Angus Paul new releases

Angus Paul started his own label in 2020 having previously worked at Alheit, Mullinuex and Reyneke as well as various stints abroad. He focuses on the heritage varieties and operates out of the Karibib Wine Craft cellar in Stellenbosch. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Barbary Fictions 2022
Price: R325
From a Bottelary vineyard of Chenin Blanc planted in 1972. The nose is currently shy – some reduction as well as citrus and peach before a palate that’s particularly taut and “nervy” – good concentration, bright acidity and a savoury finish. Shows great refinement. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

On a Flight of Furious Fancies 2022
Price: R325
From a Chenin Blanc vineyard on Karibib, Polkadraai Hills planted in 1988. Pear, peach and fynbos on the nose while the palate has well defined fruit and snappy acidity. Great depth, surprisingly so given an alcohol of just 12.5%. Layers of flavour, the finish long and dry.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Diapsalmata 2022
Price: R325
From a Lower Helderberg vineyard of Cinsault planted in the 1960s. 60% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting seven months in older oak. Red berries, rose, incense and white pepper on the nose while the palate has intriguing structure – juicy fruit, moderate acidity and soft tannins, the finish slightly salty.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Transient Lands 2022
Price: R275
From Pinotage sourced from two sites in Stellenbosch, as well as Paardeberg and Stanford. 15% whole-bunch fermentation. Aromatics of black cherry, hints of floral perfume and herbs plus a base note of earth. Concentrated fruit, bright acidity and firm but not astringent tannins. Relatively full at a moderate acidity of 13%. A welcome addition to the growing number of New Wave examples of this variety.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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