Illimis new releases

It’s difficult to think of a portfolio of wines that are so reigned-in and free from any vulgarity than those under the Illimis label as made by Lucinda Heyns. She’s as contemplative as any of her peers and, in truth, the wines sometimes leave you wishing that she would cut loose. However, her gentle touch continues to serve her very well when it comes to her Pinotage. Tasting notes and ratings for her wines from the 2023 vintage as follows:

Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R295

50% of grapes from Elgin, 50% from outside Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch. Matured for seven months in older 225-litre barrels. Pear, white peach and a little earthiness on the nose. Light bodied yet creamy in texture with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Understated as ever. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Cinsault 2023
Price: R250

Grapes from a Darling vineyard planted in the 1970s. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Pretty aromatics of cranberry and raspberry plus hints of flowers and herbs. Light and fresh with soft tannins, the finish nevertheless nicely dry. A modest wine – clean fruit and well balanced. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Grenache 2023
Price: R270

Grapes from two blocks on the same Wellington property, one planted in 2007 and the other in 2016. 100% whole-bunch fermented. The nose shows red berries and pronounced, rather wild but likewise compelling fynbos notes. Good fruit definition, bright acidity and nicely grippy tannins, the finish properly dry. Light in body, plenty of interest. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Pinotage 2023
Price: R295

Grapes from Polkadraai Hills, this vintage incorporating a 50% portion from a younger block that did not feature previously. 70% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black cherry plus subtle notes of flowers, fynbos and earth. Lovely fruit definition – concentrated but not weighty. The acidity, meanwhile, is bright, the tannins fine. Nothing too overt and full of charm.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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