One of the highlights of the winter wine calendar is undoubtedly the Simonsig Vintage Day at Simonsig Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Originally started some ten years ago by brothers Johan and Francois Malan, when the auditors requested that they "lighten up on the library stock," this annual showcase of Simonsig's older vintages has certainly built up a loyal following over the years. The weekend of 28-29 July saw the 2023 version, and there was certainly no better way to spend a winter's afternoon than tasting some vintage wines in the Simonsig tasting room with fellow wine aficionados and the ever-friendly Simonsig owners, their families, and staff. As always, the flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, Tiara, impressed. This year, the 1999 still offers structure and fruit, the 2008 in magnum format was extremely enjoyable, and the 2013 surprised given the wet conditions of that year.