Fram new releases

Piket-Bo-Berg officially became a ward of the Swartland as part of South Africa’s Wine of Origin Scheme in 2022, Stompie Meyer of Mother Rock the first proponent of the merits of this high-altitude part of the world. He now has neighbours by way of Thinus Krüger of Fram along with wife Hanneke, previously winemaker at AA Badenhorst Family Wines and owner of the Vino pH label. Vineyards are slowly being established but in the meantime both continue to buy grapes from elsewhere.

Tasting notes and ratings for the latest Fram wines as follows:  

Carmelina NV
Price: R205
Grapes from an old Citrusdal Mountain from a mixed vineyard consisting predominantly of Palomino but also Chenin Blanc, Hanepoot and Chenel. Previously labelled as Dry White, this now known as Carmelina after a character in the Neil Young song “Saddle Up the Palomino”. 20% from the 2021 vintage, 30% from 2022 and 50% from 2023. Pear, peach, citrus, floral perfume and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate is lean and fresh, the finish lightly grippy and intensely savoury. Not mainstream but not entirely inaccessible either. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Chardonnay 2024
Price: R135
Grapes from Bonnivale and unoaked. Flowers, pear, peach and citrus on the nose while the palate is pure, fresh and thirst-quenching. Honest, unadorned and hugely appealing. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Stagmanskop Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R285
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1987. Yellow peach, soft citrus, ginger and a yeasty note on the nose. The palate is relatively broad with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Not the most precise wine but certainly flavourful with a subtle sweet ‘n sour character. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Grenache Gris 2023
Price: R205
Grapes from Voor Paardeberg. Two weeks of skin contact. Apricot, orange, potpourri and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is intricate and unshowy – lean and tightly wound with great length. Alc: 12.9%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Shiraz 2023
Price: R190
Grapes from a Paardeberg vineyard. 15 – 20% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black berries, fynbos, lavender, a hint of cured meat and pepper on the nose. The palate is again lean but not astringent or mean – a dense core of fruit to go with bright acidity and fines tannins. Pure and focused. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Ratelfontein Cinsault 2023
Price: R230
Grapes from Citrusdal Mountain. 10 – 20% whole-bunch fermentation. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with notes of flowers and herbs in the background while the palate is very elegant – pure and fresh, the finish long and dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Pinotage 2018
Price: R345
Grapes from Citrusdal Mountain. Matured for 20 months in old oak. Includes a 10% portion of 2019. Red and black berries, olive, dried herbs, earth, undergrowth and a slight note of boot polish. The palate has dense fruit and grippy tannins, the finish intensely savoury. Quite a bit more rustic than the previous vintage. Alc: 13.5%.   

CE’s rating: 89/100.

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