Beeslaar new releases

Nothing lasts forever. Yesterday came the news that Abrie Beeslaar will be leaving leading Stellenbosch property Kanonkop after joining in February 2002 and serving as only its third winemaker ever from 2003 onwards.

Beeslaar will now be concentrating on his own-label wines, tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Beeslaar Chardonnay 2022
Price: R395
65% of grapes from Barrydale, 35% from Banghoek. Matured for 12 months in 225-litre barrels, 20% new. The nose is generally shy although subtle notes of blossom, lemon and vanilla can be detected. The palate is pure and fresh with a pithy, nicely dry finish. Good fruit density and well balanced – technically correct as you’d expect from this winemaker. Alc: 13.05%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Beeslaar Pinotage 2022
Price: R660
Matured for 20 months in 225-litre barrels, 50% new. Plum, black cherry, vanilla and spice on the nose. The palate is sweet and rich, although bright acidity lends balance, the tannins rather chewy at this stage. Luscious upfront but ends dry.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.