Malanot Cyclops Malbec 2023

The Producer

Malanot Wines is the handiwork of Marius Malan — one of South Africa’s select Cape Wine Masters, an Elsenburg graduate, and a winemaker who firmly believes the best thing you can do for a wine is get out of its way. Raised on Staart van Paardeberg, Marius grew up surrounded by the vines his father Niel farmed and the legacy his grandfather, the late Dan Malan, left as chairman of the Paardeberg Co-op — a man who played an instrumental role in shaping the Paardeberg as a wine region.

After earning his National Diploma in Winemaking from Elsenburg, Marius honed his craft at Uva Mira Vineyards before serving as Chief Winemaker and Viticulturist at Slaley. In 2009 he launched Malanot — a name that marries “Malan” with “genot” (Afrikaans for pleasure). Wild yeast, older barrels, spontaneous fermentation, and minimal intervention are the cornerstones of every wine he makes. The results speak for themselves — his Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 and Triton Syrah 2019 both earned 4.5 stars in Platter’s Wine Guide with 5-star nominations.

Vintage & Terroir

The 2023 vintage in Stellenbosch produced grapes of exceptional concentration and depth. Warm days followed by cool, Atlantic-influenced nights allowed the Malbec to develop rich, dark fruit character while retaining the natural acidity that gives this wine its backbone. Malbec remains a rare find in South Africa, and in the hands of a Cape Wine Master like Marius, it produces something genuinely special — bold yet refined, with a sense of place that sets it apart from its Argentine counterparts.

In the Cellar

Fermented with indigenous wild yeast — the natural cultures from the vineyard itself — this Malbec was given extended maceration to build colour, structure, and complexity. Maturation in carefully selected older oak barrels added subtle layers of spice and mocha without masking the varietal character. Minimal fining and filtration preserve the wine’s natural depth and texture. As Marius says: “I stand for minimal interference with the natural process.” Guiding, not forcing — that’s the Malanot way.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby with violet reflections.
Nose: Aromatic layers of ripe blackberries, plums, and mocha, with subtle floral notes, hints of sweet spice, cinnamon, and earthy undertones.
Palate: Full-bodied and concentrated, delivering dark fruit flavours, velvety tannins, and a touch of dark chocolate, all balanced by refreshing acidity. A mineral undertone adds to the wine’s complexity.
Finish: Long and lingering, with black fruit, spice, and a savoury mineral edge.

Food Pairing

Built for the table — think thick-cut lamb chops off the braai, slow-cooked beef short ribs, or a hearty bobotie with all the trimmings. It’s equally at home with aged cheddar, a rich mushroom risotto, or simply enjoyed alongside good company and a roaring fire. Decant for 30 minutes and serve at 16–18°C to unlock its full potential.

Technical Details

Our Guarantee

Every bottle of Malanot Malbec is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If this wine doesn’t knock your socks off, we’ll make it right — no drama, no fine print, just honest wine and honest service.