Julien Schaal new releases

Winemaking couple Julien and Sophie Schaal live and work in Alsace, France but also make various wines from various South African sites. Keen to appeal to the growing market for organically certified wine, they have introduced a new duo of wines under the “Born of Fire” label (recognising that the local fynbos needs fire to seed). Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases

Born of Fire Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R200
Grapes sourced from Leeuwenkuil. One-third matured in older barrels, the rest in tank for 15 months. Peach and straw on the nose while the palate has generous fruit – broad with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Born of Fire Syrah 2021
Price: R200
Grapes again from Leeuwenkuil. Matured for 18 months in barrel, approximately 20% new. A top note of lavender before dark berries, earth and pepper. The palate combines depth and freshness – dense fruit, bright acidity and nicely grippy tannins.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2022
Price: R185
From Elgin fruit. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 10% new. Struck-match reduction before green apple, citrus and a trace of leesy complexity. The palate is light but not too light – great fruit definition, fresh acidity and a savoury finish. As ever, a nicely understated, well balanced wine.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022
R185
Again from Elgin fruit. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 20% new. Floral perfume and strawberry on the nose while the palate is fruit forward with bright acidity and soft tannins. Entirely charming if not that complex.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Julien Schaal Cape South Coast Syrah 2020
Price: R155
Grapes from Stanford. Smoky reduction, red and black berries, fynbos plus hints of pepper and other spice. The palate is full with lots of sweet, juicy fruit to go with bright acidity and fine tannins. Quite a bit to like but the alcohol is 14.5% and the wines is perhaps a little fuzzy around the edges.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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