“The Future of the Cape”
Master of Wine (MW) Tim Atkin has singled out Cloof as a “winery to watch” in the October edition of Off Licence News:

“Situated a mere six miles from the Atlantic Ocean in one of South Africa’s most dynamic regions, Cloof has taken a sizeable step forward since it changed owners in 2002. The wines here are flag-wavingly New World in style, but they manage to combine flavour and high alcohol levels with drinkability.

Unusually for Darling, the focus is on red wines, with Cabernet, Pinotage and Shiraz (never Syrah!) the main focus. The Cloof Crucible Shiraz is one of the Cape’s best, but the Cellar Blend is a big, bold number that could give the Barossa valley a run for its power and concentration. Subtle it ain’t, but it’s a delicious wine.”

Lynchpin
Another MW, David Peppercorn, reviewed the 2005 Cloof Lynchpin that is the subject of an en primeur offer from Magnum Fine Wines (Tel. 0207 930 6925):

“Beautifully made. Very supple, elegant tannins give definition and breed. Very impressive. Try drinking from early 2007.”

This wine is named for the critically important role played by Cabernet Franc (25% of the blend). The other components are Merlot (71%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (4%), and is being offered at £105 per case (in bond, excl VAT), which works out to an effective £142.20 once HM Customs have been paid off.

Please note: This wine is only available in the UK from Magnum Fine Wines, and cannot be ordered at www.cloof.co.za.

Bush Vines CPS
Writing in Wine & Spirit, Simon Woods described the 2004 Cloof Bush Vines CPS as “excellent” and awarded it a score of 90 out of 100:

"The 2004 CPS is rich and fruity, with an earthy berry and plum intensity, but thanks in part to the French Oak ageing, it also shows a more refined and gentle edge, along with a spicy, velvety finish."