Breedekloof Makers new releases 2019

By , 4 October 2019

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It’s been four years since a group of winemakers from Breedekloof decided to band together to showcase the district’s Chenin Blanc under the Breedekloof Makers banner and overall quality continues on a steep upward trajectory. Stand-out wines at this year’s new-release tasting were as follows:

Spearhead.

Opstal Carl Everson 2018
Price: R200
From 36-year-old vines. Spontaneous fermentation in barrel only finished after two months before the wine was matured for a further eight months. A 5% portion was fermented on the skins for 12 days. A hint of reduction before pear, peach and citrus on the nose. The palate is concentrated but still energetic with lovely weight and texture, the acidity nicely coated, the finish long and savoury. This wine is the trailblazer when it comes to Breedekloof Chenin and this is the best vintage yet!

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

Deetlefs Reserve 2018
Price: R185

A blend of 95% Chenin Blanc, 2% Semillon, 2% Viognier and 1% Muscat d’Alexandrie. Mature for nine months in French and Hungarian oak, 14% new. The nose shows white and yellow fruit plus herbs and spice. The palate shows good fruit density and fresh acidity – this has weight but also detail. Well balanced and long on the finish.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Jason’s Hill Beatrix 2019
Price: R180

Spontaneously fermented and matured in a combination of amphorae and barrels for five months. An attractive nose with top notes of dried grass and flowers before pear and peach. The palate is light-bodied, fresh and pithy. Elegant and intricate.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Slanghoek Legends Barrel Fermented 2017
Price: R196

Fermented and matured for 20 months in French oak, 50% new. A top note of hay before citrus and peach with some waxy complexity in the background. The palate shows concentrated fruit to go with bright acidity, the finish long and savoury. Made to impress and this it does, most effectively.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.

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    Kwispedoor | 4 October 2019

    And the Carl Everson ages nicely too. Had a 2013 about two years ago, which was very enjoyable but seemingly getting a bit tired. Then about a week ago we had another 2013 and it was absolutely singing.

      Christian Eedes | 4 October 2019

      Hi Kwispedoor, I’ve always found Carl Everson “oxidative” and prone to a little bottle variation. In this regard, I once recall being attending a milestone birthday party where every bottle in a six-bottle case of Le Soula was slightly different in terms of its state of development and general integrity. Doesn’t stop Le Soula from being a cult wine, though…

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