McFarlane new releases

Alexandra McFarlane, who obtained her BSc Agric Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch in 2010, bottled her first wine under her own label in 2019, total production now at 20,000 bottles. Her style might well be summed up as elegant, honest and more-ish. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Capitoline Wolf White 2024
Price: R170
60% Bot River Semillon, 40% Durbanville Chenin Blanc. Matured for nine months in old oak. Delicate notes of pear, peach and hay plus a little reduction while the palate is pleasing in its understatement – not too lean despite a moderate alcohol of 12.5%, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Grit Crouchen 2023
Price: R285
From a Paarl vineyard planted in 1988. Matured for 11 months in old 300-litre barrels. The nose shows appealing notes of lime, peach, flowers, and herbs, with the first hint of waxiness emerging. Light but not dilute, it’s poised and fresh – not a grape associated with gravitas, yet this example offers unexpected intricacy and charm. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Monday’s Child Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R285
Grapes from two Stellenbosch vineyards, one near Bottelary planted in 1989 and the other in Polkadraai Hills in 1988. Matured for 11 months in old 400-litre barrels. Pear, peach, citrus and a hint of lanolin on the nose.  The palate is about finesse rather than intensity – pure and poised with fresh acidity and a long finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Capitoline Wolf Red 2024
Price: R170
60% Paarl Cinsault, 40% Citrusdal Mountain Grenache. The Cinsault component was 100% whole-bunch fermented, the Grenache 25%. Matured for nine months in old oak. The nose shows red cherry, red currant, and a pleasing hint of mint, picked up from the Cinsault’s proximity to eucalyptus trees. The palate is light and sherbety with powdery tannins, making for an invigoratingly drinkable wine. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Wednesday’s Child Grenache 2024
Price: R285
Three barrels from the same site as used in the blend above. Red and black cherry, rose, buchu and white pepper on the nose while the palate shows juicy fruit, snappy acidity and lightly grippy, crunchy tannins. Well balanced and full of charm. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Saturday’s Child Pinotage 2024
Price: R410
From Durbanville grapes. Includes 10% whole-bunch fermentation and spent 11 months in 225-litre barrels, 25% new. The nose shows cherry, plum, a touch of smoky reduction, earth, vanilla, and spice. The palate is sweet-fruited without excess, underpinned by moderate acidity and supple tannins. With alcohol at 14%, it’s open and approachable yet remains well composed.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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