Angus Paul new releases

Angus Paul, 31, released his first wine under his own label in 2021. With previous stints at Alheit, Mullineux and Reyneke, it has always seemed that he was a winemaker with a bright future. His 2024s suggest that future is arriving sooner rather than later.

Barbary Fictions Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R400

From a Bottelary Hills vineyard planted in 1972. Aromatics of hay, peach and apple with a touch of yeasty complexity. The palate is relatively rich and broad, offering good fruit weight, tangy acidity and a savoury, lightly grippy finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Fantamtango Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2024
Price: R400

From a Helderberg vineyard planted in 1988. Flinty reduction leads into peach, citrus and fynbos. Powerful and layered on the palate with well-integrated acidity and a savoury finish. Beautifully balanced – punchy acidity cushioned by ample fruit. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

On a Flight of Furious Fancies Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R400

Grapes from a Polkadraai Hills planted in 1988. Pear, peach, green apple, fynbos and a hint of leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is linear and taut, its concentrated fruit matched by racy acidity; the finish possessing a tonic-water, quinine-like bitterness that brings tension and bite. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Transient Lands Pinotage 2024
Price: R365

Paardeberg and Polkadraai Hills. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 14 months in older oak. Plum, cherry, rose, and hints of banana and earth on the nose. Juicy and fresh with fine, pliant tannins. Made in an approachable, easy-drinking style at 13% alcohol.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Diapsalmata Cinsault 2024
Price: R400

From a Firgrove planted in 1966. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 10 months in older oak. The nose displays red and black cherry, pomegranate, a hint of rose and flinty reduction. Pure fruit, vibrant acidity and fine yet distinctly grippy tannins. There’s impressive mid-palate presence without any sense of weight. Structured yet refined. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Staanspoor Syrah 2023
Price: R365

From Polkadraai Hills. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 15 months in oak, 25% new. Pretty aromatics of red berries, rose, fynbos and white pepper while the palate is medium bodied with bright acidity and powdery tannins. Elegant and understated. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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