Naudé Langpad Old Vines Colombard 2022

Ian Naudé of Naudé Wines.

During 2022, Sauvignon Blanc overtook Colombar to become South Africa’s second-most planted variety but there were still 9 114ha of the latter in the ground at the end of last year (the equivalent of 10.4% of the national vineyard).

Winemaker Ian Naudé feels that “the wave is beginning to swell” when it comes to top-end examples and points to examples as made by the likes of Sakkie Mouton and Kayleigh Hattingh under her Rebel Rebel label.

Grapes for Naudé’s own version come from a Vredendal vineyard planted in 1983 on sand and farmed using flood irrigation. The 2022 (price: R385 a bottle) was spontaneously fermented and matured for 12 months in older oak. The nose shows subtle notes of flowers, herbs, pear, peach and citrus while the palate is relatively lean with punchy acidity and a uncompromisingly dry finish. Alc: 11%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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