Kottabos new releases

Kottabos functions as something of a second label within the portfolio of Stellenbosch cellar Boschkloof. Wines are made from vineyards not of the farm but in the general area of Polkadraai and allow winemaker Reenen Borman a little more freedom when it comes to expressing himself. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

C’mon summer!

Kottabos Chenin Blanc 2017
Approximate retail price: R200
Matured for 10 months in older oak. A pretty nose of lime, white peach, flowers and herbs plus the merest hint of leesy complexity. The palate, meanwhile, is light and pure with a lovely line of acidity and a long, steely finish.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Kottabos Grenache Syrah 2017
Approximate retail price: R200
78% Grenache, 22% Syrah. Matured for 10 months in older oak. A subtle but compelling nose of red and black fruit, fynbos, white pepper and a little earth. A nice fleshiness about the wine on entry to go with fresh acidity and grippy tannins, the two varieties combining well to provide both drinkability and complexity.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

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