Preet’s new selection of South African Wines by Joanne Maxwell, Section Chair
February’s meeting saw the return of Preet Sahota from Edgmond wines who showcased a new selection of South African wines. Preet’s easy yet informative style made him something of an “in demand” speaker at Guild events in 2025 so Hull were more than happy to have him back this year. So happy, in fact, that Preet will return again in August with New Zealand wines. Southern hemisphere wines clearly have a hold on Preet! The South African wines set a bit of a high bar, so we will be very interested to see how the New Zealand wines compare.
A UK debut…
In a first (as far as I know) we were treated to the UK debut release of a single vineyard 2025 premium Pinot Noir which had beaten substantially higher priced wines in a recent competition. The Blake Family Pinot Noir 2025 is 14.5 ABV and despite its retail price of £34.99 was available from Preet at £16.99. The wine did not disappoint and was a favorite with the members.
Preet’s other offerings were:
WHITES:
- Schenkfontein Grenache Blanc 2023 – also a debut release from the Swartland region and the only single vineyard Grenache Blanc from South Africa (£11.99)
- Cloudskraal Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (£12.99)
- Villa Esposto Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (£12.99)
Preet asked us to compare the last two wines made from the same grape and at the same price to see how different winemakers can turn out markedly different wines.
REDS:
- Villa Esposto Pinotage 2023 (£14.99) – Villa Esposto is surely one of Preet’s favorite producers.
- Winkelshoek Cape Vintage 2022 (£12.99) – a “port-style” wine from a producer who previously worded for Dow.
