Metzer new releases

Wade Metzer, who launched his own label in 2006, deserves more recognition. His wines are consistently sophisticated, balancing depth with finesse, an achievement evident once again in his 2022 vintage releases. Tasting notes and ratings follow:

Maritime Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R385
From a Heldeberg vineyard planted in 1980 and 4km from False Bay. Matured for 10 months in older oak. Citrus, peach, hay, herbs and a touch of reduction on the nose. The palate is intense but not obvious – excellent fruit density and vibrant acidity before a savoury, slightly bitter finish. A engrossing wine of great vinosity. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Montane Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R385
From vineyard planted in 1964 in the Helderberg foothills. Matured for 10 months in older oak. Exotic aromatics of orange, melon, mango, pineapple, some yeasty complexity and spice. Rich, round and textured with tangy acidity and a savoury finish. Hugely flavourful. Alc: 13.1%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Cinsault 2022
Price: R360
From a vineyard planted in 1957 in the Helderberg foothills – final vintage before uprooting. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. Red berries, floral fragrance, earth and spice on the nose. Good fruit concentration, bright acidity and fine, tightly packed tannins. More substantial than many examples of this variety but without sacrificing poise. Alc: 13.1%

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Mantra 2022
40% Shiraz, 35% Cinsault and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in older oak. Enticing but not too pretty aromatics red and black berries, olive, earth and spice. Medium bodied with good fruit definition, lemon-like acidity and nicely grippy tannins. Alc: 13.7%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R385
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Shiraz. Matured for 15 months in barrel, 30% new. Cassis, violets and incense on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit and soft tannins. Not overly worked to its credit but arguably lacking some distinction. Alc: 14.2%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

The Shiraz 2022 rated 94 in February 2024 – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.