Oak Valley new releases

Oak Valley in Elgin is a powerhouse farming operation, balancing fruit, livestock, and flowers alongside wine. Winemaker Jacques du Plessis, in charge since 2018, notes that the vineyards are not subsidised by the broader business. Riesling has recently been phased out, with the focus now on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The small-batch, single-clone Tabula Rasa series allows Du Plessis to control for almost every variable except for the clone itself.

Groenlandberg Chardonnay 2024
Price: R385
80% CY548, the rest CY95 and CY96. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 30% new. Floral perfume, lime, lemon, green apple and a hint of leesy complexity. The palate is rich yet well composed. Pure fruit, creamy in texture but also big acidity lending drive. Concentrated, even opulent, open and appealing. Alc: 13.42%

CE’s rating: 94 | Serious

Groenlandberg Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R385

Predominantly PN667, the rest PN114, PN115 and PN777. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 32% new. Delicate aromatics of red cherry, red apple, rose, herbs, tea leaf and smoky reduction. Light, fresh with fine tannins, the finish salty. Pleasantly austere, perhaps a little brittle. Alc: 13.16%.

CE’s rating: 91 | Distinctive

Tabula Rasa CY95 Chardonnay 2022
Price: R885

50% new oak. Citrus, apple, a little waxy character, oatmeal and spice on the nose. Relatively lean on the palate with driving acidity and a long, pithy finish – stops just short of being angular but definitely has an austere, geeky edge. Alc: 13.36%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Serious

Tabula Rasa CY548 Chardonnay 2022
Price: R885

50% new oak. Aromas of citrus, peach, a touch of honey, and subtle flinty reduction. The palate is generous and broad, with vibrant acidity and layered flavors. Voluptuous, yet balanced – the kind of richness that defines many great examples of the variety. Alc: 13.36%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Luxurious

Tabula Rasa PN777 Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R885

10% whole-bunch ferementation. 50% new oak. Red and black berries, musk, charcuterie, and white pepper on the nose. Surprisingly full-bodied given an alcohol of just 13.08% – good fruit weight, fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish gently savoury.

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

Tabula Rasa PN667 Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R885

50% new oak. Black berries, violets and earth on the nose. The palate is rich – dense fruit, smooth textured, well-integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.16%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Luxurious

Check out our South African wine ratings database.`