Carinus new releases

Danie and Hugo Carinus happen to be distant relatives but are friends first and foremost, both wine growers but who also have wine under their own label since 2011.  Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Carinus Swartland Colombard 2022
Price: R195

Matured for six months in older 300-litre barrels. Subtle notes of peach, lemon, soft citrus and cantaloupe. The palate is fruity and crisp – not without weight, a slightly salty quality to the finish. All you might hope for from the variety. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Carinus Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R205
Matured for nine months in older 300-litre barrels. Some flinty reduction before peach, lime, lemon and fynbos. The palate is pure and zippy with a pithy finish. Poised and taut, this over-delivers at the price. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Carinus Rooidraai Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R395
Grapes from the same 1981 vineyard as above, this a barrel selection. Elusive and enchanting aromatics of lime and soft citrus, potpourri and fynbos plus some flinty reduction. The palate is linear and extremely tightly wound – punchy acidity and a super-dry finish, the fruit density slow to reveal itself but undoubtedly present. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Carinus Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R395
From a vineyard planted in 2015. Matured for 12 months in concrete diamond before a further four months in stainless steel tank. Exotic aromatics including jasmine, a pronounced herbal, almost minty note, citrus and ginger. The palate has an intriguing sweet ‘n sour quality to it – good fruit expression matched by tangy acidity. Alc: 12.57%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Carinus Syrah 2023
Price: R205
From a Polkadraa Hills vineyard on sandstone. 30% stems added back. Red and black cherry, rose, cured meat and black pepper on the nose while the palate is medium bodied and harmonious – nice fruit weight, fresh acidity and lightly grippy tannins make for very pleasing drinking. Alc: 13.97%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.