Miles Mossop Chapters new releases

“Chapters” is the single-site collection of wines from independent winemaker Miles Mossop, the wines previously also carrying a numeric designation but this now dispensed with. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R315
Grapes from Bottelary bushvines planted in 1986. Fermented and matured in old 400-litre barrels. Aromatics are initially elusive, notes of lime, peach and fynbos just about discernible but soft citrus and blackcurrant also emerge with time in glass. The palate, meanwhile, is restrained and unshowy – good fruit density and well integrated acidity before a savoury finish. A wine with a remarkable clarity and tightness about it. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R315
Grapes from a Bottelary vineyard planted in 1982. Winemaking as above. The nose is again very subtle with notes of pear, peach, citrus and hay. The palate is lean and taut – pure fruit and fresh acidity before a super-dry finish. Impressive focus.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Cinsault 2023
Price: R315
Grapes from a Swartland vineyard in 1998. 50% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in concrete eggs. Pretty aromatics of strawberry and rose plus hints of fynbos and earth. The palate is light-bodied and energetic with snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Alcohol is 12% and this is moreish as only Cinsault can be.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Price: R350
Grapes from a Polkadraai site planted in 2001. Matured for 21 months in barrel, 15% new. Red berries, potpourri and dried herbs on the nose while the palate is medium-bodied, elegant and poised. Lots of refreshment value, the finish nicely dry without being astringent.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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