Craven new releases

Craven Wines is a collaboration between husband-and-wife team Mick and Jeanine Craven, the focus on single-vineyard varietal wines from Stellenbosch. Mick, by nature laid back, is unusually upbeat about the new releases from the 2024 vintage and it’s easy to see why. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Chardonnay 2024
Price: R285
Fermented in old oak and matured in concrete, this wine exudes orchard blossom, lemon, and apple on the nose. The palate is understated but equally precise, with pure fruit and racy acidity leading to a dry finish. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R285
From a Polkadraai Hills vineyard planted in 1981, this wine offers aromas of quince, peach, and soft citrus. The palate delivers impressive flavor intensity, balanced by punchy acidity, while the finish is deeply savory with a slight grip. It showcases the fruit density expected from old vines, complemented by precise, focused winemaking. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Grenache 2024
Price: R310
NEW. Grapes from a Vlottenburg vineyard planted in 2016 and 0.7ha in size. Teasing aromatics of red and black berries, flowers, spearmint and fynbos. The palate is lean and fresh, the finish dry – much to like but there’s a sense that future vintages will be even more convincing as the vines become more established.. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

The Firs Vineyard Syrah 2024
Price: R310
Grapes from Devon Valley. 100% whole-bunch fermentation in stainless steel tank before maturation in concrete. Alluring aromatics of violets, black berries, a pleasant leafy note and pepper. The palate is beautifully sappy and harmonious – excellent fruit concentration and bright acidity before appropriately firm tannins, the finish super-dry and persistent. Best release yet. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Both the Pinot Gris 2024 and Cinsault 2024 rated 93 on release in November last year – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.