Momento new releases

As is now well established, Marelise Niemann of Momento sings the praises of 2021 while emphasising the challenges of 2022, the former producing wines of “exceptional complexity” and the latter characterised by heat spikes that caused acidities to decrease rapidly. Tasting notes and ratings for her new releases as follows:

Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2022
Price: R290
66% Chenin Blanc (sourced from Bot River, Paardeberg and, for the first time, Piekenierskloof) and 34% Verdelho (Bot River and Voor-Paardeberg). Peach and nectarine plus notes of floral perfume, earth and spice in the background. Rich and round with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.05%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Momento Grenache Blanc 2022
Price: R290
Grapes from Paardeberg, Voor-Paardeberg and Stellenbosch. Two days of skin contact before fermentation. Hay, herbs, pear and lime on the nose while the palate has pure fruit, zesty acidity and pithy texture, the finish long and saline. Great refreshment value. Alc: 13.29%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Momento Grenache Gris 2022
Price: R290
Grapes from Voor-Paardeberg. Seven days of skin contact. Aromatically shy – hints of orange, red apple and spice. The palate is nicely balanced – good weight and texture but equally not short of freshness, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.63%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Momento Grenache Noir 2021
Price: R355
Grapes from Paardeberg. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months in foudre and then a further six months in tank. Wild strawberry, red and black cherry, earth, undergrowth and spice on the nose. Great fruit expression, bright acidity and powdery tannins – intense but not weighty, vital and refined. Alc: 12.65%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Momento Tinta Barocca 2021
Price: R355
Grapes from Darling, Paardeberg and Stellenbosch all over 40 years old. 15% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 16 months in older oak. Red and black berries, flowers, herbs and earth on the nose while the palate has dense fruit, bright acidity ang grippy tannins – has a certain wildness about it. Alc: 12.95%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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