British-born doctor Launcelot Nash bought a farm in rural Paarl in 1994 and was soon joined by his backpacking American daughter Mary-Lou Nash. Tongues started wagging about 'those crazy Americans' when Mary-Lou personally delivered their grapes by tractor to the male-dominated local co-operative.

Yes, international recognition certainly helps, yet these garagistes say powerful critics and competition medals aren't what it's about. 'None of us wants to be average if we're making limited quantities of wine, so quality is important,' says Mary-Lou Nash.

Black Pearl Shiraz 2001: Ruby-black, mocha and prunes. Clumsy structure but oozes personality with black cherries and spice.