Olifantsberg new releases

Situated on slopes overlooking the Breedekloof Valley, just 15 minutes west of Worcester, Olifantsberg was acquired in 2003 by Dutch couple Paul and Corine Leeuwerik. After a period of experimentation, Jacques du Plessis (now of Oak Valley) was brought in 2009 to oversee expanded plantings and guide winemaking.

The property’s shale and schist soils, underlain with clay, offer excellent drainage while retaining summer moisture. Du Plessis, advised by such prominent industry personalities as Rosa Kruger and Eben Sadie, planted dry-climate varieties suited to the site (Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah) much of it in high-density eschalas.

Elizma Visser, formerly of Waverley Hills, took over as viticulturist and winemaker in June 2015, joined by her husband Ferdi (ex-Deetlefs) in June 2020. Last November, Kevin Hodgson, former CEO of Holdsport, a holding company that owns and operates several retail and wholesale businesses in the sport, outdoor, and recreation sectors, acquired the property, ushering in a new chapter.

Tasting notes and ratings for the latest releases follow:

Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R175
From a Rawsonville high-density untrellised vineyard planted in 1982. Matured in foudre and old 500-litre barrels. Aromatics of lime, jasmine and herbs while the palate is pure and racy with a super-dry finish. Pleasing weight without being too luscious. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Lark Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R295
From a vineyard planted in 2006. Matured in a combination of foudre and barrel, approximately 10% new. Pear, peach, citrus and floral perfume on the nose. Clean fruit and fresh acidity before a pithy finish. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Roussanne 2024
Price: R325
Matured for nine months in older 500-litre barrels. Complex and engaging aromatics of herbal top note before peach, citrus, floral perfume and hint of spice and a slight waxy note on the nose. Good weight and texture, layers of flavour, bright acidity, the finish savoury. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Grenache Blanc 2023
Price: R295
Matured in foudre, older barrels, and concrete egg. Lime, green apple, white peach, herbs and flinty reduction on the nose while the palate is taut and focused – pure fruit and lively acidity before a pithy finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Soul of the Mountain The Matriarch 2023
Price: R425
69% Roussanne, 24$ Grenache Blanc and 7% Chenin Blanc. Matured for 10 months in a combination of barrels, foudre and concrete. Lime, lemon, hints of herbs and potpourri plus bee’s wax on the nose. The palate is opulent yet composed – powerful, textured, well integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Carignan 2022
Price: R295
Matured for 14 months in foudre and older oak. Aromatics of cranberry, pronounced herbal notes, flowers and a hint of meatiness. The palate delivers concentrated fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins — initially sweet-and-sour before finishing savoury. It carries an assurance that elevates it beyond novelty, the alcohol a moderate 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Grenache Noir 2022
Price: R295
40% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in foudre and old oak. Red and black berries, a hint of rose, fennel, white pepper and earth on the nose. The palate is well structured yet not overbearing – a solid mid-palate, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Properly ripe while avoiding being sweet or dull. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Syrah 2021
30% whole-bunch fermentation, matured in foudre and older oak. The nose shows red and black berries alongside charcuterie and meat-stock notes. Medium bodied, with fresh acidity and tannins already edging towards resolution. Flavourful and pleasantly evolved, the overall impression is one of mellow composure rather than youthful vigour. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Pinotage 2021
Price: R250

Matured for 10 months in older oak. The nose shows red and black cherry with a hint of floral perfume, while the palate is light and fresh, finishing gently savoury. Drinking very well now, this is a promising example of the variety in a new-wave style. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Soul of the Mountain The Bull 2021
Price: R425
35% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir, 21% Mourvèdre, 14% Carignan. Red and black berries, plus herbal, meaty, spicy notes. Good fruit purity, bright acidity and powdery tannins. More structure and vitality than the straight Syrah from the same vintage.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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