Bellingham Homestead Pinotage 2014

Bellingham have launched a batch of wines under the Homestead label designed to slot in under its premium Bernard Series. The Homestead in question is the former residence of Bellingham founder Bernard Podlashuk situated on Anthonij Rupert Wyne property in Franschhoek but held in trust and therefore not available for sale.

According to winemaker Niel Groenewald, the wines are intended to appeal to millennials who want the endorsement of something real behind their brands. “Homestead is about tradition, family, the things that matter”, he says. Tasting notes and ratings for the four wines shown yesterday as follows:

Bellingham Homestead Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Approximate retail price: R65
From Durbanville. Pungent nose of cut grass, citrus and white peach. Rich and thick textured but also possessing fresh acidity and piquant finish. This will have many fans but is a bit too showy for me.

#WinemagRating: 86/100.

Bellingham Homestead Chardonnay 2015
Approximate retail price: R65
From Stellenbosch. 60% matured in barrel, 40% in tank. On the nose, a top note of citrus blossom before notes of lime and lemon. Pure and clean on the palate – good fruit concentration, fresh acidity and well-judged oak.

#WinemagRating: 87/100.

East, west, home’s best.

Bellingham Homestead Pinotage 2014
Approximate retail price: R75
From Stellenbosch. Matured for 12 months in old oak. Aromas of red and black cherry, scrub and a little smokiness. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely savoury.

#WinemagRating: 88/100.

Bellingham Homestead Shiraz 2014
Approximate retail price: R75
From Paarl. Matured for 12 months in old oak. Some red fruit and spice but generally quite neutral on the nose. The palate is clean and correct but a bit short of intensity.

#WinemagRating: 84/100.

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