McFarlane new releases
By Christian Eedes, 11 July 2023
Alexandra McFarlane, currently making her wines in the cellar of Overberg property Seven Springs, champions the heritage varieties and buys grapes from across the Western Cape. Tasting notes and ratings for her recently releases 2022s as follows:
Capitoline Wolf White 2022
Price: R150
70% Franschhoek Semillon, 30% Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc. Citrus, peach, hay and some waxy character on the nose. The palate is round with good fruit weight, well integrated acidity and gently savoury finish. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Capitoline Wolf Rosé 2022
Price: R150
80% Breedekloof Cinsault and 20% Bot River Semillon. Matured for 10 months in old oak. Red berries, orange and spice on the nose. The palate has good weight and texture, moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Full of charm if not classically light and dry.
CE’s rating: 89/100.
Capitoline Wolf Red 2022
Price: R150
Cinsault from Breedekloof, Darling and Stellenbosch. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Cranberry, cherry, floral perfume, herbs and spice on the nose. The palate is light and vital – pure fruit, fresh acidity and a nicely savoury finish. Alc: 12.07%.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Monday’s Child 2022
Price: R250
From Chenin Blanc – 60% Polkadraai Hills and 40% Koelenhof. A expressive nose of citrus, peach, herbs, some leesy complexity, ginger and other spice. Surprisingly rich and broad given an alcohol of just 12.5%. Lots of flavour and well-integrated acidity.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Tuesday’s Child 2022
Price: R250
86% Cinsault (as with Capitoline Wolf Red) and 14% Durbanville Pinotage. Alluring aromatics of red and black berries, floral perfume and spice. Good fruit definition, bright acidity and nicely firm tannins. Poised and not at all skeletal despite an alcohol of just 12.21% – the Pinotage addition is inspired and this should perhaps be seen more as a blend than a single-variety Cinsault (even though it’s labeled as such).
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Saturday’s Child 2022
Price: R350
From Stanford Pinotage. 15% whole-bunch fermented before maturation lasting eight months in older 300-litre barrels. Some smoky reduction before black cherry and crushed herbs on the nose. The palate is lean and fresh with fine tannins. It has a pleasing coolness about it (alcohol is 12.5%) but some may find it too angular and geeky.
CE’s rating: 90/100.
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