Journey to The Centre of the Universe Blanc Fumé 2021

By , 15 June 2022

Mark Stephens, until now winemaker at Stanford Hills, sees his future as a regenerative farming consultant but will continues to make a Blanc Fumé under his own label called Journey to The Centre of the Universe.

The 2021 vintage was made from three parcels of grapes, one from Sondagskloof and the other two from Stanford, winemaking involving maturation in old 500-litre barrels and zero added sulphur.

The nose shows subtle notes of lime, white peach and blackcurrant while the palate is lean yet flavourful – great clarity of fruit, a good line of acidity despite full malolactic fermentation and a finish which is long and dry. A particularly elegant, well-balanced offering. Price: R210 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Also from Stephens is Touch Me Verdelho 2019, grapes from Arcangeli in Bot River, juice left in contact with the skins for four days before maturation in older oak. The nose shows orange, dried apricot and a petrol-like note while the palate has snappy acidity and a lightly grippy texture, the finish deeply flavourful. Full of interest without being too esoteric. Price: R250 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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