Kruger Family Wines Old Vines Palomino 2020

Palomino, the sherry grape, was once widely planted in South Africa (most of what was produced used for distilling purposes) but by the end of 2019, however, only 115ha remained.

Johan Kruger of Kruger Family Wines gets to work with a Piekenierskloof block planted in 1974 and the result is a wine of particular delicacy. In the case of the current-release 2020, winemaking involved a 30% portion being fermented on the skins for four days before maturation in concrete egg and older oak.

The nose shows subtle notes of citrus, green apple, herbs, flowers and talcum powder while the palate is lean and fresh with a salty finish (alcohol is 12%). It’s intricate and energetic and wonderfully refreshing to drink. Price: R190 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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