Daschbosch Gevondan Old Vine Hanepoot 2022 | Half

Rich, indulgent and wonderfully aromatic, this remarkable South African dessert wine offers a captivating combination of honeyed sweetness, exotic fruit and warming spice. Fragrant orange blossom, dried apricot and candied citrus peel mingle with golden raisins, fruitcake and a delicate suggestion of ginger. The palate is luscious and concentrated, with layers of sultana, sweet mandarin, marmalade and honey unfolding into a beautifully rounded texture. Gentle nutty complexity and a warming richness add further depth, while a welcome lift of citrus keeps the sweetness balanced. The finish is long and lingering, with echoes of dried fruit, orange peel and spice.

Gevonden is produced by DaschBosch in South Africa's Breedekloof region from extraordinary old bush vines of Hanepoot, the local name for Muscat of Alexandria. These vines, now over 120 years old, produce exceptionally small yields of intensely concentrated fruit. Following a short fermentation, the wine is fortified with grape spirit to retain its natural sweetness before spending three years maturing in barrel. The result is a wonderfully characterful dessert wine that celebrates South Africa's remarkable viticultural heritage. Presented in a 37.5cl bottle, it makes a superb accompaniment to apricot tart, fruit-based desserts, mature cheeses or simply a small glass after dinner.