La Motte Pierneef new releases

La Motte, with the savvy Hein Koegelenberg as CEO, is one operation that understands the importance of scale. While the Hanneli R red blend at R1 300 a bottle for the 2013 sits at the pinnacle of the offering, the Pierneef range is next most premium, total production of the Pierneef Sauvingon Blanc 2019 at R135 a bottle being 18 000 bottles and that of the Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2017 at R270 a bottle being 99 000 bottles and 1 000 magnums. Meanwhile, the first batch of the standard-label Sauvignon Blanc 2019, which sells for R80 a bottle, amounted to 600 000 bottles when it came off the line in April last year…

La Motte Pierneef Sauvingon Blanc 2019
91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon from Elgin vineyards. A pungent nose of cut grass, green fig and fynbos with undertones of white peach and Granny Smith apple. The palate is lean with punchy acidity and a pithy finish. Dramatic stuff.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Earned its stripes.

La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2017
A blend of 95% Syrah, predominantly from Elim but including a small Walker Bay portion, and 5% Viognier from Franschhoek. Matured for 14 months in 300-litre French oak barrels, 55% new before blending and being returned to barrel for a further four months. Raspberry, plum and peach plus vanilla and white pepper on the nose. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced, the acidity unobtrusive and the tannins fine. Quietly classy rather than thrilling to drink.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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