Deep tone. A supple, black-cherried, joyous glass of wine. So smooth, with the merest wisp of tannins. A part of the fruit is given carbonic maceration - and that helps bring this juicy wine alive. Now-2011.

Product Code: VON607

Vondeling (literally the “foundling”) is a long established farm producing grapes sold to KWV, Boland and, recently, Rustenberg. Hampshire man Julian Johnson took over in 2000, and with new investment, and, from the 2007 vintage, a really capable, well-travelled winemaker in young Matthew Copeland, this is an estate now going places. The largely south-facing (i.e. cooler) vineyards are largely on very granitic soils on the slopes of the Paardeberg, a long ridge which represents an exceptional South African terroir.

We chose two blends here: the Petit Blanc, from thirds of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier; with plenty of lees contact to lend some weight; and the Petit Rouge, from just 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, all in old barrels. What is so pleasing about this pair is that they are not made to win prizes or startle the palate - they are wines for drinking, fruity, lively and fresh.