Quarterly Wine Club by clicking HERE. Send an email to Sheri and everything will be done for you. DON’T MISS OUT! Members of Caroline’s Quarterly Wine Club qualify for a 10% discount on re-orders of quarterly wines by the case.

•  Article sponsored by Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar