Shiraz is better known as the fabled French Syrah. Styles of Shiraz can vary from light, easy drinking wines such as the Phant wines to very intense and wooded wines. The flavours found in Shiraz can vary by area, but most have a deep red and black fruit core with a pepper and smoky edge. Foods that match well with these flavours are Duck Breast with Cranberry compote, Barbecued Pork Ribs, Pepper Steak or Oxtail. The Phant Shiraz 2010 comes from 5 to 15 year old vines and was selected from 20 different vineyards in the Wellington area. This Shiraz seems to be everything at once. It is juicy and drinkable (despite its youth), but also has berry flavors to complement the tannin structure. A smoky finish is the surprising end to this wine.

Local Sauvignon Blanc has become enormously in popular in South Africa and overseas. Traditionally grown in the Loire and Bordeaux regions, this prestigious variety is once again fashionable due to the excellent Sauvignon Blanc coming from “New World” countries such as New Zealand and South Africa. It makes up 8,3% of the local vineyards plantings and increasing fast. The Sauvignon Blanc for Phant wine comes from 8 selected farms in the cooler Groenberg (Green Mountain) area of Wellington. Sauvignon Blanc does not tolerate excessive heat and growing areas are carefully chosen to accommodate this requirement. The vines are 5 - 12 yr old. PHANT Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is like a perfect summer day: light and easy. It has a crisp acidity and a clean refreshing fruit finish. It pairs perfect with light, fresh foods such as smoked salmon and fennel salad, goat cheese, and fish buerre blanc

Merlot is ripens early and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to soften and add complexity. It makes up about 7% of the current plantings in the Cape. PHANT Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot 2008 is assertive, and grabs your attention upon the first sip. It is at first fruity and herbal, and finishes with a lovely and gripping cedar note. It pairs well with more exotic dishes such as Roast Rack of Lamb with Rosemary; Steak and Kidney Pie, Roast Partridge.

South Africa has more Chenin Blanc plantings than in the grape’s home of France's Loire Valley. This grape variety has great character and is used for white blends, brandy, sweet wines and some wooded wines. Greater care has been lavished on the old bush vineyards still in production resulting in some fabulous wines which has made critics and consumers take note. The wine for the Phant Chenin was selected from 25 farms in the Wellington Ward. The vines are 12 - 20year old bush vines yielding great quality and 2008 was a particularly good year for Chenin. PHANT Chenin Blanc 2011 is like sitting in your favorite chair at the end of the day – it is soft, easy, and relaxing. This wine is both floral and slightly citrus, making it perfect for sipping with friends. Serve with pear salad and walnut, or for meat gently spiced fish or chicken dishes pair well with this wine.

Often considered as the king of red wine varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted red wine grape in South Africa and covers 13% of the total vineyard area. Wherever it is planted the variety retains some of its inherent qualities and characteristics, creating some of the finest and longest-living wines in the world. The Phant grapes came from the Bottelary Hills area which benefits from cooling breezes off Table Bay, thus giving it ideal Cabernet Sauvignon conditions. PHANT Cabernet Sauvignon 2008... Youthful and vigorous as a someone in the prime of their life. This wine is not afraid to surprise you with appetizing acidity and ripe tannins. This wine stands up to more meaty dishes -- roast rosemary lamb; peppered venison or beef filet. Hard cheeses such as the gruyere or mature English Cheddar will be a delicious match.

Muscat d'Alexandrie, or “Hanepoot” as it is locally called, developed from “Spanish Grape” cuttings introduced by Jan van Riebeeck around 1652. Despite it’s age, it still forms an important part of South Africa's grape production. The Muscat for the Phant wine comes from 15 – 20 year old bush vines planted on 4 wine farms in the WELLINGTON coastal area. This grape loves the heat and this is how it develops the seductive floral bouquet and honeyed flavours so typical of the culivar. A large percentage of the crop is used for fortified dessert wine. Older vines often yield greater intensity and flavour concentration than younger vines and bush vines are becoming rare. PHANT Muscat 2011 is an unpretentious and uncomplicated wine. It is soft and silky, with notes of honeysuckle and spring fruit. Try with soft cheeses such as brie and camembert. For a nice, easy meal this wine pairs with simple foods such as baked chicken or even a light sandwich.