Bruwer Vintners new releases

By , 27 July 2023

Bruwer Vintners from cousins Bruwer Raats and Gavin Bruwer Slabbert used to B Vintners Wine Exploration Co. – “B Vintners” jettisoned on account of being too obscure for many consumers and the focus now more on wines that are “distinctly South African” rather than based on grapes that might have been from unusual locations (Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from Sondagskloof discontinued, for instance). Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Bruwer Vintners Lone Wolf Semillon 2022
Price: R315
Grapes from Polkadraai Hills. Matured for 11 months in old oak. Peach, naartjie, hay and some waxiness on the nose while the palate has surprisingly good fruit density given an alcohol of just 11%, the acidity nicely integrated, the finishing possessing some light grip. Subtle and intricate.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Bruwer Vintners Haarlem to Hope 2022
Price: R325
81% Chenin Blanc, 19% Semillon – grapes from Polkadraai. Aromatics of pear, yellow apple, lemon, fynbos and spice. The palate shows pure fruit, snappy acidity and a pithy finish. It’s a linear wine (alcohol is 12.5%) without sacrificing detail.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Bruwer Vintners Dry Red 2021
Price: R195
37% Grenache, 36% Syrah and 27% Pinotage. Aromatics of red and black berries, a pronounced floral note, fynbos and a hint of spice. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and a very dry finish. Not too fruity but have those Pinotage tannins been tamed? A slightly curious but nevertheless diverting drop. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Bruwer Vintners Lone Wolf Cinsault 2022
Price: R315
Grapes from 1953 plantings on Bottelary property Bellevue. Matured in old oak for 12 months. Subtle aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos and earth on the nose while the palate has pure fruit and fresh acidity. Understated but not without structure, this has a lovely savoury draw to it. Alc: 12.5%. 

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Bruwer Vintners Liberté Pinotage 2021
Price: R375
Grapes from PolKadraai Hills. 5% whole-bunch. Matured for 16 – 18 months in 300- and 500-litre barrels, 10% new. Top notes of floral perfume and fynbos before red and black cherry plus the merest hint of earth on the nose. A dense core of fruit matched by lemon-like acidity and firm but not astringent tannins, the finish long and salty. A wine that in being so focused and refined is irresistibly drinkable. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

 

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