You only have to look see the grape varieties (above) to know that this is going to be a very deep coloured, robust wine - and it is: damsony and chocolatey, with mocha and dried fruit aromatics. So lush, with smooth tannins. Unusual and surprisingly grand. Now-2011

Product Code: BON405

Bon Cap (= Good Cape), a farm with 52 hectares under vines, appears as a shining green oasis amidst a scrubby, dirt brown and barren landscape. Since our first visit in 2003 we have seen the exciting blossoming of this estate under the leadership of Michelle and Roelf du Preez; an off-the-beaten-track wedding venue being the latest venture.

Until the 2002 vintage they used to sell their grapes to the Rooiberg co-operative, but were frustrated that the co-op was uninterested in raising quality or organic viticulture. Now the estate is certified organic - very dry conditions, isolation from other vineyards, and plenty of wind help - and a neat modern cellar adorns the property. Yields are kept low, and the vines are deliberately stressed. The Ruins is their second label.
We have always viewed this estate as a source for red wines, but on this visit I was knocked out immediately by the Sauvignon Blanc, being bottled the very day of my visit. It’s not that surprising really, when one considers that Eilandia is only 20 kilometres or so from Robertson, where there’s plenty of top Sauvignon Blanc, and at Bon Cap the variety is grown on a very calcareous vineyard.Though this is only the third vintage of this wine, it really hits the spot - if you like your Sauvignon Blanc intense and super-fresh look no further. The wines here are always as extrovert in style as the owners, and the new 2009 rosé - from just Syrah - is no exception, bursting with red fruit.

All three reds are made in a full-on, intense, well extracted style. The Ruins is about 2/3 Syrah and 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, given some oak treatment with staves. We are wary of Pinotage as it is a bit of a Marmite grape: for all those who love it, many hate its brassy and distinctive character. All we can say is that the Bon Cap exemplar is a belter, drinking perfectly now, and great with steak.
The definition of “Cape Blend” is a red blend made with at least 30% Pinotage: in this case the proportions are 42% Pinotage, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Petit Verdot.