Brookdale new releases

Since its 2017 debut, Brookdale in Paarl has turned heads with a series of distinctive, uncompromising wines, often crafted from unconventional varieties. While the winemaking team changed in October last year – Xander Sadie and Shanice du Preez coming on board, the esteemed Duncan Savage continuing to consult – every indication is that the spirit of adventure that has defined this property from the outset will continue unabated.

Among the new releases is the maiden Twenty Field Blend –made from 20 red varieties interplanted as bush vines. It joins the Sixteen Field Blend of 16 white varieties, first seen in 2022. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Sixteen Field Blend 2024
Price: R440
From 16 varieties interplanted as bushvines. 40% fermented and matured for 12 months in concrete egg, 60% in clay amphora. Subtle yet alluring aromatics of pear, peach, floral perfume, dried herbs and some leesy complexity. The palate, while not overtly vivacious, impresses with its sheer presence – broad, dense and creamy in texture, the finish long and deeply savoury. A wine of gravitas rather than verve, but no less compelling for it. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Brookdale Bradbourne White Blend 2024
Price: R440
45% Grenache Blanc, 23% Roussanne, 16% Piquepoul Blanc, 16% Marsanne. Fermented and matured for 12 months in old 225- and 500-litre barrels. Overtly perfumed with notes of flowers, fynbos, lime and lemon. Lighter bodied than its counterpart above but hardly slight – good fruit definition and fresh acidity, the finish pithy. Has a pleasing intricacy about it. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R400
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1985. Matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels, 10% before a further eleven months in 2,000-litre foudres. Waxy, earthy notes precede citrus, peach, pineapple and vanilla on the nose. The palate is forceful with concentrated fruit, well integrated acidity and a savour finish. Thick textured yet not short of drive, it’s a wine of substance that rewards attention, even if it doesn’t make for the easiest drinking. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Twenty Field Blend 2024
Price: R440
From 20 varieties interplanted as bushvines. Matured for 12 months in a concrete egg and 500-litre barrels, 15% new. An expressive nose of red, black and blue berries, plums, spice, floral perfume and a touch of herbs. The palate is rich, full of ripe, luscious fruit, smooth in texture, with soft acidity and a hint of warmth on the finish. Bold and arresting in a way reminiscent of Portuguese wines, this asks a fair bit of the drinker. Alc; 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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