Kruger Family Wines new releases

Kruger Family Wines was established in 2015 by Johan and Sofie Kruger. Johan, previously of Stellenbosch’s Sterhuis, sources select vineyard parcels from across the Cape. While the label has no dedicated winery, tastings are offered by appointment at an intimate space adjoining the couple’s home in Somerset West. Notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Old Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R295
From a 1988 Stellenbosch vineyard. Barrel fermented and matured for eight months in older oak. Peach, winter melon, maybe a hint of blackcurrant, earth and a leesy note on the nose. Rich, pleasantly thick textured, well integrated acidity, the finish savoury. Less about variety and more about vineyard. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Sans Chêne Chardonnay 2025
Price: R175
From Piekenierskloof. Spontaneously fermented and matured for eight months in concrete egg. Pretty aromatics of flowers, herbs and a trace of lemon. Clean and pure with fresh acidity and a dry finish. An easy style, elegant and full of happiness. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Klipkop Chardonnay 2024
Price: R295
From Piekenierskloof. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, 10% new. Lemon, orange, a bread-like note and a hint of spice on the nose. Rich and broad although doesn’t lack drive, the finish gently savoury. A curious vintage – lots going on but arguably lacks precision. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnay 2024
Price: R335
NEW. Matured for 10 months in second- and third-fill barrels for 10 months. No MLF. Orchard blossom, lemon and a touch of vanilla on the nose. The palate is poised – clean fruit and fresh acidity before a pithy finish. Elegant – not entirely without weight but really all about verve. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Old Vines Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2023
Price: R335
From a 1991 vineyard. Matured for nine months in barrel, 15% new. Citrus, peach, oatmeal, vanilla and some leesy complexity on the nose. Dense fruit, pleasing texture, bright acidity, a gently savoury finish. Unashamedly intense. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Old Vines Swartland Chardonnay 2024
Price: R515
Sold primarily via online retailer Naked Wines. From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1986, the third oldest vineyard of this variety in the country. Matured 10 months in equal parts concrete, foudre, and old barrels. Pear, peach, citrus and hay on the nose. The palate is linear and taut without being severe. Vibrant and effortless, finishing long and pithy. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Karoo Chardonnay 2024
Price: R515
From two vineyards, one planted in 2009 and the other in 2021. Matured in 228-litre barrels, 15% new. The nose is somewhat reticent with subtle notes of lemon, herbs and talcum powder.  Lovely fruit expression – not necessarily about power and weight but wonderfully subtle, flavourful and harmonious. Great focus and drive, the finish long and pithy. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Sans Chêne Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R175

From 60% Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and 40% Elandskloof fruit, 30% whole-bunch fermentation, matured for 12 months in older oak. The nose shows rose, cherry, raspberry and strawberry with a hint of earth. The palate has some substance – not entirely tutti-frutti – the finish gently savoury. Characterful if not supremely precise. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R335
Replaces the Pearly Gates bottling. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. 10% new oak. Musk, red cherry, cranberry and a hint of fynbos on the nose while the palate has good clarity of fruit, bright acidity and crunchy tannins. Vital and refreshing, the finish nicely dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Old Vines Cinsault 2024
Price: R355
From a Wellington vineyard planted in 1952. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. The nose shows cherries, plums, cassis, red apple, flowers, spice earth, and a touch of playdough. Generous in flavour yet ephemeral in structure – pure fruit, bright acidity and filigree tannins. Mesmerising with so much to it a mere 11.5% alcohol.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Karoo Syrah 2024
Price: R515
From vineyards at 1,500m above sea level. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 14 months in 300-litre barrels, 10% new. The nose shows red berries, musk, a hint of fynbos, vanilla, earth and white pepper. The palate is light and fresh with firm but not abrasive tannins. Less immediately convincing than the 2023 but may well benefit from time in bottle. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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