Porcupine Ridge is a handcrafted range of wines, celebrated for its uncompromising commitment to quality. The wines carry a distinctive label featuring an original pen and ink of the crested porcupine drawn by leading South Africa wildlife artist, Zakkie Eloff. These crested porcupines inhabit the vineyards of the Boekenhoutskloof homestead. This newly released wine is called Syrah, not Shiraz, for a reason. It shares much in common with the Syrah based wines of the northern Rhone, especially the rustic and dark-fruited crozes hermitage. Wonderful with r... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

This sexy, sophisticated dry rosé combines mouthwatering flavors of cherry and wild strawberry with graceful notes of lavender and herbes de provence. It's a versatile and accessible pink for all seasons! 

Inventory: Hollywood

Tropical fruit, guava and melon aromas, crisp and bold sweet citrus backed by refreshing acidity and minerality characteristic of South Africa's coastal vineyards. A versatile food wine to go with most poultry, fish and salad dishes. Also fabulous as an aperitif for a hot summer afternoon. This wine has a unique delicious tangy character that goes well with a lot of food and makes for an excellent aperitif. 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This historic estate is located only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town and is situated near the Cape's famous Wine Routes. Pinotage is the flagship wine here, and though you may have read disparaging things about the grape, one taste of this 2008 will soon convert you! Spicy and brambly, with dark berry notes and a hint of chocolate and coffee, this red is great with rustic foods like burgers and grilled steaks. 

Inventory: Hollywood

91 points and a Best Buy from the Wine Enthusiast: "This blend of Pinotage, Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is full-bodied and complex, with layered aromas of cherry, banana and warming spices, and smooth, elegant flavors of cedar, cherry, tobacco smoke and red berries. Velvety, soft tannins and a clean finish give it a classy touch. The wine can age, but drink now and you won’t be disappointed." (12/09) Made from a very unusual but typical-for-South-Africa blend of 50% Pinotage and the rest Bordeaux varietals, this is a full bodied red with ripe, ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

89 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 09: "($17; a 54/46 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay) Pale copper-tinged gold. Tangerine, spicy oak and a hint of exotic fruits on the nose. Fruity and harmonious, with a yeasty complexity adding depth to the fairly dense, harmonious middle palate. Comes across as sweeter and fuller than the Blanc de Blancs, but finishes dry and crisp, with a bit more length. No shortage of flavor here." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

90 points and a Smart Buys from the Wine Spectator: "Delicious, with gorgeous melon, Bosc pear and Jonagold apple flavors offset by a stylish streak of grilled hazelnut. The long, racy finish lets the toast and fruit play together nicely. Drink now." (03/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City

Pale silver-pink. Aromas of raspberries, cherries and a few secondary whiffs of minerality. A lively mousse but fine in the mouth, with subtle red berry flavours enlivened by bright acids. Brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell and fresh lavender. Flirtatious and fun, yet elegant and structured, it’s perfect for all seasons and settings. Chardonnay 55%, Pinot Noir 45% According to the Wine Spectator: "Fresh, with dried strawberry and cherry notes and a modest finish. Drink now." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This wine knocked me out when I first tasted it, and to my delight, when our Rhone buyer Mulan Chan-Randel had it at our staff tasting., she was equally impressed.The bouquet is lifted with very Northern Rhone-like notes of smoked meats, game, garrique, blackberries, pepper, camphor, dark chocolate and a hint of lavender. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, on the palate the wine has good acidity and a fine tannin structure. This very cool Syrah from Swartland, which seems to be the homeland in South Africa for Rhone varietals, is an Old/New World wine that... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

93 points from The Wine Spectator: "Ripe and polished, with a superfresh core of red and black currant fruit, licorice, spice cake and braised fig. The great tangy, embedded structure carries the long, iron-tinged finish. Should stretch out nicely with cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now through 2015." 3,060 cases made. "The Rust en Vrede Estate Red Blend is the first South African wine to be in The Wine Spectators Top 100 four years in a row and only once in a decade did it score below 90 points, and that was 89 points.! The 200... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This is the top selling South African Cabernet Sauvignon in the USA. Ripe blackcurrants and plumy fruit on the nose lead to soft ripe tannins that balance toasty oak aromas and sweet fruit flavors. According to the Wine Spectator: "Medium-weight, with a mix of red and black cherry, herb and toast notes. Contains 8 percent Syrah and 2 percent Petit Verdot. Drink now." (06/09) From Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "With their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, the De Wet family’s Excelsior estate has delivered an example of this beloved grape of exceptional value. Ri... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

This livewire bottling single-handedly put South Africa on the map as a source of world class Sauvignon Blanc. One of the Cape’s most heralded and sought-after wines, it garners 90+ scores vintage after vintage. Vivid tropical fruit aromas give way to succulent, mouth-filling flavors of guava, lychee, gooseberry, lime, and fresh cut grass, supported by a bracing jolt of acidity. 

Inventory: San Francisco

89 points Wine Spectator: "A nice sleek Cabernet, with roasted vanilla, espresso, red currant and mineral notes allied to a racy palate and finish. Drink now through 2010." (09/08) 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

This spectacular wine offers serious bang for the buck compared to Sauvignon Blancs the world over. The 2008 got 90 points from Stephen Tanzer, who had this to say: "Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 09: "Gooseberry, pepper, fresh herbs and licorice on the nose and palate. Vibrant and varietally accurate; at once rich and gripping, with uncompromising dryness. Finishes brisk and perfumed, with lively hints of lemon peel and quinine. These vines are planted in a cool site barely two miles from the South Atlantic. Anthony Hamilton Russell... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

According to the Wine Spectator: "Fresh, with white peach and honeysuckle flavors backed by a bright, lively finish. Light-weight but persistent, with good minerality stretching it out. A clean, breezy style. Drink now." (05/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This is the first time for this wine to come to the United States and to our shelfs. Made with the classic blend of Bordeaux varietals, the wine is comprised of 54% cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 4% Petite Verdot. This wine reminds me of "old school" Napa Cabernet with dusty tannins cloaking a core of black cherry, violets, cedar and a hint of flat cola. There is fine balance and length to this fine offering from South Africa that carries a five-star rating from The Platter Guide, which is the top source in South Africa ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

91(+?) points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 09: "(45% cabernet sauvignon, 38% merlot, 13% petit verdot, 3% cab franc and 1% malbec) Full, saturated medium ruby. Primal aromas of blackcurrant, licorice and exotic flowers. Rich, broad and smoky, with superb fat and depth. Very ripe dark berry flavors are complicated by hints of truffle and tobacco leaf. This layered, large-scaled wine is extremely young today. Finishes quite dry and uncompromising, with big, chewy tannins and powerful backbone." 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

The 2008 Chocolate Block is a blend of Syrah (69%); Grenache noir (12%); Cabernet Sauvignon (10%); Cinsault (7%) and Viognier (2%). Finding it hard to fathom what such a blend might taste like? Imagine intense spicy notes supported by ripe plum, black fruit and violet aromas. The wine has a grippy acidity and well integrated tannins with a well textured and rounded mouth feel. The long, elegant and succulent finish with superb structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon leads us to believe that this wine has at least 8 years of aging potential. 

Inventory: Hollywood

This South African Cab was harvested from two blocks, one older and more classical in style, the other new world and exciting. Picked ripe, and there was no irrigation in the vineyard which is partially why this wine is so very concentrated and supple. Open fermentation and long post maceration for some sweet extract. Gently pressed, giving good tannin structure. If you love that typically cassis character in your Cab, you will go gaga over this! 

Inventory: Hollywood

Rich chocolate and Mocha aromas combine well with darker berries and subtle hints of spice. Soft juicy tannins, backed up with hints of vanilla and blueberries. The wine was left to mature for14 months in French oak, after which it received a light filtration prior to bottling. 89 points Wine Spectator: "Focused and ripe, with a nice winey core of red currant and black cherry fruit mixed with maduro tobacco, grilled herb and iron hints. Solid drive on the finish. Drink now." (05/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz was born out of the realization that there are not a lot of options available to consumers seeking quality sweet red wine. This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet Shiraz aims to fill that void. Most of the grapes are grown in Paarl, a region with a Rhône-like climate that is ideal for Shiraz cultivation, and production is overseen by critically acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats. Crafted in a lighter style than your typical Shiraz, this fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe blueberries, blackberries and raspberries ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

According to the Wine Spectator: "Fresh, with nice cut to the white peach and chamomile notes, backed by a hint of lime on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now." (05/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood

Spice Route’s signature style has always been robust, spicy red wines. This blend of red varietals represents a fusion of flavors, as does the unique, spicy South African relish from which Chakalaka takes its name. Shiraz and Carignan join Mourvèdre and Grenache to make up the majority of the blend. Tannat, Petite Sirah and Souzão add body and richness to the mid palate of the wine. Ripe, dark fruit aromas with cloves coming through on the nose. Medium to full bodied with ripe spicy plums and dark cherry fruit flavors. Oaking is restrained, but provides ... Read More » 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

Deep red with aromas of dark fruit, black cherries, cedar and tobacco. Classic black currants, with earthy notes. Good balance of tannin and acid, with oak adding complexity. Will be at its best in 3-5 years. 34% Cabernet Sauvignon; 32% Merlot; 16% Cabernet Franc; 13% Malbec 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

If you like your Cabernet Sauvignon to offer plenty of rich cassis fruit balanced by lively acidity and firm tannin, this South African number will thrill you. No question it's Cab from this first whiff redolent with blackcurrant and graphite notes. This will fans in both the California Cabernet Camp as well as Bordeaux freaks. 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

Strange that Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling hit it so big time on the wine scene, but Semillon is still a relative unknown. It offers lots of those same flavors: green apple notes with a strong citrus character. And it has gobs of acidity when done right, as this one from Boekenhoutsloof certainly is. Can be aged, too, but why bother when it's so open and elegant now, especially when paired with classic fish dishes like trout almondine. 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

According to Wine Spectator: "Ripe, with plum and black cherry fruit backed by just enough toast and tobacco hints to keep this honest. Soft-textured, but persistent on the finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported." (12/09) 

Inventory: Redwood City San Francisco

This wine was created by drawing on years of experience with blending Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon to acheive a wonderful summer sipper in the style of a fine Bordeaux blanc. Down to earth, yes. And at a price that is heavenly! 

Inventory: Hollywood

According to the Wine Spectator: "Focused, with a solid beam of briar, blackberry and black licorice notes that stay juicy on the medium-weight finish. Very solid. Drink now through 2009. 500 cases imported." (Dec 08) 

Inventory: Hollywood

91 points Wine Spectator: "A ripe, juicy style, with delicious graham, heather honey and grilled hazelnut notes that slowly give way to persimmon, mango and ginger on the long, rich finish. Showy and delicious." Drink now through 2011. 100 cases imported." 

Inventory: Redwood City

Inventory: Hollywood

This fantastic Syrah offers peppery Karoo bush aromas with hints of vanilla sweetness and linden. These aromas follow through on a silky full body palate, with ripe plum and chocolate flavors. Well rounded tannins ending in a pleasant, long lingering aftertaste 

Inventory: Hollywood

According to Wine Spectator: "Soft, with a toasty edge guiding the easygoing plum and cherry jam notes. Drink now." (02/10) 

Inventory: Hollywood

The wine has a deep and intense ruby red colour. The nose reveals lots of red berries and sweet black currents, complemented by sweet vanilla and chocolate oak background and pleasant herbal undertones. The smooth, ripe, round tannins make this wine easy to drink while still retaining a full body. The balanced acid creates a firm finish that is complemented by a lingering sweetness. Although accessible now this wine will improve with careful cellaring over the next 3 years. 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

This mouthful of a wine is form poor decomposed granite rich soils on the Schalk Burger senior farm in Wellington where this impossible to pronounce and impossible to resist estate sources Syrah grapes from a single vineyard for their much prized Syrah. It offers an enticing combination of new world and old world elements, with typical spicy and pepper notes and underlying violet aromas competing with dark berry fruit and strapping tannins. 

Inventory: Hollywood

92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Mar/Apr 09: "Bright yellow with a golden tinge; much lighter than the 2007. Sexy, highly nuanced nose combines white peach, pineapple, iodiney minerality, musky ginger and leesy nuances, all lifted by a floral topnote; like a hypothetical blend of Meursault and Chassagne. Densely packed, brisk and deep, with lovely racy acidity and a rocky element giving a light touch and impressive energy to the flavors of citrus and stone fruits, nutmeg and minerals. Finishes very subtle and very long, with excellen... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood

Inventory: Hollywood

A red wine created to celebrate the distinct palates of Ernie Els (Bordeaux style) and Jean Engelbrecht (Shiraz-based style) to crown their new venture. The EE vineyards are located high up on the northern slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. This contribution imparts warmer fruit flavours to the wine. In summer, the vineyards’ close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean result in cool sea breezes that keeps temperatures lower, extending the ripening period. The different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot were ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Redwood City San Francisco

According to the Wine Spectator: "Dark and juicy, with a rock-solid grip, this lets plum sauce, black licorice, Turkish coffee and macerated cherry notes play out nicely through the rich, slightly muscular finish. A hint of lingering pepper adds length. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2010." (04/09) 

Inventory: Hollywood

94 points from the Wine Spectator: "A very bright, racy style, with superclean apricot and tangerine notes laced with hints of quince and clementine. The long, pure finish is sweet but stylish, and this just sails on. Puts on weight and shows more drive as it airs. Should give the superb 2004 a run for its money. Non-blind Vin de Constance vertical (2010). Drink now through 2023. 3,004 cases made." (Posted on James Molesworth's Wine Spectator Blog on Apr 12, 2010) 

Inventory: Hollywood

The wine has a light green hue with tropical fruit flavors, passion fruit and green fig aromas on the nose. On the palate this wine is elegant and dry with crisp herbaceous notes and a well balanced mouthfeel. 

Inventory: Hollywood