Holden Manz new releases

Gerard Holden, a former mining investment specialist, and partner Migo Manz acquired vineyards in the southernmost corner of the Franschhoek Valley in 2010, appointing Thierry Haberer as winemaker at the end of 2014. Haberer studied oenology at the University of Bordeaux, graduating in 2004, before working alongside renowned consultant Michel Rolland. “My Bordeaux background informs my style,” he says. “It’s at my core, part of my DNA – I want concentration, ripeness, volume and texture.” His wines, particularly the reds, certainly deliver on that brief.

Semillon Reserve 2023
Price: R410

From Franschhoek. 25% fermented in second-fill barrels, 75% in stainless-steel tank, maturation lasting nine months. Lemon, green melon, hay, wax and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Good fruit weight and definition, with plenty of freshness, the acidity seamlessly woven into the wine rather than standing apart. Substantial despite an alcohol of just 12.5%, balanced and unshowy.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

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Chenin Blanc Reserve 2023
Price: R410

From a Klapmuts vineyard planted in 1982. Fermented and matured for nine months in a combination of new and second-fill barrels. The nose is initially reserved, offering peach, honeysuckle and a hint of lanolin. The palate shows good clarity of fruit, with bright acidity and a dry,  finish. Balanced and technically accomplished, although still somewhat closed at this stage. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Classic

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Chardonnay Reserve 2023
Price: R655

From Banghoek. Matured for 14 months in barrel, 35% new. Citrus, stone fruit, vanilla and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate has good fruit concentration, a creamy texture and well integrated acidity. Forceful, with a presence that will impress many. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Luxurious

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Merlot Reserve 2023
Price: R705

Own fruit. Harvested in mid-March during a break in the rain that characterised the end of harvest. Matured for 24 months in barrel, 60% new. The nose shows violets, a subtle herbal note, cherry, plum, cassis, vanilla and spice. The palate is balanced and understated, with juicy fruit, good freshness, a smooth texture and fine tannins. Not massively assertive, but still in the polished house style. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Delicious

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Cabernet Franc Reserve 2023
Price: R835

Own fruit. Harvest and maturation as for the Merlot. The nose shows red and black berries, a little leafiness, pencil shavings and a hint of spice. The palate shows dense fruit, fresh acidity and exceptionally fine tannins, finishing gently savoury. Smooth-textured and remarkably well balanced, it carries its 15% alcohol with ease – a wine of abundance rather than excess.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

Syrah Reserve 2020
Price: R705

Own fruit. 25% whole-bunch fermentation.  Matured for 27 months in barrel, 50% new. The nose is intensely perfumed, with red and black berries, violets, cured meat and spice. The palate is super-ripe, with an impression of sweetness, ample weight but limited freshness. The finish is warm, tannins still somehow making their presence felt. A powerful, exuberant style that pushes everything to the limits. Alc: 15.5%.

CE’s rating: 89 | Luxurious

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Big G 2022
Price: R395

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot. Matured for 26 months in barrel, 35% new. Red and black berries, wilted rose, vanilla and oak spice on the nose. The palate is broad and generous, with considerable volume and supple tannins. Although there’s an undeniable warmth about the wine, it retains a pleasing savoury note on the finish. A bold, full-bodied expression with plenty of presence. Alc: 15%.

CE’s rating: 90 | Luxurious

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