Miles Mossop The Introduction Red 2019 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Miles Mossop spent years as head winemaker at Tokara before turning to his own Stellenbosch label full time. The Introduction wines are the accessible end of his portfolio, made to be approachable and easy to enjoy while still carrying the mark of a careful winemaker. This red is the everyday counterpart to his more serious bottlings, and shares their honest, fruit-led approach.

The wine is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Merlot, a classic and dependable Stellenbosch pairing that has long anchored the district’s reputation for reds. Rather than the depth and structure of the flagship Max, the aim here is soft, juicy fruit and gentle tannins, giving a red you can open without ceremony. Cabernet leads for shape and freshness, while the splash of Merlot rounds out the middle and softens the edges.

The 2019 was a solid Cape red-wine vintage, giving ripe, rounded fruit that suits this easygoing style.

Expect aromas of red and dark berry fruit with a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied, soft and juicy, with approachable tannins and a fresh, savoury finish. It drinks well now, needs no cellaring, and takes a light chill happily in warm weather, which makes it a genuinely versatile red for the table or a relaxed evening.

This is an honest, sociable red that punches above its price and works across a wide range of everyday food, and a comfortable choice if you enjoy fruit-forward Cabernet-Merlot blends. Good with burgers, tomato-based pasta, or a simple midweek roast.