Kruger Family Wines current releases

Kruger Family Wines, the label begun by Johan and Sofie Kruger in 2015, goes from strength to strength, the couple having recently built a wine studio that is open to the public by appointment on their resedential Somerset West property.

As for the wines, there is both a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Collection but Kruger is increasingly gaining acclaim for the work he is doing with old vines – he reckons that to date, he’s had a positive influence (in the sense of taking at least some of the fruit) on around 60ha, with 1 000km between them!

Tasting notes and ratings for wines not yet reviewed as follows:

Old Vines Palomino 2021
Price: R225
From a 1974 Piekenierskloof vineyard. Subtle notes of pear, white peach, lime, fresh herbs and sea breeze on the nose. Taut and focused with racy acidity and a salty finish, its reticence very much part of the charm.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Old Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Price: R225
From a 1988 Stellenbosch vineyard. Barrel fermented and matured for nine months in older oak. A shy nose with hints of lime, grapefruit and blackcurrant. The palate is lean and fresh with pithy finish. Tightly wound, there’s a sense that this still needs a year or two show at its best.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2020
Price: R275
From a 1962 Piekenierskloof ungrafted vineyard. Lemon, yellow peach and some yeasty, waxy notes. The palate has surprising richness given a relatively modest alcohol of 13% – full of flavour with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Old Vines Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2021
Price: R275
From a 1990 Koelenhof vineyard. Pear, peach, citrus plus a hint of reduction on the nose while the palate has layers of flavour and great balance – good depth of fruit, well-integrated acidity  and a savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Western Cape Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R95
Grapes sourced from various sites between Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and Caledon. Unoaked. Musk, red cherry and a hint of herbs on the nose while the palate is entirely charming with pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. Not short of density, the alcohol being 13%. Extraordinarily good drinking at the price.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Pearly Gates Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R225
From Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Approximately 25% whole-bunch fermentation. Red berries, rose and white pepper on the nose while the palate is light with lemon-like acidity and very fine tannins, the finish super-dry. The model of delicacy and understatement.

CE’s rating: 91/100.  

Old Vines Cinsault 2022
Price: R195
From a 1952 Wellington vineyard. 100% whole-bunch fermentation in tank before maturation in old oak. Red cherry, floral perfume, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is pristine with clean fruit and great freshness, the finish persistent and wonderfully dry. Light and lively yet also detailed and crystalline in structure, this is a beautiful and enthralling rendition of the variety.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Old Vines Grenache 2018 vs 2019 vs 2020
From a 1973 Piekenierskloof vineyard. Three consecutive vintages tasted side by side:

2018 – This showed a lot of reduction on release in 2019 but is now drinking beautifully. Red and black berries and a little pepper on the nose while the palate has good depth of fruit, punchy acidity and grippy tannins. Good definition and balance – currently available at R325 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

2019 – More oxidative in style with notes of earth, smoked meat and undergrowth to go with strawberry and spice. The palate is relatively full and flavourful with moderate acidity and fine tannins. Yet to be released.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

2020 – Floral perfume, red berries and white pepper on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Primary and pretty. Sold out.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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