David Finlayson The Pepper Pot 2022

The Pepper Pot is David Finlayson's Rhône blend, and the name is fair warning of what is in the glass. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Cinsault and Tannat come together in a youthful purple red, with crushed black pepper on the nose alongside dark mulberry and a lift of mixed berry coulis. The palate is clean and pure, dark red berry fruit running onto a smooth finish with enough structure to keep it interesting. At 13.5% it stays fresh and drinkable rather than heavy.

David Finlayson is the cellarmaster at Edgebaston in Stellenbosch and one of the Cape's most quietly respected winemakers, a second generation name working with old Rhône varieties in a region better known for Cabernet. This is the everyday bottle in his range and it earns its place, at home with a pizza, a beef carpaccio and rocket salad, or a plate of grilled lamb chops. Serve it lightly chilled on a warm evening and it lifts further.