How much and where? R195;www.getwine.co.za

Why? As any leprechaun will tell you, there is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. In the Banghoek valley between Stellenbosch and Pniel, that pot is more bottle-shaped and contains cabernet franc.

If Wines of South Africa, the exporters’ association, sent US opinion leaders such as Michael Bloomberg a bottle, wine sales in Manhattan would rocket.

Cabernet franc has form. It was responsible for the Cheval Blanc 1947, in some opinions the finest red wine ever made. This Banghoek beauty may not yet be in that league, but the fine floral notes with hints of violets are a family resemblance.

Franc and sauvignon blanc are the parents of cabernet sauvignon, the calling card of Stellenbosch and the king of red grapes. That the Cape does not make more of these elegant reds is something for the little people to sort out, for this is certainly a magic wine.

Rating: *****

*****: Shamus

****: Shamrock

***: Paddy

**: Murphy

*: Shillelagh