Bruwer Vintners new releases
By Christian Eedes, 13 August 2024
Bruwer Vintners is a collaboration between cousins Bruwer Raats and Gavin Bruwer Slabbert. They make Bruwer Family Wines where the focus is on Chenin Blanc when it comes to white wines and Cabernet Franc when it comes to reds while both are also involved in the production of the top-end of Cape Bordeaux red blend that is MR de Compostella.
When it comes to the Bruwer Vintners wines, however, they choose to work mainly with SA heritage varieties, grapes sourced from Stellenbosch, the recurring characteristic of the portfolio being subtlety and refinement. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:
Blanc de Noir 2023
Price: R165
From Grenache, maturation lasted six months, 80% in stainless steel tank and 20% in older oak. Cherry, strawberry, red apple and spice on the nose. The palate is tight and focused – good fruit expression, bright acidity and a savoury finish. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Haarlem to Hope 2023
Price: R345
78% Chenin Blanc, 22% Semillon, the latter component given skin contact for seven days. Matured for 10 months, 75% in older oak and 25% in concrete. Pretty aromatics of flowers, herbs, citrus, peach and a hint of apple. The palate is pure and poised. Good fruit weight, punchy acidity and a savoury finish.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Dry Red 2022
Price: R195
38% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 31% Pinotage, the first component undergoing whole-bunch fermentation. Maturation, meanwhile, lasted 16 months in older 300- and 500-litre barrels. Red cherry, pomegranate, flowers, fynbos and white pepper on the nose. The palate shows great synergy between the different varieties, possessing pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. With layers of flavour and a long finish, this is much better resolved than the previous vintage and more serious than the price might suggest. ALC: 13.5%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Lone Wolf Cinsault 2023
Price: R340
Grapes from 1953 plantings on Bottelary property Bellevue; 50% carbonic maceration; matured in old oak for 10 months. Red cherry, plum and potpourri on the nose while the palate is juicy and round with seemingly moderate acidity, some piquant bite to the finish. Clean and easy. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Lone Wolf Syrah 2023
Price: R345
100% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. Red berries, rose, fynbos, tea leaf, white pepper and a touch of earth on the nose. The palate is light-bodied with good freshness and fine, densely packed tannins. A subtle and refined rendition of the variety with good fruit clarity and plenty of verve. Alc: 13%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Liberté Pinotage 2022
Price: R425
Red and black cherry, a hint of plum, dark rose, herbs and earth on the nose. Great fruit definition, bright acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. Succulent on entry but uncompromisingly dry on the finish. Well balanced – substantial but not imposing. Alc: 13%.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
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