Miles Mossop The Introduction Red 2021 Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Miles Mossop spent years as cellarmaster at Tokara before setting out under his own name, and his wines carry that same quiet confidence. The Introduction is his more approachable range, made to show honest Stellenbosch fruit without fuss or heavy winemaking, and it has become a firm favourite for everyday drinking.

This is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led red blend, with Merlot filling out the middle. Grapes are hand-picked from vineyards around Stellenbosch and kept away from new wood, a deliberate choice to hold on to freshness and let the fruit speak. The result is a red built for pleasure and the table rather than for long cellaring.

The 2021 growing season in the Western Cape is widely regarded as an excellent one for reds, cooler and slower than average, which favoured even ripening and bright fruit. That patience shows here in the balance between generous berry fruit and a savoury, dry finish.

Expect a nose of dark briary fruit, cassis and a little tobacco spice. The palate is full and textured, with blackberry and blackcurrant carried by soft tannins to a dry, savoury close. It drinks well now and needs nothing more than a decent meal. Serve with roast lamb, a beef ragu or a plate of hard cheese.

If you enjoy an unpretentious Bordeaux-style red that drinks well now, The Introduction is an easy one to reach for. It offers a genuine taste of Stellenbosch from a serious name, at a price that invites you to open it on any night of the week.