Cape Collective new releases

The “curated marketplace” that is Cape Collective is an initiative begun by wine marketer Dane Raath and designer Janneman Solms to sell wine, beer and other merch. Most recently, their beer series consisting of a lager, pale ale and session IPA (brewed by Saggy Stone) won the People’s Choice and Grand Prix at last year’s Label Design Awards sponsored by Rotolabel.

Meanwhile, the Wrapper Series of wines is an upscaled riff on booze in a paper bag. Winemakers are supposed to be anonymous but follow them on Instagram and you quickly find out who’s involved. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Seeboei Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Price: R119.99
Grapes from Elgin and Walker Bay. Grapefruit and granadilla on the nose while the palate is fruity and fresh and fresh. Easy going style. AlcL 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Epic White 2023
Price: R195
W.O. Swartland. 63% Chenin Blanc and 37% Grenache Blanc. Matured for 10 months in older oak. The nose shows pear and peach plus hints of hay and earth. The palate is relatively lean with snappy acidity and a savoury finish. Well balanced and most appealing if not super-complex. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Rad Red 2023
Price: R195
W.O. Stellenbosch. 56% Pinotage, 25% Pinot noir and 19% Cinsaut. 35% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for eight months in old oak. The nose shows cherries, plums, potpourri, fynbos and spice plus a little smoky reduction. The palate is medium bodied with good freshness and crunchy tannins. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Stempel Series Cabernet Franc 2022
Price: R200
Features a hand-stamped label. Grapes from Bottelary and Polkadraai Hills. Matured for 16 months in 225-litre barrels. Red berries and some leafiness on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with clean fruit, fresh acidity and tannins that are just grippy enough. A fun version of the variety. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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