Olifantsberg new releases

Olifantsberg, where Elizma and Ferdi Visser head up production, is one of the most ambitious properties in Breedekloof. Situated on the mountains outside Worcester with the likes of Opstal some 20km to the southeast, its location is particular. Altitudes of vineyard range from 300 to 470m above sea level and are planted on a combination of shale and sandstone soils, very often employing echalas system and the traditional Rhône varieties are performing well. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Lark Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R236
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 2006. Matured for 10 months, 70% foudre and 30% 500-litre barrel of which a small portion was new. Honeysuckle, lemon and peach on the nose while the palate is fleshy with moderate acidity. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Roussanne 2022
Price: R310
Matured in old 500-litre barrels for 10 months. The nose has a subtle waxy note before citrus, peach, earth, spice and herbs. The palate has dense fruit, punchy acidity and a savoury finish. Layers of flavour and more vigour than some of its other local counterparts. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Granche Blanc 2022
Price: R236
Spontaneously fermented and matured for 10 months in a combination of foudre, barrels and concrete. Floral perfume before pear, white peach and lime on the nose. The palate is relatively light-bodied with crisp acidity and a pithy finish. Elegant, pure and precise. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Soul of the Mountain The Matriarch 2020
Price: R320

68% Roussanne, 23% Grenache Blanc, 9% Chenin Blanc. Matured for 10 months in older 500-litre barrels. A slight waxy note precedes orange, stone fruit, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is rich and thick-textured with tangy acidity and a slightly grippy finish. Full of flavour if a little rough-hewn.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Grenache Noir 2022
Price: R236
30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months in older 300-litre barrels. Enticing aromatics of red currant, raspberry, orange, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is both vivid and seamless – pure fruit, crisp acidity and nicely grippy tannins, the finish very dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Carignan 2021
Price: R150
10% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation in older 225-litre barrels. Red cherry, herbs and spice on the nose while the palate is attractively vital – juicy fruit, fresh acidity and crunchy tannins. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Syrah 2019
Price: R170
40% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 14 months in barrel, 10% new. The aromatics are unrestrained with notes of smoky reduction, red and black berries, crushed herbs, raw meat and pepper. The palate, meanwhile, displays dense fruit, crips acidity and crunchy tannins. Full of flavour, an umami-like quality to the finish. Somewhat rustic but compelling. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Soul of the Mountain The Bull 2019
Price: R320
38% Syrah, 23% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 16% Carignan. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Some reduction before red and black berries, herbs and spice while the palate has good fruit concentration, lemon-like acidity and crunchy tannins. Plenty of appeal but real distinction probably still to come. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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