Deep Rooted Wines new releases

Mark Stephens, Stanford-based regenerative farming consultant, also makes his own small-batch wines under the collective name of Deep Rooted Wines. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Journey to the Centre of the Universe Blanc Fumé 2022
Price: R230
Grapes from Klein River Lagoon (Maanschijn), Stanford and Sondagskloof. Spontanteously fermented and matured for 10 months in old 500-litre barrels. No added sulphur. Kiwi fruit, green melon, a hint of blackcurrant and a herbal undertone on the nose while the palate is rich and broad with layers of flavour, coated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 12.9%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Touch Me Verdelho 2022
Price: R280
Grapes from Bot River. Made using carbonic maceration, skin contact lasting 12 days. Evocative aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, potpourri, dried herbs and spice. The palate is not massive, but fruit expression is pleasing, the acidity fresh, the texture lightly grippy, the finish super-dry. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Hinterlands Syrah 2022
Price: TBC
From three Stanford vineyards, each on a different soils. 20% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in old oak. A touch of reduction before red berries, olive, fynbos and pepper. The palate is light and fresh with fine tannins – already quite approachable. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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