Old World vs New World Red Wine Challenge

Hailing from El Cepillo in the Uco Valley, Crux Malbec is a true reflection of Mendoza’s high-altitude terroir. At nearly 1,200 metres above sea level, these vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop intense concentration and elegance while preserving their natural freshness. With half the wine aged in French oak barrels for six months, the result is a Malbec that’s both powerful and refined—a perfect match for Argentinian steak or a cheese board.

A bold, expressive, and deeply satisfying. A glass of Crux greets you with intense aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and dark cherry, laced with hints of liquorice, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper. The palate is rich and smooth, with a silky yet structured feel that delivers a perfect balance of ripe fruit, bright acidity, and velvety tannins. A touch of smoky oak and dark cocoa lingers on the finish, making this an irresistibly moreish red that begs for another sip.

Yes! We really fell in love with this red wine. Kloof Street Rouge 2022 is a vibrant and generous red from South Africa’s Swartland. Bursting with juicy blackberries, ripe cherries and a touch of violet, the palate is silky with plenty of fruit, supple tannins and a lift of black pepper and warm spice on the finish. Each grape in the blend adds its own layer: Syrah for structure, Grenache for fruit, Cinsault for perfume and Tinta Barocca for grip, making this an expressive and harmonious red that shines at a barbecue or alongside tomato-based dishes.

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is one of the most celebrated names in South Africa, established in 2007 by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. The couple’s winemaking journey has taken them from France and California back to Swartland, where schist and granite soils, old vines and sustainable farming give incredible character to their wines. Mullineux has been named Platter’s Winery of the Year three times, with Andrea also recognised internationally as Winemaker of the Year. Together with Analjit Singh of Leeu Estates, they continue to craft wines that reflect the unique energy and terroir of Swartland, setting a benchmark for South African fine wine.

This silky, vibrant Pinot Noir is brimming with fresh red cherry and raspberry fruit, laced with delicate violet and subtle spice notes. Bright and expressive, it has velvety tannins that wrap around the palate, while a lively acidity keeps everything beautifully balanced. The finish is juicy, refined, and lingering, making this a classic, approachable expression of Burgundy Pinot Noir.

Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi, formerly Château de Santenay, is a historic estate with deep roots in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise. Named after Philip the Bold, the first Duke of Burgundy, the domaine owns 106 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards, with vines in Santenay, Mercurey, Saint-Aubin, and even Grand Cru Clos de Vougeot. Aged for 10 months (20% in French oak, 80% in stainless steel), this Pinot Noir is an elegant, food-friendly wine that punches well above its weight. This refined and versatile Pinot Noir is a great match for roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, or soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Its fresh acidity and fine tannins also make it ideal for pairing with grilled salmon, charcuterie, or a simple roast pork dish.

This beautifully expressive Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is silky, fragrant, and full of life. Aromas of perfumed red cherries, ripe blueberries, and a hint of Campari-like spice lead into a layered, complex palate. Expect a lovely earthiness, with notes of white mushrooms, truffle, and savoury spice, balanced by mocha, cocoa, and a forest floor depth. The fine tannins and bright acidity give it structure and elegance, while the 40% whole-bunch fermentation adds a touch of lift and freshness. This is seriously classy Pinot, with depth, finesse, and an irresistible drinkability. The only issue? There’s never enough of it!

Founded in 1997, Giant Steps has become one of Australia’s most exciting Pinot Noir producers, crafting wines that express the unique terroirs of the Yarra Valley. The winery takes a minimal intervention approach, using hand-picked fruit, indigenous yeasts, and gravity-flow winemaking to ensure the purest expression of site, vintage, and variety. This Pinot Noir is a blend of estate vineyards—Sexton, Applejack, and Tarraford—each contributing its own distinct personality. Aged for eight months in French oak (only 10% new), it offers balance, vibrancy, and serious sophistication. If you love elegant, old-world style Pinot with a modern Australian twist, this is one for you.