Joostenberg Die Agteros Chenin Blanc 2016

Tyrrel Myburgh, winemaker at Paarl winery Joostenberg, continues to effect change to the house style, not so much a denial of what has come before but rather a subtle tweaking of approach in vineyard and cellar to “optimize the influences of terroir” and thereby deliver a more sophisticated product. Tasting notes and ratings for current releases as follows:

Gathering steam.

Joostenberg Die Agteros Chenin Blanc 2016
Approximate retail price: R175
From the oldest vineyards on the farm, one planted in 1982 and the other 1989.  Spontaneous fermentation and 10 months of maturation, 50% in old barrels and 50% in concrete eggs. A very expressive nose – top notes of honeysuckle and dried herbs before citrus and peach, a little ginger and some yeasty complexity. Pure fruit and good freshness, the finish nicely dry – shows particular poise.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Joostenberg Fairhead 2016
Approximate retail price: R135
A blend of 49% Roussanne, 38% Viognier and 13% Chenin Blanc. Spontaneous fermentation and 10 months of maturation, 90% in concrete eggs and 10% in old barrels. Subtle notes of citrus and stone fruit plus a little earth and spice. Textured and savoury – increasingly less rich and ripe without sacrificing flavour.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Joostenberg Philip Albert Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Approximate retail price: R155
Includes 11% Merlot. Matured for 18 months in older oak. Ripe black fruit plus tobacco and a little earthiness. Dense fruit with moderate acidity and chewy tannins – rough-hewn but not disagreeable.

Editor’s rating: 87/100.

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