Kleine Zalze Project Z new releases

Kleine Zalze, the Stellenbosch-based cellar owned by major French wine company Advini since September 2022, is one of South Africa’s more successful large-scale producers operating at thepremium end of the market. Its wines, however, are probably viewed as a bit staid and conventional, for all the awards won.

How to change that? The first bottlingd under the experimental Project Z label were from the 2017 vintage and these are slowly but surely taking their place among South Africa’s most exciting. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Project Z Chenin Blanc Skin Contact 2022
Price: R460
W.O. Stellenbosch. Grapes on skins for 7 to 10 days in amphorae, maturation lasting nine months. The nose shows nectarine, orange, ginger and other spice with some bee’s was and flinty reduction in the background. Dense fruit and bright acidity before a finish that’s long, super-savoury and intensely grippy. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Project Z Grenache 2022
Price: R420
W.O. Darling. Fermentation in stainless steel tank, including a 30 to 40% whole-bunch portion while maturation lasted eight months in amphorae. Red berries, orange, Turkish Delight, earth, playdough and spice on the nose. The palate is striking if a little awkward – pure fruit, tart acidity and powdery tannins, the finish ultra-dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Project Z Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R590
Grapes from a Helderberg vineyard on granite. Last of the free-run juice captured overnight fermented in an amphora – total production was 718 bottles. The nose is perfumed and enchanting with notes of cassis, violets and some leafiness. The palate is medium bodied with snappy acidity and fine tannins. A wine that displays finesse but equally no shortage of presence – great structure and balance, the finish long and dry. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Kleine Zalze winemaker Hanri Ferreira had two wines from this set of Project Z releases in the Top 10 of the FedEx Next Generation Awards earlier this year, namely Alvarinho 2022 and Chenin Blanc 2022. Both rated 94 points, the former selling for R280 a bottle and the latter for R460 – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.