Geographica new releases

By , 23 March 2023

After a long association with Stellenbosch property Meerlust, Chris Williams left in 2019 to concentrate on his own label, namely The Foundry where he works with varieties traditionally associated with the Rhône.

The newly launched Geographica range of wines allows Williams to reconnect with Stellenbosch and work with varieties that wouldn’t fit in the portfolio of The Foundry. Tasting notes and ratings for the maiden releases as follows:

Geographica Bonsai Chenin Blanc 2020
Grapes from a 1957 vineyard planted on the Helderberg – the wine named for the tiny bunches that these bushvines yield. Fermented and matured for 10 months in older barrels and terracotta. Pear, peach, citrus, fynbos, straw and talcum powder on the nose while the palate has great fruit delineation and zippy acidity. Substantial yet balanced and not short of energy. Real presence thanks in part to a residual sugar of 4.5g/l.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Geographica Thoreau Cabernet Franc 2020
Named in honour of 19th century American naturalist and author Henry David Thoreau. Grapes from the western slopes of Klapmuts. 20% whole-bunch fermentation. Fermented and matured for 16 months, 80% in French oak and 20% in terracotta.

The nose shows cranberry, cherry, cassis and rose plus a subtle and attractive grassy quality. The palate has good weight and texture – succulent fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. At 13.75% aclohol, it’s pretty much pitch perfect – neither under- or overdone.

CE’s rating: 94/10.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.   

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