Peter Morrell gets a taste of these vintages which are new and exclusive to Sainsbury’s

Nestled in the foothills of the Hottentot Mountains, Mount Rozier winery is a buzzing hotbed of birds, mammals and fynbos, with delicious wines and beautiful views of the Western Cape wine region.

Founded at the turn of the 19th Century by Annie Rozier, a flower merchant, who picked wildflowers in the Schapenberg hills surrounding her family’s homestead, she famously produced natural remedies and medicines for the local community.

In the 1920s, the Stellenbosch-based estate formed part of Myrtle Grove, where the first ever commercial plantings of Pinotage were grown in 1941 by Professor Perold. Home to an abundance of native flora and fauna, the Mount Rozier Estate includes 30 ha of land set aside for conservation of indigenous plant and animal life. The sustainably and ethically produced Reserve range has been carefully created so you can enjoy a taste of South Africa with friends and family.

I have made several visits to this region, which is just to the east of Cape Town, it is truly a magnificent place and is the ideal ‘terroir’ to produce world class wines

Here are more details of the wines

Mount Rozier Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2024
11% abv, £7.50 from Sainsbury’s

Packed full of crisp vibrant flavours, this Sauvignon Blanc is the result of carefully tendered vines and rigorous fruit selection. Drink either by itself or with pasta, fish, salads, and white meats.

Raise a toast on the 2 May – International Sauvignon Blanc Day

Mount Rozier Chardonnay Reserve 2024

11%, £7.50 from Sainsbury’s

A fruit-forward and easy drinking wine. A rich yet fresh Chardonnay, with good fruit intensity and a lingering finish. Ideal to enjoy on its own or with salads, fish, pasta and white meats.

There are two chances to drink Chardonnay in May! 21 May – World Chardonnay Day AND on 22 May – International Chardonnay Day

Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve 2024

11% abv, £7.50 from Sainsbury’s

The growing conditions for the Chenin Blanc grape in South Africa are the best you will find in the world. This Chenin Blanc is fresh and elegant and a superb showcase of the quality of wine being produced there. The bouquet is very aromatic with white blossom, apples and pears featuring heavily, and there are strong hints of tropical aromas like passion fruit and peach.

In the mouth it has a refreshing crisp feel from good levels of acidity. Complex fruit flavours persist on the palate, and the wine has an almost creamy texture. The finish is bright and uplifting with lush tropical tones.

Pair this with a chicken salad or seafood.

Enjoy for International Chenin Blanc day – 7th June

Mount Rozier Shiraz Reserve 2023

12.5% abv, £7.75 from Sainsbury’s

This single varietal pours a ruby red colour and has a basketful of red fruit on the nose. The are lots of plum, and blackberry aromas with hints of dried herbs and black pepper.

Well balanced tannins make the mouthfeel silky smooth, and the flavours on the palate are intensely fruity, underpinned with a layer of oaky vanilla which comes from 8 months of maturation in French oak barrels. The finish is long and fruity.

This wine is a great match for BBQ meats and strong cheeses like Stilton.

Mount Rozier Merlot Reserve 2023

12.5% abv, £7.75 from Sainsbury’s

This Merlot is bursting with vibrant red and dark fruits. Juicy strawberry and plum flavours, with a hint of violet, jump out of the glass to make this a very easy drinking drop. Great with lasagne, stews and mushroom-based dishes.