Die Kat se Snor new releases

By , 7 May 2024

Gerhard Smith, formally employed at Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge cellar Creation, also makes wines under his own label called Die Kat se Snor (“The Cat’s Whiskers”). Tasting notes and ratings for his current releases as follows:

Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R165
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Spontaneous fermentation and maturation lasting four months in old 225-litre barrels. Elder flower, soft citrus, nectarine and white pepper on the nose. Good weight, big but well integrated acidity – rich in the best sense, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Chardonnay 2023
Price: R185
Grapes from the greater Overberg on shale soils. 100% MLF – matured for 10 months in old oak. A shy nose – peach, citrus and some flinty reduction. Pure fruit, bright acidity and a pithy finish – altogether subtle and understated. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Cinsault 2023
Price: R165
Grapes from Bottelary. 30% whole-bunch fermentation, matured in old oak for four months. Aromatics of rose, musk, cranberry, red cherry and a hint of spice. The palate is delicate but not short of flavour – light, fresh with soft tannins. A discreet but still delicious wine that doesn’t leave you feeling short-changed. Alc: 11.5%.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Grenache 2023
Price: R185
Grapes from Bot River. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Subtle and elusive aromatics of Turkish Delight, cranberry, red cherry, white pepper and just a little earthiness. Pure fruit, lively acidity and powdery tannins, the finish nicely dry. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Pinot Noir 2020
Price: R300
Grapes from the greater Overberg. 40% whole-bunch fermentation, matured for 10 months in older oak. Aromatics suggest some advancement – musk, mushroom and spice to go with red berries. The palate is light-bodied and fresh – quite stern and angular but still provides a certain pleasure. Drink up. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R300
Red and black berries, some floral perfume, herbs and cured meat on the nose while the palate is well balanced, clean and dry – juicy on entry, nicely grippy tannins providing a dry finish.  A tasty drop.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

Comments

0 comment(s)

Please read our Comments Policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Like our content?

Show your support.


Subscribe