Fresh-faced winemaker, Sam Lambson, is one of an exciting band of young guns carrying South Africa’s ‘New Wave’ flag into a bright and beautiful future. It’s a revolution that started in the Swartland, but has now spread to all areas, in this case, the rugged coastal region of Elim, only a few miles from the most southerly tip of Africa (which isn’t the romantically-named ‘Cape of Good Hope’, but the more clunky-sounding ‘Cape Agulhas’).

This is the eighth vintage of this cult Syrah. Sam’s debut vintage was picked out by Jancis Robinson as one of her highlights at the most recent ‘SA New Wave’ tasting in London, describing it as “a dead ringer for a Côte Rôtie”, and it sold out within hours. It’s certainly modelled on the Northern Rhone with its 100% whole-bunch fermentation, giving classic aromas of blueberry and pepper, but there’s a local accent too, with smoked biltong and rooibos tea infusing the rich blackcurrant and damson fruit. 13.5% alc. Drink now-2042.

Press review:

Vinous (Neal Martin): “The 2025 Stars in the Dark is 100% Syrah from a cooler site in Cape Agulhas that Sam Lambson works with, made with 100% whole clusters and matured in 72% concrete and 28% neutral French oak. This has wonderful delineation on the nose, the stems lending subtle black and white pepper plus clove aromas, with just a touch of liquorice in the background. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a structured opening and plenty of cracked pepper mixed with graphite, leading to a slightly austere and overtly salty finish that will flesh out with time. This is a more cerebral wine from Lambson that should be cellared for a few years. Drink 2030-2050.“ 92+ points