Brunia new releases

The Sander family acquired the Sondagskloof property that supplies most of the grapes for Brunia Wines in 2016. They currently tend 11ha of vineyard while a cellar is “almost up and running” and should be in full production in time for the 2026 harvest. The intention was to farm fully organically but winemaker Wade says they’ve had to be slightly more pragmatic about practices in the vineyard to ensure “good enough yields and healthy enough fruit”. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R210
Includes some Overberg fruit. Fermented and matured for 11 months in older 228-litre barrels. Yellow peach, apricot, blackcurrant, herbs and some leesy complexity on the nose. Great fruit concentration and coated acidity before a salty finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

White 2023
Price: R285
50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 10% new. White peach, lime, a hint of blackcurrant, hay, buchu and spice on the nose. The palate is lean and taut with a super-dry finish. An elegant, measured wine. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R335
Includes some Shaw’s Mountain grapes. 10% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. Cranberry plus hints of musk and spice on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with clean fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Easy to appreciate. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Syrah 2023
Price: R320
Includes some Shaw’s Mountain grapes. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in older oak. A hint of flinty reduction before flowers and fynbos as well red and black berries. The palate is medium bodied with pure fruit, lemon-like acidity and powdery tannins. An elegant, tightly wound take on the variety as you might expect from the Cape South Coast.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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