McFarlane new releases
By Christian Eedes, 29 July 2024
Alexandra McFarlane says the motivation behind her label is “to shine the light on the workhorse varieties that built the SA wine industry” and hence she works predominantly with Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Cinsault and Pinotage sourced from across the winelands. She’s a precise winemaker who favours an understated aesthetic. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:
Capitoline Wolf White 2023
Price: R160
70% Semillon, 30% Chenin Blanc. 50% of the Semillon underwent skin contact for 10 days. Subtle notes of lime, peach, soft citrus, hay and wax while the palate is light bodied yet intensely flavoured – clean fruit and bright acidity before a lightly grippy finish. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Monday’s Child 2023
Price: R267
From Chenin Blanc, 60% from the Koelenhof part of Stellenbosch, 40% from Polkadraai Hills. Matured for 11 months in older 200-litre barrels. Alluring aromatics of pear, peach, citrus and fynbos and the vaguest hint of yeasty complexity. The palate is again relatively light but the fruit is well delineated, the acidity fresh and the finish dry. Honest and unadorned. Alc: 13%,
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Capitoline Wolf Rosé 2023
Price: R160
75% Cinsault, 25% Chenin Blanc. Matured for nine months in neutral 300-litre barrels. Peach and orange on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with tangy acidity and some light grip to the finish. Lots of white wine character which doesn’t necessarily detract but does make this a slightly odd drinking experience.
CE’s rating: 88/100.
Capitoline Wolf Red 2023
Price: R160
92% Cinsault, 8% Grenache, the former undergoing whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for nine months in neutral 300- and 500-litre barrels. Pretty aromatics of cranberry, strawberry and rose while the palate is charming – light and fresh with no tannins to speak of, but still savoury. Alc: 12%.
CE’s rating: 90/100.
Tuesday’s Child 2023
Price: R267
92% Cinsault, 8% Grenache. A barrel selection of the above. Cherry, plum, subtle floral perfume and fynbos on the nose. The palate has a little more weight and texture than Capitoline Wolf, the finish a little more grippy although hardly grippy. Restrained and poised. Alc: 12%.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Saturday’s Child 2023
Price: R385
From Pinotage sourced mainly from Durbanville but also Stanford. 10% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black cherry, plums and floral perfume on the nose. The palate has great fruit definition, vibrant acidity and powdery tannins. Harmonious and unshowy. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
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