Dorper current releases

“Sourced from small parcels scattered around Stellenbosch” reads the back label of both the Dorper Chenin Blanc and Pinotage as made by winemaker Reg Holder, Dorper a breed of sheep but “dorp” also Afrikaans for “town” and these wines hence of the town that is Stellenbosch. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:

Dorper Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R280
Grapes from Bottelary. Peach, citrus, some flinty reduction and wet wool on the nose. The palate has a dense core of fruit, fresh acidity and a deeply savoury mid-palate. In terms of texture, there’s initially a creaminess but the finish is dry and pithy. Very nicely handled. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Dorper Pinotage 2022
Price: R280
Grapes from two blocks, one Bottelary and the other Helderberg. Cherry, plum, rose and musk plus hints of earth and spice on the nose. The palate is light and fresh with powdery tannins, the finish gently savoury. Well balanced and not nearly as solid and hence enervating as some. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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