Aristea maiden releases

Krajewski, Krone and Dumeau of Aristea.

Aristea is a new wine brand which sees Matt Krone of Matthew Krone Wines in partnership with Martin Krajewski, a UK businessman who owns vineyards in Pomerol and Saint Émilion and Florent Dumeau, a renowned Bordeaux consultant. Tasting notes and ratings for the maiden releases as follows:

Aristea Chardonnay 2016
Price: R290
W.O. Stellenbosch. Matured for 11 months in French oak, 30% new. Pear, white peach and citrus plus attractive oak – still very primary. Pure fruit, fresh acidity and a pithy finish. A well-mannered wine.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Aristea Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Price: R330
W.O. Stellenbosch. Matured for 18 months in French oak, 30% new. Red and black fruit plus a little leafiness. Juicy and fresh with rather soft tannins. In its favour, it’s neither too “green” nor too ripe but it does seem to lack a bit of structure.

Editor’s rating: 89/100.