Kara-Tara new releases

Kara-Tara is the the own label of Stark-Condé winemaker Rudger van Wyk – he was raised in the southern Cape town of George close to where the Karatara river flows and hence the name. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Kara-Tara Chardonnay 2022
Price: R240
Grapes from Stellenbosch, Elgin and Overberg. Matured for eight months in barrel, 10% new. Floral perfume, lemon and a hint of oatmeal on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with pure fruit and racy acidity. A restrained, well balanced rendition of the variety (alc: 12.5%) that should have broad appeal – volumes have grown from 2 000 bottles in the case of the maiden 2019 vintage to 32 000 bottles now.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Kara-Tara Pinot Noir Reserve 2021
Price: R595
Grapes from Overberg. 25% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in 300-litre barrels, 20% new. A hint of floral perfume before strawberry and black cherry plus a little earth on the nose. The palate is round but not too sweet or opulent – good fruit expression, well integrated acidity and a smooth texture.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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