Ladybird new releases

By , 4 August 2023

The announcement that Stellenbosch property Kanonkop had acquired its neighbour Laibach came early last year, the vineyards and production facilities largely set to be used for the production of Kanonkop’s everyday-drinking range Kadette. Long-serving winemaker Francois van Zyl will however continue to make a Cape Bordeaux red plus two reserve wines, namely Sur Lie Chenin Blanc and Claypot Merlot. Tasting notes and ratings for new releases of the latter two as follows:

Ladybird Sur Lie Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R145
30% carbonic maceration, 21 days skin contact. 50% matured in concrete tank and 50% in barrels, 5% new. Top notes of potpourri, ginger and other spice before peach, orange and cut-apple. Rich and broad with tangy acidity, the finish slightly grippy A particular, deeply flavourful example of the variety.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Ladybird Claypot Merlot 2020
Price: R320
Matured for 24 months, 80% in new oak, 10% in old oak and 10% in clay pots. The nose initially shows red and black berries, olive, chocolate, pencil shavings and spice while lighter notes of floral perfume and dried herbs emerge with time in the glass. The palate is rich and broad, although not short of freshness, and the tannins are well managed with a velvet-like texture, the finish long and dry. A wine with a balanced plushness about it.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

Comments

0 comment(s)

Please read our Comments Policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Like our content?

Show your support.


Subscribe