Arno Smith new releases

Arno Smith was winemaker at Durbanville property Hillcrest (along with Graeme “Curly” Read) from 2011 until 2021 when he opted to start his own label while continue to consult. The Saartjie range is named after his Jack Russell and features the Bordeaux varieties as grown on Hillcrest while his two top-end wines are from bought-in fruit. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Kronkelpad Verdelho 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from Stellenbosch property Thelema and another Lower Helderberg site. Matured for six months in older oak. Floral perfume, peach, pineapple and a touch of spice on the nose while the palate has a dense core of fruit, tangy acidity and a dry finish – appears a little raw at this stage and should settle down over the next 12 months. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Kromtak Grenache 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from above sources as well as a small portion from Sutherland in Elgin. 20% stems added back. Matured for 12 months in older oak. Red berries, crushed herbs, spice plus hints of lavender, and earth. The palate is substantial (alcohol is 14.42%) with concentrated fruit, punchy acidity and nicely grippy tannins. Relatively weighty with plenty of flavour and a dry finish

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Saartjie Cabernet Franc 2020
Price: R189
Matured for 12 months in barrel, 10% new. The nose shows pronounced leafy, herbaceous notes as well as black berries and pencil shavings. The palate is relatively lean but not unbalanced – there’s more fruit weight than the aromatics might lead you to expect plus fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry. Alc: 14%

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Saartjie Malbec 2020
Price: R189
Matured for 12 months in barrel, 10% new. Black fruit, some attractive leafiness and earth on the nose. The palate has a dense core of fruit, acidity bordering on being tart and pleasantly firm tannins – more serious than the packaging or price would suggest. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Saartjie Petit Verdot 2019
Price: R189
Matured for 12 months in barrel, 30% new. A top note of chocolate before red and black berries, earth and pencil shavings. The palate is rich and broad with fresh acidity and a dry finish. Alc: 14.3%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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