Kershaw new releases

Richard Kershaw MW admits that some might think that he is pre-occupied with the impact of clones when it comes to winemaking but says “Climate is the critical factor, shaping around 70% of a wine’s final quality. Soil follows as the next most significant influence with vineyard husbandry and winemaking also play key roles. Clone selection contributes perhaps 2% to the outcome”. Kershaw, you quickly gather, is the ultimate wine geek, reveling in deep dives and rabbit holes and given the importance of climate, he aligns himself strongly although not exclusively with cool-climate Elgin.

Tasting notes and ratings for his current releases:

Clonal Selection
Elgin Chardonnay 2021
Price: R760
Incorporating 21 batches from 11 separate sites, 40% from clone 95 and the rest from 96, 76, 548 and 227. Citrus, apple, vanilla and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is powerful yet poised – dense fruit and well-integrated acidity before a savoury finish. Alc: 13.59%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Elgin Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R795

Four different clones – mainly PN 115 and 777 but also 114 and 667 are used. Black cherry, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is full-bodied with big acidity and firm tannins, the finish uncompromisingly dry. A wine of notable presence.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Elgin Syrah 2020
Price: R695

A mix of three clones – SH 9c, 22 and 99 – are used. Flinty reduction, red and black berries, smoked meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins. Well balanced and already nicely resolved.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Deconstructed range
Lake District Bokkeveld Shale CY95 Chardonnay 2021
Price: R1,340

The nose reveals lime, lemon, green apple, and a subtle waxy note, while the palate impresses with clarity and drive – pure, concentrated fruit balanced by racy acidity. The finish is long, dry, and slightly pithy in texture. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Kogelberg Ironstone CY548 Chardonnay 2021
Price: R1,340

Lemon and peach mingle with oatmeal, spice and a touch of struck-match reduction on the nose. The palate is rich and expansive, a slight sweetness and tangy acidity playing off against each other to pleasing effect, the finish satisfyingly savoury. Alc: 13.57%

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Kogelberg Sandstone Pinot Noir PN115 2021
Price: R1,425

Strawberry, cherry, musk and some smoky reduction on the nose. The palate has nice shape and structure – pure fruit, racy acidity and fine tannins. Alc: 13.08%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Groenland Bokkeveld Shale SH9c 2020
Price: R1,200

Red and black berries, quite a pronounced meaty note, undergrowth, and pepper on the nose. The palate is rich and broad (although alcohol is a modest 12.37%) with soft acidity and smooth tannins, the finish gently savoury. A touch more purity would elevate this but tasty enough.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Lake District Cartref SH9c 2020
Price: R1,200

Cartref being a mix of granite, quartz and sandstone soils, winemaking involved 20% whole-bunch fermentation. The nose is layered with red and black berries, cured meat, pepper, and spice. The palate offers concentrated fruit, bright acidity, and fine tannins, finishing with a gentle savouriness. Full of flavour yet already remarkably approachable. Alc: 13.84%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Lake District Cartref SH22 2020
Price: R1,200

Cranberry, raspberry, and cherry, with a hint of buchu and pepper on the nose. The palate is pure and vibrant, supported by fine tannins. Well-balanced with lovely tension, it finishes long and dry. Alc: 12.84%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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