Craven new releases

Mick Craven of the eponymous wine label says that the summer of 2024 was “bloody hot and windy” resulting in reduced yields, the harvest early and fast. He is pleased with quality, however, the wines typically show “more depth of fruit, more tannin”.

Craven Pinot Gris 2024
Price: R245
From a Polkadraai Hills vineyard. Six days of skin contact (slightly less than usual) before maturation lasting seven months in concrete tank. Pale red in colour. Rose, musk, spice, raspberry and orange on the nose while the palate has more grunt than usual without being inelegant – dense and pleasantly creamy in texture, bright acidity lending verve, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 12.9%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Craven Cinsault 2024
Price: R245
From two Helderberg vineyards, one planted in 1978 and the other in 1988. The nose shows red and black cherry, maybe some plum, potpourri, earth and spice. Good fruit concentration, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Intensely flavoured and well balanced, this is substantial without sacrificing vitality. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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