Momento new releases

Marelise Niemann of Momento notes that the 2024 harvest was a “quick pick” due to hot, dry conditions, with smaller yields and large canopies combining to produce wines of notable concentration.

Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2024
Price: R330
67% Chenin Blanc, 33% Verdelho sourced variously from Bot River, Piekenierskloof, Swartland and Voor Paardeberg. Lemon, orange, fynbos, ginger and a hint of leesy complexity on the nose. Dense fruit but also no shortage of freshness, the finish savoury and slightly grippy. Almost chewy in its concentration. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Paardeberg Grenache Noir 2023
Price: R390
From a vineyard on granite. The nose shows pink rose, cranberry, strawberry and a touch of earth. Light and lively with crunchy tannins, the finish ultra-dry. Elegant and composed. Alc: 13.04%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Riebeeksberg Grenache Noir 2023
Price: R540
From a vineyard on schist. Delicate notes of plum, cherry, a touch of orange, olive, earth and spice on the nose. More richness on the palate with tangy acidity and lightly grippy tannins, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 12.9%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Botrivier Grenache Noir 2023
Price: R540
From a vineyard on shale. Musk, orange, macerated strawberry and prune on the nose. Broad on the palate with moderate acidity and soft, suede-like tannins. Not overly polished. Alc: 12.99%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir 2023
Price: R540
From a vineyard on sandstone. Enticing aromatics of red cherry, cranberry, rose, pronounced fynbos and white pepper. The palate is pure and precision – tightly wound and intricate rather than underdone. Light-bodied and fresh with fine-grained tannins. Alc: 13.05%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Tinta Barocca 2023
Price: R390
From two Paardeberg vineyards planted in 1969 and 1984 respectively. Red and black berries, lavender, fynbos and earth on the nose. Good fruit weight, bright acidity and tightly-packed, firm tannins lending a sort of paste-like quality to the finish. Well balanced, detailed and long. Alc: 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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