Anysbos new releases

Johan Heyns, founder of Bot River undertaking Anysbos along with wife Sue, may be 75 years old but he isn’t slowing down. Plantings of vines are now 21ha, Sauvignon Blanc set to be grafted over to Chenin Blanc and Picpoul. Marelise Niemann, of Momento renown, makes the wine, these ever more accomplished. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Disdit 2023
Price: R390
57% Chenin Blanc 17% Grenache Blanc, 27% Marsanne and 9% Roussanne. Matured for 10 months in neutral oak. Exquisite aromatics of potpourri, hay and herbs before citrus and peach while a touch of reduction adds interest. The palate is extraordinarily vivid – sappy on entry but the finish is dry and lightly grippy. An remarkably well-defined, harmonious wine. Alc: 13.34%.

CE’s rating: 98/100.

Tesame 2022
Price: R390
55% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 12% Cinsault.  Partial whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 16 months in neutral oak. Pretty aromatics of red berries, flowers, herbs and white pepper. Pure and juicy on the palate – not super-concentrated but well balanced and intricate. Bright acidity and powdery tannins. Grapes picked earlier in response to a warm, dry growing season, the alcohol a restrained 12.6%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Stokalleen Syrah 2022
Price: R390
NEW. Grapes from unirrigated bushvines on rocky shale soils. Partial whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black berries, hints of fynbos and leafiness, earth and pepper on the nose while the palate is rich with moderate acidity and powdery tannins. Luscious on entry, the finish gently savoury and the depth that Bot River Syrah typically shows (Gabriëlskloof, Luddite) tempered to some degree. Alc: 13.97%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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