Intellego new releases

By , 24 January 2018

The wines of Swartland-based Jurgen Gouws under his Intellego label become more self-assured with each passing vintage. He seems to have a great instinct regarding when to pick, his wines typically neither too lean nor too rich, and while his winemaking approach is non-interventionist, he usually manages to avoid being entirely esoteric.

Intellego Chenin Blanc 2016
Approximate retail price: R155
From two vineyards, both approximately 40 years old. Peach, earth and spice on the nose while the palate shows concentrated fruit and lovely integrated acidity before a gently savoury finish. Quintessentially of the district.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Intellego Story of Harry 2017
Approximate retail price: R255

From a 1965 Chenin Blanc vineyard, field grafted and thought to include some Crouchen Blanc. Potpourri, citrus and peach on the nose. Really vivid – beautiful fruit expression, fresh acidity and a salty finish. An elegant and understated wine with a really lip-smacking quality to it.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Intellego Elementis 2017

Rad.

Intellego Elementis 2017
Approximate retail price: R230
From Chenin Blanc and featuring extended skin contact. Extraordinarily pretty aromatics – elusive notes of various fruits but also flowers, dried herbs, pink sweets, ginger and other spice. The palate has a weightless intensity about it and possesses layers of flavour. The finish is long with a pleasant grippiness. A real delight to drink.

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

Intellego Pink Moustache 2017
Approximate retail price: R120
72% Syrah and 28% Cinsaut. A “light red”, involving three days of skin contact before maturation in barrel lasting five months. Pale red and slightly cloudy in appearance, the nose displays notes of boiled sweets and rose petal. The palate is a little simple and is marked by tart acidity. A bit angular, all in all.

Editor’s rating: 86/100.

Intellego Syrah 2015
Approximate retail price: R150
From a vineyard planted on granite. A subtle note of reduction before red and black berries plus hints of pepper and scrub. The palate is medium bodied, nicely balanced and still youthful. Deftly made with good fruit concentration, fresh acidity and fine tannins.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Intellego Kolbroek 2016
Approximate retail price: R200
From a Syrah vineyard planted on shale. A complex nose showing red and black berries plus lilies, pepper and cured meat. Great fruit purity, fresh acidity and lovely ripe tannins – again wonderfully harmonious and still very youthful.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

Intellego Kedungu 2016 reviewed here.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.

Comments

0 comment(s)

Please read our Comments Policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Like our content?

Show your support.


Subscribe