London 02/02/02

Winning Wines

A case for the specialists

...... 2000 Hawequas, Mont du Toit, Wellington, South Africa (#8,50 Corney & Barrow of London tel 020 7539 3200).

Mont du Toit is a producer of cult South African mega reds. The new release is due in the country soon but Hawequas the estate's little brother is already here. This wine is made for easy drinking but I can assure you that it is anything but simple. Made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot and a whisper of cabernet franc, it is technically intense and stuffed full of super ripe black fruit.

It can be drunk now and if you are serious about your red it is a must. Despite being a new name to me, Mont du Toit has shot to the top of the Cape pie.
Hawequas is most impressive and the perfect wine for wintry, robust, carnivorous dishes, in particular John's succulent meat pie.