Carinus Family Vineyards Rooidraai Chenin Blanc 2016

By , 5 April 2017

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Danie and Hugo Carinus have taken some liberty in calling their wine label Carinus Family Vineyards in that they are only very distantly related. They are, however, good friends and grape growers who supply some of the leading producers in the country from vineyards situated in Devon Valley, Polkadraai and the Swartland.

Their label has been around for a few years but in 2016 inveigled rising star Lukas van Loggerenberg to oversee production with good result.

Carinus Family Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2016
Price: R120
From a 1981 Swartland vineyard and involving three pickings at different levels of ripeness. Matured for 10 months in third- and fourth-fill barrels.  Peach, apple, some earth and a little oxidative complexity. Great fruit purity, zippy acidity and a lovely savoury finish.  A delight to drink.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Rooidraai 2016

Little beaut.

Rooidraai 2016
Price: R250
From the same vineyard as the above but involving more acute viticulture and a barrel selection in the cellar, the final wine altogether more intricate and detailed. On the nose, there’s again peach and apple but now also more elusive notes of potpourri and dried herbs. The palate meanwhile is simultaneously more intense and tighter – extraordinary fruit purity and fantastically long on the finish. Only 700 bottles made.

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

Carinus Family Vineyard Syrah 2016
Price: R120
From 65% Polkadraai and 35% Devon Valley grapes. 100% whole-bunch fermented and matured for 10 months in third- and fourth-fill barrels. Red fruit, olive brine and fynbos on the nose while the palate is light bodied with lemon-like acidity and very fine, soft tannins. A real energy about it.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

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