The Fledge & Co. Jikken Bareru new releases

Testing, testing, 123…

Leon Coetzee and Boplaas winemaker Margaux Nel of The Fledge and Co. have now formalized Jikken Bareru (Japenese for “Experimental Barrels”) as their second label, wines in this range defined as “everyday interesting” and allowing the couple to make their top stuff even more refined. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:

Jikken Bareru Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Price: R85
From a vineyard planted to Weerstasie clone on the Simonsberg. Nettles, lime, green apple and a hint of white peach on the nose. Lean and fresh with a pithy finish.

Editor’s rating: 88/100.

Jikken Bareru Elgin Riesling 2017
Price: R155
Blossom and lime but also intriguing hints of reduction and petrol on the nose. Light, pure and wonderfully thirst-quenching.

Editor’s rating: 89/100.

Jikken Bareru Nel & Coetzee Bosstok Steen 2017
Price: R80
50% Stellenbosch and 50% Swartland, vineyards ranging in age from 1972 to 1986. Fermented and matured for three months in stainless steel. A forthcoming nose of flowers, fynbos, citrus, apple and peach. The palate, meanwhile, shows pure fruit and zingy acidity before a pithy finish – has a nice energy about it.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.