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The days are getting shorter and colder as we enter the winter months.

This ushers in a couple of my favourite things – blankets, evenings by the fireplace, and the perfect weather for a glass of red wine.

The last one has taken a bit of a back seat since the lockdown kicked in. I’ve had to settle for tea, which is okay, but it isn’t wine.

This week, we heard the good news that restrictions could be downgraded to alert level 3, which, according to current regulations, means that we’ll be able to buy alcohol again.

There will be much rejoicing if and when this goes into effect.

In the meantime, there’s no harm in getting a head start on things.

During the national lockdown, the cellar doors at the Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate are closed, but their cellars are fully operational and busy processing an exciting 2020 harvest.

To warm the winter evenings, Rupert Wines has put together a special seasonal mixed case of “Reds for Every Occasion” – featuring the Anthonij Rupert Optima, Riebeeksrivier Syrah, Basson Pinotage, Terra Del Capo Sangiovese, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Let’s look at the tasting notes for a few of those beauties:

Anthonij Rupert Optima

A complex melange of inviting deep blueberry, cassis and spicy cocoa aromas. The palate is fresh and lively with an abundance of the same blueberry, cassis and cocoa flavours. Structured and graceful with velvety, soft-textured mouth feel and lovely integration of oak and fruit.

Riebeeksrivier Syrah

This wine displays aromatics of Fynbos with herbaceous whiffs, extending to plum and dark fruit characteristics on the nose. Hints of lavender present interesting floral notes. This wine is a bold, structured and powerful wine yet simultaneously refined.

Terra Del Capo Sangiovese

Ripe plum, black cherries, cassis and spice on the nose. The entry is a textural one: dry but well fruited. Cherries and plums make their luscious, rich presence known right from the outset. The wine is lithe with a restraint evident in the lovely balance of fruit, acidity and tannin.

The ‘Reds for Every Occasion’ special includes six bottles (one each of the Anthonij Rupert Optima, Riebeeksrivier Syrah, Basson Pinotage, Terra Del Capo Sangiovese, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon), and retails for R736.

Note that your order will only be delivered once it is legal to sell wine again, but as we edge towards alert level 3, that could be just around the corner.

Head here to order the red wine special now, before those stocks run out.

If they sell out, don’t stress. Rupert Wines boasts an incredible range of wines, which you can shop in full online

Once your ‘Reds for Every Occasion’ case arrives, just add a crackling fireplace and a hearty home-cooked meal and you’re on your way to the perfect evening.