Force Celeste new releases

Johan “Stompie” Meyer explains the rationale behind the Force Celeste label as being “good value natural wine from the Swartland.” Total volumes reached a peak of 120,000 bottles but are now at 30,000 bottles while Meyer has made the wines in his newly established cellar on the Piketberg Mountain in northern Swartland from 2020, concrete diamonds featuring prominently when it comes to fermentation and aging, and the range has never looked better.

Semillon 2024
Price: R140
Yellow apple, hay and earth on the nose. The palate is full of flavour. Good fruit density and snappy acidity before a dry finish. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R140
Quince, apple and potpourri on the nose. Quite lean with a high acidity (multiple picks involved) and a savoury finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Cinsault Rosé 2024
Price: R140
Fermented and aged in old oak, some flor development lending complexity. Cranberry, orange and rose but also nutty, earthy notes on the nose. Good fruit definition and lively acidity before a savoury finish. Not your average innocuous “pink” wine… Alc: 11.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Cinsault 2024
Price: R140
100% whole-bunch fermentation. Subtle notes of cherry, plum, flowers and herbs on the nose while the palate has lovely fruit expression and energy, the tannins fine. Totally charming. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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