Elemental Bob Cosmic Hand White 2015

After a long stint at Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley winery Spookfontein, Craig Sheard is now solely committed to his own label called Elemental Bob. His wines have always been more or less “natural” but the latest releases show a new-found refinement.

New age.

Elemental Bob Cosmic Hand White 2015
Price: R260
34% Viognier (Durbanville and Elgin), 29% Chenin Blanc (Durbanville and Swartland), 20% Verdelho (Bot River) and 17% Semillon (Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley). Spontaneous fermentation and some skin contact. Matured for 10 months in old French oak barrels.

A complex nose of citrus, apple, peach and apricot as well as hay and spice plus a not unpleasant note of reduction. Extremely flavourful on the palate. Not too lean or too thick in texture and possessing lovely freshness –a real succulence upfront before a nice pithy quality to the finish. A considered wine that immediately takes its place among SA’s most exciting white blends.

#WinemagRating: 93/100.

Elemental Bob Cosmic Hand Red 2015
Price: R260
From Pinot Noir, 40% Overberg, 60% Hemel en Aarde Ridge. 40% whole bunch fermentation, maturation lasting 10 months in old French oak barrels.

The nose shows red cherry, wild strawberry and an attractive stalky character. Light bodied with pure fruit, bright acidity and a gently savoury finish. Super-tasty but more an edgy new-wave wine than great Pinot.

#WinemagRating: 88/100.

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