Kruger Family Wines Old Vines new releases

Johan Kruger, previously of Sterhuis in Stellenbosch, now sources grapes from across the winelands to make a wide array of wines, in many cases making these sold exclusively via customer-funded online retailer Naked Wines. Tasting notes and ratings for some of the new releases as follows:

Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Palomino 2019
Price: R165
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof planted in 1974. Matured for five months in concrete egg and older oak. An ethereal nose of pear, green apple, flowers and herbs plus a little flinty reduction. The palate is light bodied with racy acidity and a salty finish. Wonderfully lean and linear.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Old is gold.

Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2019
Price: R275
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1962. Matured for eight months in concrete egg. A very expressive nose with notes of peach, naartjie, melon pineapple to go with some intriguing reduction. Full and round on the palate (despite an alcohol of just 12.5%) with tangy acidity and grippy, slightly bitter finish. Properly complex.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Chardonnay 2019
Not available in SA.

From a Swartland vineyard planted in 1986, apparently the joint oldest in the country. Fermented and matured in concrete egg and older oak.  A shy nose while the palate is light and energetic – lemon-like flavour, fresh acidity and a pithy finish. Tremendous refreshment value.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Cinsault 2019
Not available in SA.

From a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1976. A top note of rose-like perfume before cherries and plums plus some earth and spice in the background. The palate displays good fruit definition with moderate acidity and tannins that provide a little crunch. Well balanced and nicely layered.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Grenache 2019
Price: R325
From a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1973. 35% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting nine months in 400- and 500-litre barrels. The nose is initially quite reduced but opens up to reveal raspberry, strawberry, some floral perfume and spice. The palate is light-bodied with pure fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Focused and lithe.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Tinta Barorcca 2019
Not available in SA.
From a Wellington vineyard planted in 1976. The nose shows black fruit, incense, earth and spice. The palate shows dense fruit and firm tannins – sweet upfront but the finish suitably dry. Big but harmonious – alcohol is 14%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

Read Johan Kruger on how Coronavirus has impacted his business here.

Attention: Reviews like this take time and effort to create. We need your support to make our work possible. To make a financial contribution, click here. Invoice available upon request – contact info@winemag.co.za