Solms Delta Terroir Collection

Although Franschhoek property Solms Delta sets the pace when it comes to worker empowerment, its wines have tended to be a little unconvincing but that seems to be changing with Hagen Viljoen incumbent as winemaker since November 2012. The Hiervandaan 2014,a blend  of 86% Grenache, 10% Cinsault and 4% Shiraz, rated 92 on the 100-point quality scale in last year’s Signature Red Blend Report and now comes the top-end Terroir Collection, tasting notes and ratings as follows.

Of the Cape.

Solms-Delta Terroir Collection Verdelho & Roussanne 2015
Wine Cellar price: R295
50% Roussanne, 50% Verdelho sourced from the Voor Paardeberg and matured in foudre for 14 months. Intriguing aromatics of orange, stone fruit, earth, dried herbs and spice plus some yeasty complexity and a little nuttiness. The palate has particular presence being quite thick textured but equally possessing nervy acidity. It’s a carefully conceived wine, not exactly easy to drink as it’s quite forceful but very characterful.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Solms-Delta Terroir Collection Syrah 2015
Wine Cellar price: R295
From 24 year old dryland vines in the Swartland. Spontaneous fermentation, 20% whole bunch before maturation lasting 12 months in older 500-litre barrels. A dramatic rendition of the variety – the nose abounds with fynbos and roses, red fruit and pepper while the palate displays particular focus – pure fruit, fresh acidity and pleasantly firm tannins, the finish long and savoury.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

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