Cavalli new releases

Malie McGregor started as winemaker at Stellenbosch property Cavalli in December 2021 after a previous stint at Rust en Vrede, her first wines from the 2022 harvest now released. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Cavalli Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R185
This replaces the wine previously known as Filly, the 2020 vintage of which was not just best in category but also best white wine overall in the Prescient Reports of 2021. The greater part of this vintage was matured for six months in barrel, 16% new (includes an unoaked portion of approximately 15%).

The nose shows top notes of flowers and herbs before pear, peach and lemon while the palate has a dense core of fruit to go with an arresting line of acidity and a saline finish. Focused and tense.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Cavalli Reserve Chardonnay 2022
Price: R200
New. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 27% new. Lime, lemon and vanilla on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit and zippy acidity before a suitably dry finish. Clean and correct but lacking some detail which may still emerge with time in bottle.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Cavalli Cremello 2022
Price: R235
43% Chenin Blanc, 25% Chardonnay, 21% Verdelho and 11% Viognier. The nose is complex with some flinty reduction preceding pear, peach, citrus, floral perfume, a hint of vanilla and spice while the palate has great fruit concentration matched by zippy acidity, the finish long and savoury. Full without sacrificing nuance.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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