Black Elephant Vintners new releases

Black Elephant Vintners, the Franschhoek cellar that bill themselves as “the misfits of the wine industry”, have launched two new wines, grapes sourced from Swartland.

Free Bird Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R385

From a vineyard planted in 1986 on granite. Matured in old barrels and foudre. Quince, peach, flowers, herbs and some earthy, yeasty notes on the nose. Light and fresh on the palate, the finish pithy in texture. Intense but not weighty. Alc: 12.28%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Serious

Free Bird Bush Vines Red Blend 2024
Price: R425

86% Syrah, 8% Cinsault, 6% Grenache. Small portion whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in foudre and concrete. Brooding aromatics of black berries, olive, dried herbs and pepper lead into a palate of dense fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins. The finish is deeply savoury – impactful without being overbearing and decidedly stylish alround. Alc: 13.26%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Serious

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