2023 Savage Follow The Line Cinsault

Duncan Savage has a soft spot for Cinsault, and Follow The Line shows exactly why. Sourced from 42-year-old bush vines in Darling, growing in decomposed granite and constantly battered by Atlantic winds, this vineyard has been part of the Savage Wines lineup since 2011—and for good reason. It delivers pure, vibrant fruit year after year.

Winemaking is simple and hands-off: 50% whole bunches, natural fermentation, two weeks on skins, then basket-pressed and aged for a year in old foudre, amphora, and seasoned 500L barrels. The result? A fresh, silky red bursting with red berries, floral notes, and a touch of spice. Light on its feet but with enough grip to keep things interesting, it’s the kind of wine that disappears quickly.

Crack it open now, maybe give it a light chill, and enjoy it with whatever’s on the table. Or stash a few bottles away—it’s got the bones to age beautifully.

96 points
"Follow The Line is a deceptively forward Cinsault that’s good to drink on release, but ages remarkably well too. Alluringly ethereal and perfumed, it has what Duncan Savage terms 'the purity of 2023,' layers of goji berry, plum and pomegranate and more tannic presence than you appreciate at first. Very refined."
- Tim Atkin MW (2024 South African Wine Report)