Intellego new releases

Intellego Wines is the Swartland-based project of winemaker Jurgen Gouws, originally from the Eastern Cape. After working with leading figures such as Eben Sadie, Tom Lubbe (now of Matassa in Roussilon) and Craig Hawkins of Testalonga, he established his own label in 2009.

Those who follow the natural wine circles will know Jurgen Gouws’s quirky, cartoon-style labels; those who don’t might be tempted to dismiss the wines as frivolous and trivial. That would be a mistake. Farmed organically and made with minimal intervention – native ferments, no additives, limited sulphur and filtration – these are wines of individuality and integrity, offering plenty of non-mainstream appeal.

Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R265
From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 2002. Matured for 12 months in foudre. Subtle notes of citrus, peach, potpourri and fynbos on the nose while the palate is pure, fresh and gently savoury. At 12.5% alcohol, it is hardly fat, yet neither lean nor angular – just nicely balanced.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Story of Harry 2024
Price: R190
75% Chenin Blanc, 25% Chardonnay, with 40% skin contact on the Chenin. Matured 14 months in older oak, followed by three months in stainless steel. The nose shows apple, citrus, peach, potpourri and spice, with subtle yeasty, nutty notes. Slightly richer than previous vintages, the palate has good fruit weight and moderate acidity, finishing gently savoury. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Elementis Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R340
From an Abbotsdale vineyard planted in 1988. Destemmed and left on the skins for 14 days, then matured 12 months in old 500-litre barrels. The nose shows citrus, peach, ginger and potpourri, along with a subtle waxy note. The palate offers dense fruit and well-integrated acidity, finishing less tannic than might be expected – relatively substantial and smooth. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

The Sleeping Co-pilot Viognier 2024
Price: R340
Whole-bunch fermented and left on the skins for 13 days. Orange, flowers, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is lean, fresh and grippy. Good fruit expression, well structured, the finish long and dry. Full of personality. Alc: 12%

CE’s rating: 94/100.

The Pink Moustache 2025
Price: R190
48% Cinsault, 35% Syrah and 17% Mourvèdre, the first two whole-bunch fermented. Matured five months in smaller barrels and a further month in tank. Wonderfully aromatic with notes of cranberry, raspberry, a touch of rose, fynbos and white pepper. Light-bodied and pure with snappy acidity and a dry finish – more rewarding than the previous vintage, still great fun but that much more complete. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Halagasha Pinotage 2025
Price: R250
From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1997. Destemmed and fermented under semi-carbonic conditions. Red cherry, floral perfume, spice and a definite varnish-like note. Light and delicate with lingering acidity and super-fine tannins. Wins you over with its brightness. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Kedungu 2023
Price: R190
60% Mourvèdre, 22% Cinsault, 13% Syrah, 5% Pinotage, the Mourvèdre and Syrah whole-bunch fermented. Cranberry, cherry, bramble, flowers, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose. The palate is pure and fresh with powdery tannins. A hugely appealing wine that’s harmonious and vibrant with a nicely dry finish. Alc: 11.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Intellego Syrah 2023
Price: R340
90% from an Abbotsdale vineyard on iron-rich soils, 10% from Paardeberg on granite. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Red and black berries, a hint of olive, violets, fynbos and white pepper on the nose. The palate is light yet compact with good freshness and super-fine tannins. Elegant and long.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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