The Sander family acquired the Sondagskloof property that supplies most of the grapes for Brunia Wines in 2016. They currently tend 11ha of vineyard while a cellar is “almost up and running” and should be in full production in time for the 2026 harvest. The intention was to farm fully organically but winemaker Wade says they’ve had to be slightly more pragmatic about practices in the vineyard to ensure “good enough yields and healthy enough fruit”. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:
Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R210
Includes some Overberg fruit. Fermented and matured for 11 months in older 228-litre barrels. Yellow peach, apricot, blackcurrant, herbs and some leesy complexity on the nose. Great fruit concentration and coated acidity before a salty finish. Alc: 13%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
White 2023
Price: R285
50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 10% new. White peach, lime, a hint of blackcurrant, hay, buchu and spice on the nose. The palate is lean and taut with a super-dry finish. An elegant, measured wine. Alc: 13%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R335
Includes some Shaw’s Mountain grapes. 10% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. Cranberry plus hints of musk and spice on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with clean fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Easy to appreciate. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 90/100.
Syrah 2023
Price: R320
Includes some Shaw’s Mountain grapes. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in older oak. A hint of flinty reduction before flowers and fynbos as well red and black berries. The palate is medium bodied with pure fruit, lemon-like acidity and powdery tannins. An elegant, tightly wound take on the variety as you might expect from the Cape South Coast.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
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Results of this year’s Label Design Awards for Wine and Beer proudly sponsored by self-adhesive label supplier Rotolabel, with Avery Dennison, Kemtek|HP Indigo and Synchron in a secondary capacity have now been announced.
An initiative begun in 2015 by Winemag.co.za, wine was initially the sole focus, before beer was added in 2018. This year, there were 23 wine entries and 15 beer entries.
For the first time, design students were invited to participate. Red & Yellow Creative School of Business were briefed to design a label for Anco 2023, a wine made by Janco de Kock that placed Top 10 in the FedEx Next Generation Awards earlier in the year. Vega School were asked to work on any wine or beer brand, real or theoretical.
Browse winning work by category.
Lalela, meaning “listen” in Zulu, is the brand name of a wine range made by Natasha Williams of Hasher Family Wines in Upper Hemel-en-Aarde and Wade Sander of Brunia Wines in Sondagskloof. The thinking was that wines appearing under the Lalela label should not conflict with anything they were making already, and they work with vineyards planted in the Groenberg ward of Wellington, current releases consisting of Chillable Red 2023 (a Grenache-Cinsault blend selling for R185 a bottle), Cinsault 2023 (R215) and a Heritage Red 2023 (also R215).
It’s the Heritage Red 2023 that I liked most, this being a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cinsault and 4% Grenache. The nose shows red and black berries, fynbos, earth and spice while the palate has a solid core of fruit without being too imposing – medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish dry and persistent. Full of flavour, this should accompany a braaied lamp chop splendidly. Alc: 14%.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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Belgian native Koen Roose farms a hilltop in the middle of Elgin, which he planted to vines in the early 2000s. Convinced that the area’s cool-climate growing conditions give his wines extra longevity, he tends to release a little later. Tasting notes and ratings for his new offerings as follows:
Spioenkop Riesling 2020
Price: R325
Some smoky reduction, a touch of petrol, lime, white peach and green apple on the nose. The palate is rich and creamy in texture but equally there’s a big acidity and the finish is nicely dry. Still very youthful and rather forceful, this perhaps lacks a little of the composure of the previous vintage.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Spioenkop Sarah Raal Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R400
The grapes for Sarah Rall have always been from a vineyard on ferricrete, but those that used to go into the Johanna Brandt bottling off shale soils have also been included since 2020. Floral perfume, herbs, peach and citrus on the nose. The palate is nicely restrained with pure fruit and racy acidity before a dry finish. Alc: 13.41%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Spioenkop 1900 Chenin Blanc 2020
Price: R265
Two-thirds fermented in older oak, one-third in tank, maturation lasting 12 months. Quince, peach, apricot, wet wool and earth on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit and punchy acidity, the finish savoury. A super-tasty, striking wine. Alc: 14.23%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Spioenkop Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R290
Matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Cherry, plum, beetroot and a touch of orange on the nose. The palate is rich and round with moderate acidity and tannins that are soft and already quite resolved. Flavourful enough.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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Writing last week about the significance of the launch of the maiden, 2009, vintage of the Sadie Ouwingerdreeks, I was suddenly struck by the thought of a possible omission of mine early in the year when I’d been looking at some significant wine anniversaries to note in 2024. And yes, on checking, I found that I hadn’t even so much as mentioned the piece of legislation that belatedly but crucially encouraged the next step in the development of South Africa’s fine wine revolution. So, as the year wearily trudges to an end, with Christmas decorations long since up in some shops, let me remedy that – as it’s quite possible that some people new to Cape wine don’t realise, and that others have forgotten. The change involved was part of the struggle for quality, and that struggle, like political ones, should not be forgotten.
As the new century and millennium forged on, there’d already been substantial movement in the raising of quality levels of South African wine, and in further opening up cooler areas (Hemel en Aarde, Elgin) and starting to reinvent others (Tulbagh and, most importantly, the Swartland). But the best and most ambitious winemakers were looking to express individual sites. Of course, nothing was actually stopping them, but current legislation meant that they would not be allowed to communicate anything about vineyards either in the name or the label description of the wine.
From 1973, the Wine of Origin System had included, as its smallest category, the estate – essentially a single property (of any size) on which grapes were grown, vinified and the wines bottled. The whole thing was never very well done, but it wasn’t in itself a bad idea, taking what we might consider the Bordeaux model of brand/property as its model rather than the Burgundy terroir model of individual, delimited vineyards. It was the latter model, however, that was now the more important one in the South African quality wine revolution.
Many terroir-specific wines had been, in fact, produced by the estates, even if this was scarcely mentioned. But a proud example like Hartenberg’s excellent single-vineyard Gravel Hill was first made for the CWG auction as far back as 1995, for example. Back then, though, in order to protect the supposed value of the estate concept, producers were not allowed to indicate on the bottle that a wine had come from a specific block of vines on the property. Using the word “vineyard” was heavily restricted.
Especially given that the estate concept had never become meaningful – or even intelligible – to most consumers, even locally, it was time for the authorities to finally admit that it’s time was up, and from 2004 it was no longer defined within, and radically protected by, the Wine of Origin system. (“Estate wine” was still a protected term, restricted to wines coming from registered “units for the production of estate wine” – see here for my slightly doubtful note about a producer association, the First 14 Wine Estates, founded last year).
This opened the way for South African producers to at last join the rest of the world in properly marketing terroir-specific wines. It took just a little longer for legislation to come in controlling label reference to “single-vineyard wine” to ensure that wine lovers were not bamboozled by opportunistic producers. Vineyards, up to six hectares and planted with only one variety, had to be registered with the authorities before they could be referred to as single vineyards. (It’s probably about time for mixed vineyards to find their place in the system.)
This development, with the encouragement given, has since been gloriously used by many terroir-focused winegrowers – perhaps especially for chenin, with the likes of Roodekrantz and David & Nadia having up to half a dozen single-vineyard versions (see here). There are now something like 1,800 registered single vineyards – though I imagine that some do not lead to wines offered as such. Many such vineyards are also registered with the old Vine Project (something enabled by Sawis record-keeping). To be able to have a seal on a bottle giving the planting date of the vines from which the vinfied grapes came is a brilliant and unique thing. It’s almost bizarre to think now that it wouldn’t have been allowed twenty-plus years ago.
Ennui means “a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction” is the name that Zevenwacht Hagen and his wife Nicola have given their own label wines, the project launched as “an escape from the monotony of the daily grind”. Nicola, who is a trained winemaker herself, took time off when the couple’s twin daughters were born before taking a winery logistics job, is hoping to see Ennui grow. Tasting notes and ratings for their maiden releases as follows:
Golden Thread Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R330
Grapes from a Zevenwacht vineyard planted in 1981. 50% given skin contact for four days before being mature in an amphora, 50% fermented in barrel, maturation lasting a total of 10 months. Subtle aromatics of apple, peach, apricot and soft citrus plus spice and earth while the palate Is understated and nicely detailed – pure fruit with well-integrated acidity, the finish lightly grippy and gently savoury. Alc: 13.3%. Total production: 600 bottles.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Silver Lining Grenache 2024
Price: R330
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 2014. 70% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation in older 500-litre barrels. Engaging aromatics of strawberry, cranberry, white pepper and earth while the palate shows pure fruit, zingy acidity and powdery tannins. Not necessarily profound but utterly charming. Alc: 13.5%. Total production: 800 bottles.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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Steenberg in Constantia is owned by Graham Beck and 60% of production is Cap Classique made from Robertson grapes, Elunda Basson, previously of sparkling wine powerhouse J.C. Le Roux, head winemaker since 2018. As for the Steenberg property itself, there are 46ha under vineyard, 70% of which are planted to Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:
Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Price: R160
Green bean, melon, a hint of blackcurrant and dried grass on the nose. The palate has a creamy texture with tangy, well-integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 14.06%.
CE’s rating: 90/100.
Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R185
Previously called “Rattlesnake”. Fermented and matured for seven months in large-format barrels, a small portion new, plus a concrete egg. Peach and nectarine, a hint of spice and some leesy complexity on the nose while the palate is rich and forceful – dense fruit and coated acidity, some white pepper bite to the finish. Alc: 14.04%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R280
From the two best blocks on the property. Top notes of floral perfume and dried herbs before citrus, peach and white pepper. The palate has weight but also freshness – good fruit definition and racy, the finish long and dry. Carries its alcohol of 14.3% very well.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Semillon 2023
Price: R280
Fermented and matured for 10 months in large-format barrels, 20% new. The nose shows peach plus subtle notes of hay, dried herbs and white pepper. The palate is broad and textured with moderate acidity and salty quality to the finish. Layered and long. Alc: 13.73%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Steenberg Merlot 2021
Price: R230
Matured for 24 months in older oak. Red cherry, cranberry and a hint of leafiness on the nose – less “green” than in times gone by. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury finish. A rather modest take on the variety. Alc: 14.41%.
CE’s rating: 89/100.
Steenberg Nebbiolo 2019
Price: R390
Matured for 24 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Red berries, rose, a touch of meatiness and earth on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish savoury – ready to drink.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Steenberg Catharina 2021
Price: R395
59% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec. Red and black berries, mint, crushed leaves and chocolate on the nose. The palate is medium bodied and perhaps a bit angular – good freshness and frim but not coarse tannins. Alc: 15.1%.
CE’s rating: 90/100.
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Mick Craven of the eponymous wine label says that the summer of 2024 was “bloody hot and windy” resulting in reduced yields, the harvest early and fast. He is pleased with quality, however, the wines typically show “more depth of fruit, more tannin”.
Craven Pinot Gris 2024
Price: R245
From a Polkadraai Hills vineyard. Six days of skin contact (slightly less than usual) before maturation lasting seven months in concrete tank. Pale red in colour. Rose, musk, spice, raspberry and orange on the nose while the palate has more grunt than usual without being inelegant – dense and pleasantly creamy in texture, bright acidity lending verve, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 12.9%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Craven Cinsault 2024
Price: R245
From two Helderberg vineyards, one planted in 1978 and the other in 1988. The nose shows red and black cherry, maybe some plum, potpourri, earth and spice. Good fruit concentration, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Intensely flavoured and well balanced, this is substantial without sacrificing vitality. Alc: 12%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
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In the past 12 months (21 November 2023 – 20 November 2024), editor Christian Eedes has tasted and reported on 1, 425 wines. Wines designated as being part of the Prescient Reports or FedEx Next Generation Awards were tasted blind whereas all other wines sighted. Here are the 192 to rate 95 pts-plus:
Le Lude Madáme Cap Classique 2015
Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Cap Classique 2018
Alheit Vineyards Magnet North Chenin Blanc 2023
Anysbos Disdit 2023
Sadie Family Wines The District Series ‘T Voetpad 2023
Testalonga El Bandito Cortez 2023
Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse Cape White 2023
Trizanne Signature Wines Reserve Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Van Loggerenberg Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2023
Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans Chenin Blanc 2023
David & Nadia Skaliekop Chenin Blanc 2023
Mullineux Schist Roundstone Chenin Blanc 2023
Patatsfontein Steen Chenin Blanc 2023
Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022
Roodekrantz Die Kliphuis Chenin Blanc 2023
Trizanne Signature Wines Sondagskloof White Sauvignon Blanc 2023
AA Badenhorst Family Wines Kalmoesfontein White 2023
Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2023 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2021
Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2023
David & Nadia Plat’bos Chenin Blanc 2023
David & Nadia Rondevlei Chenin Blanc 2023
Intellego Elementis Skin Contact Chenin Blanc 2023
Iona Elgin Highlands Chardonnay 2022
Keermont Riverside Chenin Blanc 2020
Kershaw Deconstructed Kogelberg Sandstone CY76 Chardonnay 2020
Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2022
Lismore Estate Reserve Cuvée Blanc 2022
Metzer Maritime Chenin Blanc 2021
Momento Grenache Blanc 2023
Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2023
Morgenster The Reserve White 2023 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Mullineux Granite Eikelaan Chenin Blanc 2023
Rall Noa Chenin Blanc 2023
Sadie Family Wines The District Series Skurfberg Chenin Blanc 2023
Storm Ridge Chardonnay 2023
Testalonga Banditskloof Daisy’s Pond Grenache Blanc 2021
Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc 2023
Thistle & Weed Springdoring Chenin Blanc 2023
Thorne & Daughters Cat’s Cradle Chenin Blanc 2023
Van Loggerenberg Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanc 2023
Vergelegen G.V.B 2023
Vulpes The Cape Fox Chenin Blanc 2022
Vulpes Velox Chenin Blanc 2023
Wolf & Woman Chenin Blanc 2023
Zevenwacht Z Collection Chenin Blanc 2023
AA Badenhorst Family Wines Grensloos Chenin Blanc 2023
Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2023
Alheit Vineyards Fire by Night Chenin Blanc 2023
Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn Chenin Blanc 2023
Alinea Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Best Overall, FedEx Next Generation Awards)
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2021
Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2023 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Carinus Rooidraai Chenin Blanc 2023
Constantia Royale Don’s Reserve 2022 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Crystallum Ferum Chardonnay 2023
Damascene Semillon 2023
Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023
David & Nadia Aristargos 2023
David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2023
David & Nadia Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc 2023
De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Delaire Graff Banghoek Chardonnay 2023 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Durbanville Hills The Tangram 2022 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Flagstone Paradigm Chenin Blanc 2023 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Hogan Chenin Blanc 2023
Keermont Terrasse 2022
Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin Chardonnay 2020
Kershaw GPS Series Lower Duivenhoks River Chardonnay 2021 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Kershaw Deconstructed Kogelberg Ironstone CY548 Chardonnay 2020
Kershaw Deconstructed Lake District Bokkeveld Shale CY95 Chardonnay 2020
Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022 (Top 10, Prescient Old Vine Report)
Kruger Family Wines Sutherland-Karoo Chardonnay 2023
La Brune Chardonnay 2023
Le Sueur Chenin Blanc 2023
Leeu Passant Franschhoek Semillon 2022
Leeu Passant Radicales Libres Chardonnay 2018
Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Lourens Family Wines Lindi Carien 2023
Metzer Montane Chenin Blanc 2021
Momento Grenache Gris 2023
Mother Rock Liquid Skin Chenin Blanc 2022
Mullineux Old Vine White 2023
Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Anchor Man Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023 (Top 10, Prescient Old Vine Report)
Old Road Wine Co. Stone Trail Chenin Blanc 2023 (Top 10, Prescient Old Vine Report)
Opstal Bergsteen Single Barrel Chenin Blanc 2022
Paul Clüver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2023
Raats Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2022
Radford Dale Revelation Semillon 2023
Radford Dale Touchstone Chardonnay 2023
Rall Grenache Blanc 2023
Rall Ava Chenin Blanc 2023
Rall White 2023
Quoin Rock Chardonnay 2021 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Remhoogte Reserve Honeybunch Chenin Blanc 2022
Roodekrantz Donkermaan Chenin Blanc 2023
Sadie Family Wines Palladius 2022
Sadie Family Wines The District Series Mev. Kirsten Chenin Blanc 2023
Sadie Family Wines The District Series Rotsbank Chenin Blanc 2023
Savage Never Been Asked to Dance Chenin Blanc 2023
Shannon Triangle Block Semillon 2019
Storm Vrede Chardonnay 2023
Tembela Chenin Blanc 2023
Testalonga El Bandito Skin Chenin Blanc 2023
Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite Old Vine Semillon 2023
Tim Hillock La Cósmica Chenin Blanc 2022
Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2021 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Van Niekerk Vintners Sonwater 2023
Villiera Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2023 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Vulpes Chama Chenin Blanc 2023
Wolf & Woman Grenache Blanc 2023
Zevenwacht Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Mullineux Schist Roundstone Syrah 2022
Savage Girl Next Door Syrah 2023
AA Badenhorst Family Wines Kalmoesfontein Red 2022
Damascene W.O. Cere Plateau Syrah 2023
Raats Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022
Rall Syrah 2023
Storm Ridge Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum Litigo Pinot Noir 2023
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2023
Glenelly Lady May 2019
Kaapzicht Cabernet Franc 2021
Keet First Verse 2020
Kleine Zalze Project Z Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Kruger Family Wines Sutherland-Karoo Syrah 2023
Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Leeuwenkuil Heritage Syrah 2019 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Mullineux Granite Jakkalsfontein Syrah 2022
Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Newton Johnson Windansea Pinot Noir 2023
Raar Carbonic Maceration Shiraz 2023 (Riebeek Valley Wine Co) (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Raats Family Cabernet Franc 2020
Rall Ava Syrah 2023
Sadie Family Wines Columella 2022
Savage Follow the Line 2023
Scions of Sinai Swanesang Syrah 2023
Shannon Black Bullet 2019
Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2023
Storm Ignis Pinot Noir 2022
Super Single Vineyards Voorloper Bush Vines Syrah 2021
Torero and Pasiphaë Syrah 2023
Trizanne Signature Wines Elim Syrah 2023
Trizanne Signature Wines Hemel-En-Aarde Ridge Barbera 2023
Van Loggerenberg High Hopes 2023
Vinevenom Spektra Shiraz 2021 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Waterkloof Boreas 2020
AA Badenhorst Family Wines Ramnasgras Cinsault 2023
Anco 2023 (Top 10, FedEx Next Generation Awards)
Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2022 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Benguela Cove Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Top 10, FedEx Next Generation Awards)
Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2021
Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Boschkloof Epilogue Syrah 2022
Bruwer Vintners Liberté Pinotage 2022
Cape Five Reserve Shiraz 2021 (Stellenview) (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Catherine Marshall Fine Art Collection Finite Elements Pinot Noir 2023
Fairview Lanner Hill Syrah 2021
Fairview Primo Pinotage 2022 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Fogwell Syrah 2023
Hearth Artjiesvlei Pinot Noir 2022
Keermont Steepside Syrah 2018
Keermont Topside Syrah 2017
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Syrah 2021 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Leeu Passant Wellington Old Vines Cinsault 2022
Lismore Estate Reserve Syrah 2021
Lourens Family Wines Howard John 2023
Meerlust Rubicon 2021
Mellish Bakenkop Syrah 2021 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Miles Mossop Sam Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Moya Meaker Pinot Noir 2023
Mullineux Syrah 2021
Mullineux Iron Kasteelsig Syrah 2022
Newton Johnson Seadragon Pinot Noir 2023
Rall Cinsault 2023
Savage Thief in the Night 2023
Storm Vrede Pinot Noir 2022
Strydom Épice Cabernet Franc 2020
Van Loggerenberg Graft Syrah 2023
Van Loggerenberg Lötter Cinsault 2023
Vergenoegd Löw Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Runner-up, FedEx Next Generation Awards)
Vilafonté Series M 2021
Winshaw Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Zevenwacht The Tin Mine 2021 (Best in Category, Prescient Report)
Zoetendal The Signatura Shiraz 2022 (Top 10, Prescient Report)
Mullineux Olerasay 4º Straw wine NV
Boplaas Cape Tawny NV
Boplaas Cape Tawny Single Harvest Colheita Port-style 2005
Thelema Gargantua Muscadel NV
The Glenelly Estate Reserve is pitched as being “based on the classic claret blend of the 1700s” which is to say the Bordeaux varieties cut with Syrah supposedly from Hermitage.
The current release is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, maturation lasting 18 months in barrel, 30% new. Total production: 60 000 bottles.
The nose shows red and black berries, rose and white pepper and other spice with some base notes of earth and even some meatiness emerging with time in glass. The palate is broad and hearty (alcohol is 14.5%) but not unrefined, the fruit being well delineated and the tannins fine. From an exceptionally good vintage, this is drinking beautifully not but should go at least another five years. Price: R360 a bottle.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
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