Hogan new releases

Because volumes of the 2021 vintage from Jocelyn Hogan Wilson were constrained due to Covid-19, these have already come and gone despite only being launched in January and her 2022s are now set for release – this is a portfolio that has shown continuous improvement over the years, the reds in particular growing in refinement. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Hogan The Galvanised Chardonnay 2022
Price: R270
56% of grapes from Elandskloof, 44% from Banhoek. Fermented and matured for 10 months in older oak. The nose shows pear, peach, lime and lemon plus hints of blossom, nuts and oatmeal. The palate is lean and fresh with a pithy finish. Uncompromising in its austerity. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Hogan Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R365
Grapes from the Paardeberg. Matured for 10 months in older 225- and 300-litre barrels. Attractive aromatics with top notes of blossom and thatch before citrus and peach plus a little reduction in the background. Good fruit concentration with bright acidity and a saline finish. Whereas many 2022s are looking quite voluptuous, this has a delicacy and restraint about it. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Hogan Mirror for the Sun Cabernet Franc 2022
Price: R365
Grapes from a lower Helderberg vineyard on granitic soils. Matured for nine months in older 225-litre barrels. Gorgeous aromatics of red and black berries, lifted and rather pretty herbal notes, Ceylon tea and rose. The palate shows clean fruit, bright acidity and super-fine tannins. Lovely delineation and energy, the finish emphatically dry but not too austere. Poised and full of charm, Hogan’s best rendition yet of this variety. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Hogan Divergent 2022
Price: R430
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cinsault and 25% Carignan – the Cab from a young untrellised Helderberg vineyard, the Cinsault is from a 1976 block, also Helderberg, and the Carignan from Wellington. Red and black berries, violets, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with great clarity of fruit, snappy acidity and tannins that are fine but still provide grip. Precise and harmonious – slightly more Cab than before which adds a little more gravitas without losing finesse. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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