Miles Mossop new releases

The X (previously Twitter) bio of Miles Mossop reads “Owner and Winemaker of Miles Mossop Wines, passionate surfer and father” and his top-end wines are named are named after his wife and children. The Introduction range, meanwhile, is intended for more casual drinking. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

The Introduction Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R160
74% of grapes from Stellenbosch, 16% from Swartland. 80% fermented in stainless steel tank, 18% in older 400-litre barrels and 2% in concrete egg. Pear, peach, citrus, floral perfume and a touch of fynbos on the nose. The palate is relatively lean (although not under-ripe at 13.5%) with fresh acidity, pithy in texture, the finish bone-dry. Great focus.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Saskia 2021
Price: R340
59% Chenin Blanc, 16% Clairette Blanche, 10% Grenache Blanc, 10% Viognier and 5% Verdelho – all sourced from the Paardeberg. Fermented and matured for 10 months, 80% in 400-litre barrels (of which 20% new) and 20% concrete egg. Complex aromatics of pear, stone fruit, citrus, potpourri, earth and the slightest note of bee’s wax. A dense core of fruit matched by a great line of acidity, the finish long and dry. Poised and intricate, the wine coming nicely to a point. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Max 2020
Price: R450
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc – grapes from various parts of Stellenbosch. Matured for 21 months in 225-litre barrels, 22% new. The nose shows red and black berries, violets and pencil shavings. Pure fruit, bright acidity and silky tannins – good weight and texture (alc: 14.5%). Sumptuous and stylish.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Kika 2023
Price: R370
Grapes from a Stellenbosch block planted in 1988. Matured for approximately three months in older 228- and 400-litre barrels. Orange, dried apricot, touches of potpourri and spice plus mushroom on the nose while the palate is rich and thick-textured, punchy acidity lending balance. Hugely flavourful, the finish savoury.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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