Incipio 2014

The start of something new.

Incipio 2014 is a wine by Martin Lamprecht of Doran Vineyards in the Voor-Paardeberg which sees 15% whole-bunch Chenin Blanc co-fermented with de-stemmed Shiraz, matured for 12 months in old 500-litre barrels. Price: R160 a bottle.

Lamprecht was inspired by the Northern Rhône technique which sees Shiraz co-fermented with Viognier. He leaves the Chenin unpressed after fermentation and reckons it contributes no more than 5% of actual juice. “I’m wanting it to contribute more of a structural element,” he says.

It’s a curious but compelling wine. Red berries, peach, a subtle floral note, spice and earthiness on the nose. Quite broad with moderate acidity and relatively soft tannins. Fruity but not in an ingratiating way. I’ve tasted it a few times now and I’m never quite sure what to think but that’s to its credit.

Winemag rating: 88/100.