Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards new releases

Julien and Sophie Schaal, a French winemaking duo based in Alsace, bring an international sensibility to South African wine. Julien began producing locally in 2005, later meeting Sophie in 2013 during her internship at Paul Clüver in Elgin. Their Mountain Vineyards range has built a reputation for delivering exceptional quality at accessible prices—the 2024 releases continue that trend. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Chardonnay 2024
Price: R215
Grapes from Elgin, winemaking involving maturation in a combination of oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks, malolactic fermentation prevented to preserve freshness. The nose shows blossom, pear, peach and lemon plus hints of oatmeal and struck-match reduction. The palate shows good fruit concentration, the texture creamy but not excessively so, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.07%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R215
Grapes from Walker Bay. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 20% new. Musk, violets, dark cherry, orange and a hint of spice on the nose. The palate is luscious – rich and smooth textured with sweet fruit and moderate acidity (alc: 13.53%). A crowd-pleaser.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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