Beeslaar new releases

Abrie Beeslaar stood down as head winemaker of high-profile Stellenbosch property Kanonkop last year to concentrate entirely on his own label. First bottling was a Pinotage from the 2012 vintage but as of 2022, he added both a Chardonnay and a Cape Bordeaux blend to his portfolio. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Chardonnay 2023
Price: R460
Grapes from Stellenbosch, Barrydale, Kaaimansgat and Robertson. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 20% new. Less than 20% MLF. The nose shows pear, peach and citrus, an attractive note of vanilla and a hint of struck-match reduction. Dense fruit, bright acidity and a savoury finish – tightly wound with more clarity and poise than the maiden 2022 vintage released last year. Alc: 12.88%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Pinotage 2023
Price: R720
Matured for 20 months A compelling and complex nose of red and black berries, floral perfume, dried herbs, liquorice, vanilla and oak spice. The palate is full but equally shows excellent composure – pure fruit, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. Structured and detailed, this is a very strong vintage of this wine. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

The Sacrament 2022
Price: R1,150
NEW. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon from Helderberg, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot both from Banghoek vineyards. 30% whole-berry fermentation with a view to making the wine accessible earlier. Matured for 19 months in barrel, 100% new. Enticing aromatics of red and black berries, violets, a certain leafiness and pencil shavings. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine, supple tannins. Juicy on entry, the finish long and dry. Elegant and understated. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.