Kruger Family Wines new releases

Johan Kruger recently has his Old Vines 2021 from Stellenbosch place Top 10 with a rating of 94 in the Prescient Sauvignon Blanc Report and a set of new releases again impress. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Klipkop Chardonnay 2021
Price: R250
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof planted in the early 1990s at 700m above sea level. Matured for nine months in 228-litre barrels, 20% new. A touch of reduction before blossom and lemon on the nose while the palate is well balanced with pure fruit, zippy acidity and a savoury finish. Just the right amount of weight – alcohol is 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Old Vines Cinsault 2023
Price: R225
Grapes from a Wellington vineyard planted in 1952. 80% whole-bunch fermentation before six months in barrel. Extremely perfumed on the nose with notes of flowers, fynbos, cranberry and plum while the palate is ethereal – light and fresh with ultra-fine tannins. Great clarity of fruit, wonderfully dry on the finish. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Pearly Gates Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R235
The last vintage of this wine to be made as the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde site has been grubbed up. 25% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting nine months in older 300-litre barrels. Red cherry, raspberry and musk on the nose while the palate is elegant, poised and intricate – pure fruit and lemon-like acidity before a dry finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Karoo Syrah 2022
Price: R485
NEW. Grapes from a vineyard situated on the Roggeveld escarpment at 1 500 metres above sea level just outside the Karoo village of Sutherland, the same one that Daniël de Waal of Super Single Vineyards used for his acclaimed Mount Sutherland Syrah. 25% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting nine months in older 300-litre barrels.

The nose is initially rather brooding showing smoky reduction, black berries, earth, fynbos and pepper although prettier notes of violets and orange emerge with time in glass. The palate is thrillingly tense – pure fruit, tingly acidity and a saline finish. Lean and austere but in an entirely fascinating way. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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