"... for a truly surprising piece of long-lived excellence, the Sumaridge Estate s Epitome 2012, hailing from Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, stands out for its Old World-like ageability and filigreed aromatics. Few would be able to place it as a South African Syrah-Pinotage blend let alone one harvested over a decade ago."MoneyWeek, April 2024The ultimate 'Cape blend' of 57% syrah and 43% pinotage, matured in the finest French oak for 18 months. This big, bold fruit-driven wine is simply stunning."A deep, rich colour in the glass with aromas of ripe, blackcurrant fruit, delicate spice and a warming hint of smoky oak, quite restrained and elegant reminiscent of fine, mature red wines of France's Rh ne valley.The palate is laden with ripe, dark-berry fruit; blackcurrant, mulberry and bell pepper spice initially dominating. Over time the blackcurrant evolves to include a hint of blueberry and a wave of warming, smoky-oak lingers on the finish. 10 years on from harvest the tannins have mellowed, there is still a grip on the finish but it is beautifully balanced with the flavours and overall structure.This wine has seen a lovely evolution in the bottle over the past decade, which has allowed the depth and complexity of flavour to be fully revealed, a great glass of wine and excellent value." James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler