Bruwer Vintners new releases

Bruwer Vintners, an offshoot of the acclaimed Raats Family Wines, is described by winemaker Gavin Slabbert as “a vehicle to attract a new generation of consumers.” Pinotage remains the focus, with Liberté crafted in a new-wave style aimed at “changing perceptions” of the variety while an everyday-drinking version is now made for Woolworths. As for wines carrying the “Lone Wolf” designation, these come from vineyards simply too compelling to ignore.

Haarlem to Hope 2024
Price: R350
75% Chenin Blanc, 25% Semillon. Matured for 10 months, 70% in older oak and 30% in concrete. Hay, a hint of floral perfume, soft citrus, peach and a slight waxy note on the nose. The palate has concentrated fruit, big acidity and a savoury, slightly grippy finish. Well balanced with good weight and texture – delicious! Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Lone Wolf Cinsault 2024
Price: R350
From a Bottelary vineyard planted in 1953. Fermented partly by carbonic maceration and partly destemmed, then matured for 12 months in older oak. Pretty aromatics of cranberry, red cherry, Turkish Delight and fynbos. Light and fresh with powdery tannins. Elegant and yet not without structure. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Woolworths Private Reserve Pinotage 2024
Price: R169
NEW. Fermented partly by carbonic maceration, partly whole-berry and partly destemmed, then matured in concrete and older oak. The nose shows red and black cherry with hints of fynbos and spice. Medium-bodied, with good fruit depth and grippy tannins – fruity upfront, finishing dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Liberté Pinotage 2024
R425
15% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 18 months in older oak. Cherries, plums, herbs and oak spice on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry. Shows focus and detail although perhaps a touch fleeting compared to some previous vintages. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Lone Wolf Syrah 2024
Price: R350
From Karibib, Polkadraai Hills. 100% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. Heady aromatics of red and black berries, potpourri, fynbos, incense and pepper. Excellent clarity and depth of fruit, vibrant acidity and grippy but not astringent tannins. Powerful yet poised, the finish wonderfully persistent.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

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