Rianie Strydom & Jonathan Maltus, IKOYI Red, 2022

Jonathan Maltus OBE, one of the original Saint Émilion garagistes, teamed up with Cape Winemakers Guild member Rianie Strydom of Strydom Family Wines to make this exquisite red.

Made from sustainably-farmed Cabernet Franc (80%) & Syrah (20%) grapes from vines planted in 2010 on the northern slopes of the vaunted Helderberg region in Stellenbosch, the nearby False Bay coastline ensures cool, often breezy weather, which extends the ripening period, enabling better structure and complexity. 

Notes of smoked paprika, lavender, plum skin, boysenberry and nori are teased out latterly, and the oak is already well integrated. The palate is similarly lively on the attack with a mid-palate succulence built around ripe black cherries, vanilla pod, cacao nibs and cherry tobacco, but the high-toned cedary, herbal tannins, and a brisk vein of lithe and spicy acidity ensure both length and precision.