Mother Rock new releases
By Christian Eedes, 27 July 2020
3
Stompie Meyer’s new property called Platteklip Vineyards is situated 30km from the Atlantic Ocean at between 600m and 800m above sea level in a small valley in the Piketberg, his fellow farmers more inclined to plant apples, pears, citrus, proteas and buchu than wine grapes. The sandstone soils are apparently most similar to those of Constantia, growing conditions to those of Elgin although there’s less humidity removing disease pressure.
Meyer acquired the property in 2016 which was then under natural vegetation and has to date planted seven hectares – the eventual wines could be designated either W.O. Swartland or W.O. West Coast but Meyer believes that his terroir is so unique that it deserves a brand new ward being declared and is lobbying for “Piket-Bo-Berg”. It will be a fascinating project to watch unfold but in the meantime, he continues with his Mother Rock label, tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Mother Rock Kweperfontein Chenin Blanc 2018
Price: R210
From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1984. A compelling nose of lemon, orange, herbs, spic and some leesy funk. The palate is super-concentrated with punchy acidity and a finish that is long and savoury. There’s no denying the rough edges on this wine but that’s what makes it.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Mother Rock Liquid Skin Chenin Blanc 2019
Price: R225
From the same block as Kweperfontein but this kept on the skins for nine weeks. The nose has a pronounced reductive pong to go with citrus while the palate is lean with arresting acidity and a pithy finish. It’s super-geeky and comes across rather unresolved now but if the 2017 is anything to go by, should age well.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Mother Rock Brutal! Chenin Blanc 2019
Price: R225
Grapes from a 1962 vineyard, the winemaking involves carbonic maceration plus two weeks’ skin contact. A pretty nose with top notes of hay, flowers and herbs before pear, peach and lemon. Light and fresh on the palate with a saline finish, this is most appealing.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Mother Rock White 2019
Price: R150
From vineyards scattered throughout the Swartland, this consists of 57% Chenin Blanc, 22% Viognier, 18% Grenache Blanc and 3% skin-contact Semillon. A wonderfully complex nose of white peach, apple, lime, lemon, flowers and herbs. The palate is elegant and detailed – remarkably light and pure with bright acidity and a long, pithy finish. A delight to drink.
CE’s rating: 96/100.
Mother Rock Halocene 2018
Price: R210
From 50% Carignan, 35% Mourvedre and 15% Cinsault. Red fruit, some floral perfume, mint and other herbs, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is light, fresh and flavourful, the tannins fine.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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Jacques | 27 July 2020
Do you have any information as to where one can buy/order these wines?
Christian Eedes | 27 July 2020
Hi Jacques, Purchase inquiries should be directed to David Clarke of Ex Animo – email: david@exanimo.co.za; tel: 081 011 8505; http://www.exanimo.co.za
David Clarke | 29 July 2020
Thanks Christian. Should be noted not all of these vintages have been released yet…