Wines of the week: Three special occasion bottles from South Africa

Terry Kirby selects wines from South Africa that are good to drink now, but will also improve with time – if you can wait

South Africa is a great place to look for special occasion wines, capable of ageing and at relatively affordable prices. Here are three big wines for drinking now, but will also will benefit from a little patience.

Keep for 5 years…..

De Morgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015

This of course is the white grape South Africa has splendidly made its own and this is a magnificent expression of its virtues: deceptively light on the palate, but then exploding into full bodied flavours of tropical fruits, apricots and touches of honey, while remaining bracingly dry and assertive. How it develops in the bottle will be intriguing. Shellfish and lighter meats, like veal or pork belly.

£18.00 winetrust100.co.uk; £18.99 Majestic

Keep for 10 years ….

Bloemendal Suider Terras 2014

Most Sauvignon Blanc is best drunk young and fresh when it is at its most vibrant…but not here. This already barrel-aged wine from a boutique winery can be drunk now, but is designed to develop even more in the bottle, so the limey, grassy acidity mellows into something structured and intense. Richer fish dishes are in order here, now or in the next decade

£18.75 strictlywine.co.uk (minimum order six bottles) £21.35 winepoole.co.uk

Keep for 30 years….

Warwick Estate Trilogy 2012

Big Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/France and Merlot from a Stellenbosch estate first established in 1770. Lush, velvety, full bodied flavours of blackberries and mocha, with a touch of spice. Already well developed after four years in the bottle, so drink now with substantial roast meats or game or keep for up to 30 years: one to lay down for the children or grandchildren.

£17.99 henningswine.co.uk; £19.99 sawinesonline.co.uk (minimum order six bottles)