Swerwer Red 2018

Starting with the 2016 vintage, Jasper Wickens of Swartland label Swerwer opted to swap Tinta Barocca for Syrah in his red blend and man, is that proving to be an inspired move, the 2018 being the best yet.

Swallow the swallow.

Swerwer Red 2018
Wine Cellar price: R240
From Cinsault, Grenache and Tinta Barocca. Translucent in colour. Very fragrant nose with notes of rose, musk, herbs and olive plus red and black fruit. A scintillating palate with lovely fruit purity and zip to go with fine yet grippy tannins, the finish having a pleasantly salty quality. Just wonderfully poised and an excellent example of a “new wave” red.

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

Swerwer Rooi-Groen 2018
Wine Cellar price: R235
From a natural mutation of Semillon that has pink-red berries. Pale amber in colour. A top note of potpourri before citrus, orange and red apple to go with ginger and other spice. Relatively full bodied (alcohol: 13.5%) with soft acidity and a gently savoury finish – something very comforting about drinking this wine.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

Swerwer Chenin Blanc 2018
Wine Cellar price: R235
Grapes from a vineyard grown on granitic soils. The nose shows pear, white peach and citrus with some spice and dried grass in the background. The palate has good fruit concentration and plenty of drive thanks to zesty acidity, a pleasant pithy quality to the finish. Alcohol: 13.5%.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.