The Producer
Zevenwacht Wine Estate sits proudly on the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, its name — meaning “Seven Expectations” in Dutch — befitting a property with over 300 years of Cape winemaking heritage. The Johnson family purchased the farm in 1992 and have since committed to realising its extraordinary potential. Two prime farming locations supply the cellar: the home vineyards on the 450-hectare maritime property, and Zevenrivieren at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass overlooking the Banhoek Valley. Winemaker Hagen Viljoen, a Stellenbosch University graduate, crafts wines of finely balanced elegance that honour centuries-old tradition while embracing modern technique. Zevenwacht is a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, conserving 80 hectares of Renosterveld fynbos. The Tin Mine Red has rapidly become one of SA’s most acclaimed red blends — the 2021 vintage scored 95 points and first place in the Prescient SA Signature Red Blend Report 2024, with a Platter’s 4.5-star rating, Tim Atkin 90 points, and a Trophy Wine Show Silver medal.
Vintage & Terroir
The name “Tin Mine” pays homage to a forgotten chapter of Stellenbosch history — in the early 1900s, tin was discovered on the Helderberg slopes where Zevenwacht now stands. The mine was short-lived, but its legacy endures in the mineral-rich soils that give these wines their distinctive structure and depth. The 2021 vintage grapes come from decomposed granite soils on south to south-west facing slopes at 200–350 metres altitude in the Polkadraai Hills ward. The maritime influence — with cooling breezes from both Table Bay and False Bay — moderates temperatures and extends the growing season, allowing for slow, even ripening and complex flavour development.
In the Cellar
The three grape varieties — Shiraz, Mourvèdre, and Grenache — were fermented separately in open stainless-steel tanks at 26–28°C. Twenty percent of the Shiraz was fermented with 30% whole bunches, adding layers of spice and perfume to the final blend. The cap was regularly immersed to extract intense colour and supple tannins. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to 500-litre French oak barrels (20% new) for 12 months of maturation. The components were then carefully blended and bottled as a finished cuvée.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright violet-red with impressive depth.
Nose: A complex, enticing bouquet of blackberry, cranberry, and dark cherry, interlaced with savoury herbs and peppery spice from the whole-bunch Shiraz component.
Palate: Remarkable density and concentration, with ample dark fruit flavours supported by extraordinarily smooth, persistent tannins. The refined oak integration adds structure without dominating, while well-integrated acidity provides freshness and balance.
Finish: Long, lingering, and multi-layered — a wine that rewards every sip and has serious cellaring potential.
Food Pairing
With its rich, supple tannins and refreshing acidity, this multi-layered blend pairs beautifully with pan-seared pork tenderloin and roasted root vegetables, slow-braised lamb shanks, venison loin, or a hearty oxtail potjie. Equally at home alongside a mature Cheddar or Gruyère cheese board. Serve at 16–18°C and consider decanting for 30 minutes to allow the full complexity to unfold.
Technical Details
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Region | Stellenbosch (Polkadraai Hills) |
| Grape(s) | 60% Shiraz, 35% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache |
| Alcohol | 13.7% |
| Closure | Cork |
| Oak | 12 months, 500L French oak (20% new) |
| Platter’s Rating | ★★★★½ |
| Cellaring | Enjoy now or cellar for 8–10 years |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 bottles |
Our Guarantee
Every case of Zevenwacht Tin Mine Red 2021 is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.
