Môrelig new releases

Môrelig, situated at the foot of the Paardeberg in the Swartland, counts the likes of Lammershoek and Adi Badenhorst’s Kalmoesfontein as neighbours so Andrew Wightman was probably not entirely misguided when he acquired the property in 2011 and started producing wine under his own label in 2015. Tasting notes and ratings for the current-release 2017s as follows:

Môrelig Chenin Blanc 2017
Price: R110
Alc: 13%. Spontaneously fermented and matured for nine months in old oak. A floral top note before orange, apricot, yellow peach, ginger and other spice, all subtle and alluring. The palate shows good fruit expression and moderate acidity before a nicely savoury finish. Modest in the best sense.

Editor’s rating: 89/100.

Môrelig Old Bushvine Chenin Blanc 2017
Price: R170
Alc: 12.78%. From a block planted in 1980. Spontaneously fermented and matured for nine months in old oak. Lemon, white peach, apple cider, dried herbs and just a hint of flinty reduction on the nose. The palate shows concentrated fruit and plenty of drive (although TA is relatively low at 5.02g/l) before a pithy finish. Very striking and rather delicious.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Neatly trimmed.

Môrelig The Hedge 2017
Price: R130
Alc: 12.35%. 75% Syrah, 13% Carignan and 12% bought-in Cinsault. Very aromatic with notes of red and black berries, fynbos, purple flowers, olive tapenade, spice and a hint of earth. The palate is marked by surprisingly plump fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish gently savoury. A most accomplished maiden release.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

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