Saurwein new releases

Jessica Saurwein launched her own label in 2015, making Riesling and Pinot Noir. In 2021, the project found a permanent home when she and her family moved to Waterval farm near Stanford, the focus very much on regenerative agriculture and incorporating animals to help fix carbon into the soils, to create a more diverse soil biology.  An old barn has been converted into a cellar, and vineyard planting is underway, with trellising poles already in place.

Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Chi Riesling 2025
Price: R240
80% of grapes from two vineyards in Elgin, 20% from Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Floral perfume, pear, peach, apple and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight and a seductive sweetness, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury. Alcohol is 11% and residual sugar is 13.3g/l.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Nom Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R580
W.O. Elandskloof. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity. Alcohol: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Om Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R580
W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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