Ex Animo De Keur Grenache 2024

The De Keur Grenache vineyard is situated 45km nother of Ceres on the Du Toit family fruit farm – Jeannette Clarke of wine distribution company Ex Animo was born a Du Toit. At 1,050m above sea level, the large diurnal temperature swing promotes high acidity and low pH. Prominent viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht consults, with Lukas van Loggerenberg as winemaker.

The newly released 2024, selling for R310, is the third vintage. Winemaking involves 25% whole-bunch fermentation, followed by maturation in old 300- and 500-litre barrels.

The nose is shy, showing traces of red and black cherry, rose, fynbos, menthol and earth. The palate is more concentrated and inherently powerful than the 2023, but far from heavy or lifeless. On the contrary, there’s excellent freshness, while firm tannins suggest this will benefit from further cellaring. Alc: 13.75%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Serious

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