Carinus new releases

Though Danie and Hugo Carinus share a surname, they are only distant relatives but firm friends, nevertheless. Both viticulturists, Danie farms Bluegum Grove, located in Polkadraai Hills and Hugo is responsible for Rooidraai outside Malmesbury. Chris Alheit makes the Stellenbosch wines; Lukas van Loggerenberg the Swartland.

Swartland Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R215
From four picks at various levels of ripeness. Matured for nine months in older 300-litre barrels. Citrus, peach, flowers, herbs and touches of flintiness and wet wool. Concentrated yet tangy, weighty but still briskly acidic, the finish savoury. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Swartland Colombard 2024
Price: R215
Potpourri, straw and citrus on the nose. Concentrated and fresh, the finish gently savoury. Nice weight and roundness, the finish gently savoury – RS is 4.8g/l but this only adds to the charm. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R410
Matured for 12 months in concrete egg. Citrus, peach, hay, flowers and some flinty reduction on the nose while the palate is lean and fresh with a bone-dry finish. Pure, focused, light on its feet yet punchy. Alc: 12.85%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Rooidraai 2024
Price: R410
Aromatics of mandarin, yellow peach, pineapple and a slight waxy note – all quite exotic. Rich and thick-textured, ripe sweetness playing off against brisk acidity, the finish savoury. Alc: 12.41%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Polkadraai Heuwels Syrah 2024
Price: R215
30% of stems added back. Red and black berries, musk, lavender, white pepper and some flinty reduction. Good fruit density, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Altogether inviting if not the most intense vintage. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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