David Finlayson Camino Africana new releases

Edgebaston, situated on the Simonsberg foothills, is the home of David Finlayson Wines. The property was acquired in 2004 after Glen Carlou, the Paarl property started by his father Walter, was sold. David had taken over from Walter as head winemaker at Glen Carlou but left in 2009 to dedicate himself to his own brand and today makes approximately 60 000 cases of own-label wine.

Edgebaston has 29ha under vine but Finlayson also buys in some grapes for his top-end label called Camino Africana (“The African Way”). Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Camino Africana Shale Terraces Charodnnay 2022
Price: R365
Own grapes. Matured for 16 months in French oak barrels, 100% new. Lemon, orange, vanilla and spice on the nose while the palate is rich and smooth textured with well-integrated acidity, the finish nicely savoury. Will appeal to those who feel that top-end Chardonnay has become too lean and acidity-driven. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Camino Africana Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R230
Grapes from Bottelary and Helderberg vineyards planted in the 1960s. Matured for 12 months in a combination of concrete eggs. A herbal top note before citrus, peach and some flinty reduction. Excellent fruit concentration, punch acidity and a savoury finish. Dense and yet direct – great poise. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Camino Africana Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R365
Grapes from an experimental vineyard planted some two decades ago on Stellenbosch Mountain. Red and black berries, earth, cured meat and spice on the nose while the palate is forceful – big and smooth textured but not without verve, the finish savoury. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2021
Price: R265
Grapes from a Somerset West vineyard planted in 1985. Matured for 24 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Red and black berries plus a hint of leafiness, violets and pencil shavings. The palate shows great clarity and balance – pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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