2022 STARS IN THE DARK, Minimalist Wines. Elim, South Africa

Jancis Robinson’s glowing review (17.5 is a very high score in her parsimonious book) for the first vintage (2018) ensured Sam Lambson’s wine was a ‘cult’ on release:
“19-year-old vines on shale. Whole bunch. Natural yeast. No added sulphur. The South African allocation of the total production of 800 bottles is already sold out.
This should please the naturalistas! Not extreme but clearly out on a bit of a limb. Very savoury. Pretty Côte Rôtie-like! Richard Hemming MW would LOVE this. Really adds to the range that South Africa can offer. Snap this up!”

It’s the delicacy and under-stated complexity of this (almost) unique wine that really stands out. The 2019 is a touch richer than the 2018 – a good thing in my opinion (JH).