Il Geco new releases

Winemaker Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt says of her own label project “Il Geco” that it’s no longer a “side-hustle” – she handed in her resignation at Stellenbosch property Hazendal property before the start of the 2023 harvest and is now going it alone. Tasting notes and ratings for her new releases as follows:

Il Geco Cap Classique 2017
Price: R395
A 60:40 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Tulbagh matured for some 60 months on the lees. Zero dosage. Citrus, peach and a hint of strawberry plus freshly baked bread. The palate is lean with bracing acidity and a fine mousse. Clean and focused. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Il Geco Pinot Gris 2022
Price: R235
W.O. Stellenbosch – grapes from a vineyard planted in 2009. Spontaneously fermented and matured for 12 months in old 500-litre barrels. Hay, fynbos, stone fruit and apple plus some leesy complexity on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight matched by punchy acidity. A characterful wine with layers of flavour. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Il Geco Sangiovese 2022
Price: R235
W.O. Simonsberg-Paarl. Spontaneously fermented and matured for 12 months in old 500-litre barrels. Floral perfume before red cherry and a hint of earth on the nose. Light and fresh with fine, slightly powdery tannins. Unassuming but still charming.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

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