Thorne & Daughters new releases

John Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters.

John and Tasha Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters have just released their wines from the hot and dry 2016 vintage and again what is remarkable is just how super-concentrated the whites are. Tasting notes and scores as follows:

Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse 2016
Approximate retail price: R260
A blend of 27% Semillon, 25% Chardonnay, 20% Roussanne, 17% Clairette Blanche, 9% Chenin Blanc and 2% Macabeu. On the nose, citrus and peach, some leesy complexity and an intriguing reductive note. The palate is rich and thick textured, almost greasy but not entirely short of freshness. Very flavourful and terrifically long on the finish.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite 2016
Approximate retail price: R295
Whereas the extraoridinary 2015 was from Semillon grown on Franschhoek property Landau du Val, this is a combination of fruit from a 1964 vineyard in the Swartland and the Franschhoek vineyard La Colline planted in the 1930s. The nose is quite shy with hints of stone fruit, hay and honey in evidence. The palate meanwhile possesses real presence, the way it sits in the mouth being what’s most distinctive about it – lovely texture and breadth.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2016
Approximate retail price: R295
Predominantly Semillon Gris and some Semillon from the Swartland. Fermented on the skins for around 10 days. Potpourri, peach, orange and spice on the nose. Again rich and broad on the palate with moderate acidity and a savoury finish. A particular wine – will no doubt only increase its cult following.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Thorne & Daughter’s Wanderer’s Heart 2016
Approximate retail price: R260
A blend of 69% Voor Paardeberg Grenache, 21% Bottelary Cinsault and 10% Bot River Mourvèdre. Very fragrant on the nose with notes of red cherry, flowers and herbs. Not too light bodied (alcohol is 13.5%) with lovely freshness and fine tannins – very nicely judged.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

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