Maanschijn new releases

Doug Mylrea and Paul Hoogwerf operate out of a converted stable situated beneath a tall mountain peak between Hermanus and Stanford called Maanschynkop and their label in turn is Maanschijn, the Dutch word for “moonlight”. They source grapes from across Walker Bay and aim to “capture the essence of the area” through blends.

Maanschijn Herbarium Cape White 2021
Price: R230

44% Sauvignon Blanc, 33% Chenin Blanc, 22% Semillon and 1% Muscat d’Alexandrie. The nose is intriguing with nothing overtly primary about it – subtle top notes of floral perfume and dried herbs before pear, peach and lime. Similarly, the palate is intricate and absorbing – well weighted with punchy acidity and a saline finish. A wine that succeeds by not being formulaic.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Maanschijn Herbarium Cape Red 2021
Price: R230

56% Pinotage, 21% Mourvèdre, 21% Syrah and 2% Grenache. Appealing aromatics of flowers, fynbos cherries, plums and white pepper while the palate shows good fruit density, bright acidity and fine tannins. It’s lean but not austere and has got a nice “crunch” to it. Characterful and more-ish.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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