91 points James Suckling

91 points Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous

90 pts Wine Advocate May 2021

The 2019 Downes Family Merlot starts juicy and dusty with delightful layers of dusty plum, sour cherry and soft elements of juicy tobacco, hints of oak and a gentle display of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the wine delivers a balanced structure with lifting tannins and succulent acidity, before flavors of black plum and dark cherry skin sway across the mid-palate. The wine concludes with a persistent tannic edge and lingering flavors of blackberry and spiced plum compote. 2021-2028

91 points – Josh Raynolds

93 pts James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2021

68% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% petit verdot. Matured in French oak (30% new) for 12 months. Some smart winemaking on show which belies the affordable price tag. Gentle fragrance, bright red and black fruits, but the real clincher is the concentrated aromatics, delightfully fresh and lifted. There's violet and rose petal with splashes of spice and some of that Coonawarra bay leaf that is pure terroir. Sensational value.

93  points James Suckling April 2021

Aromas of violets, hibiscus, fresh plums, blueberries and mocha. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Silky and polished with layers of flowers and ripe blue fruit. Drink or hold.

4 ½ Stars 2022 Platter’s South African Wine Guide

Mostly mourvedre & shiraz, splashes cab & grenache noir in 18 (92 pts). Attractive charcuterie, white pepper & plum notes, pomergranite acidity. New oak deftly scaled back a tad, to 30% new, 18 months. Softer & more approachable than last but certainly no rush.

95 pts Winemag.co.za November 2021

Kara-Tara is a joint venture between Rüdger van Wyk and José Condé of Stark-Condé, two wines appearing under the label, these being a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – the name Kara-Tara refers to a river that runs through Van Wyk’s hometown of George and the choice of varieties inspired by a postgrad harvest that he worked in Burgundy.

The 2020 vintage of the Chardonnay is a revelation. 82% of grapes were sourced from the Overberg and 18% from a 40-year-old vineyard in Paarl, while winemaking involved 50% fermentation in stainless steel tank and 50% neutral oak before maturation lasting nine months. The nose shows a hint of reduction before citrus, floral perfume and spice while the palate combines power with energy – great fruit purity and racy acidity before a savoury finish. Very well proportioned – intensely flavoured without being overly weighty. Plenty of Wow!

91 pts Tim Atkin MW 2021

Stark-Condé winemaker Rüdger van Wyk's own project is a Western Cape blend that uses grapes from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the Overberg and Paarl. Subtly wooded, with a smoky top note, plenty of refreshing acidity and pear, oatmeal and tangerine flavours. 2021-26

4 ½ Stars 2022 Platter’s South African Wine Guide

Gorgeous expression of honey, stonefruit & lightly roasted hazelnut in 20 (91 pts). Lively, balanced & fresh, enduring citrus finish. 40 year old vines in Paarl (18%), rest Overberg; 50/50 ferment in old barrel & tank, then 9 months in oak – well worth all the effort.

95 points Wine Advocate July 2022

Aromas of savory spice, hung deli meat and blood fill the senses, but it is in the mouth where the purity and succulence of the fruit is revealed. This 2021 Thorny Devil Grenache is long and savory, sweet and fine, built into a framework of pliable tannin and exotic spice. Balanced and exciting.

93 points James Halliday

93 pts Descorchados

92 pts Robert Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate (LG) The unusual white blend 2018 Tiara is 50% Riesling, 40% Albariño and 10% Savagnin with 13% alcohol. The blend fermented in stainless steel, where it was kept with fine lees until bottling. I hadn't tasted this characterful white for a very long time, a white produced in the style of a Riesling or Albariño, fresh, light aromatic and floral. It has notes of white fruit and flowers, with a pleasant bittersweet sensation in the palate, tasty, balanced and fresh. 2,500 bottles were filled in October 2018.

90 pts James Suckling - This has attractive aromas of fragrant lemons and limes, turning to very fresh, zesty apples and limes on the crisp, focused palate. A blend 50% riesling, 40% albarino and 10% savagnin. Drink now.

4 ½ Stars 2021 Platter’s South African Wine Guide

Bucking the reductive trend, exceptional 20 (93 pts) vinified as ‘traditional dry white Bordeaux to reflect gravel-like soil’ of Stanford vineyard. Spice from old-oak ferment /6 months ageing, subtle white-asparagus & wild yeast aromas, smooth & controlled salty palate. 12% semillon adds lemon nuance, informs seemingly endless finish.

90 pts Tim Atkin MW 2021

Just off dry, with cut grass and mangetout aromas, this cool climate cuvée of Sauvignon Blanc with 12% Semillon sees a combination of older barrels and a concrete egg and shows subtle vanilla, lime and lemongrass flavours. 2021-23

Concours Mondial du Sauvignon 2021: Gold