Mariëtte Pinot Blanc 2016

Mariëtte Coetzee (née Stofberg) is winemaker at Stofberg Family Vineyards in Rawsonville, the top of the range wines carrying her name. First release was a Chenin Blanc 2015 which rated 88 on the 100-point quality scale (see here) and this is now joined by a Pinot Blanc 2016 and a Shiraz 2014.

Funk soul sister.

Mariëtte Pinot Blanc 2016
Price: R375
Alc: 13%. Citrus, sherry-like nuttiness and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is flavourful and thick textured, tangy acidity lending balance, the finish gently savoury. It’s not one for the classicists but has its own idionsynratic charm.

Editor’s rating: 89/100.

Mariëtte Shiraz 2014
Price: R275
Alc: 14.5%. Matured for 30 months in French oak. The nose shows prominent meaty, spicy notes before black fruit plus mint and other fresh herbs. The palate is big and rich, not short of freshness but the tannins are very firm. It makes a big impression but lacks nuance.

Editor’s rating: 87/100.