Olifantsberg new releases

Olifantsberg is now coming into its own, with winemaker Elizma Visser at the helm since 2015 and husband and fellow winemaker Ferdi joining her in 2020. The Breedekloof property has also entered a new chapter under the ownership of Kevin Hodgson since November 2024, with renewed investment bringing fresh momentum.

Lark Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R325
Matured for 10 months in a combination of 500-litre barrels, of which 7% were new, and foudre. Pear, peach, citrus and some waxy character on the nose. The palate is concentrated and creamy in texture, with well-integrated acidity and a gently bitter note adding interest to the finish. Showing more substance and depth than previous vintages. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

Grenache Blanc 2024
Price: R295
Matured for 10 months in foudre, older barrels and concrete egg. The nose shows floral perfume alongside citrus, stone fruit and a subtle waxy note. The palate is rich and full without sacrificing poise, the acidity seamlessly integrated. Textural and flavourful, it finishes long and savoury. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Serious

Roussanne 2025
Price: R375
Matured for 10 months, 80% in 500-litre barrel, 20% in concrete egg. Some flinty reduction before citrus, flowers and herbs on the nose. Dense fruit matched by punchy acidity, the finish savoury. Forceful in the best sense, combining richness and viscosity while retaining drive. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive

Soul of the Mountain The Matriarch 2024
Price: R425
66% Roussanne, 27% Grenache Blanc, 7% Chenin Blanc. Matured for 10 months in a combination of foudre, concrete and barrel. Complex aromatics of flowers, herbs, citrus, peach, ginger and other spice. The palate shows pure fruit, snappy acidity before a savoury finish. Rich in texture yet retaining a sense of energy. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive

Pampoeneland Grenache 2022
Price: R695
15% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 10 months in older oak. Cranberry, strawberry, a little earthiness and white pepper on the nose. The palate is broad and flavourful – substantial fruit, well-integrated acidity, and furry tannins. Has a vinosity about it – generous and satisfying with a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

Soul of the Mountain The Bull 2022
Price: R425
53% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 18% Carignan, 2% Mourvèdre. Matured for 10 months in 300- and 500-litre barrels, of which 10% are new, before blending and being returned to barrel for a further four months. The nose is quite heady and wild with notes of red and black berries, cured meat and pepper. The palate is well balanced – good fruit weight and layers of flavour, the finish super-savoury. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive

Syrah 2022
Price: R325
40% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 14 months in 300-litre barrels, 10% new. Red and black berries, fynbos and pepper on the nose. The palate shows good concentration, fresh acidity and nicely grippy tannins, the finish gently savoury. A sound, well-made Syrah, although it lacks a little distinction. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Serious

Pinotage 2022
Matured for 10 months in older oak. The nose displays top notes of musk and fynbos before red cherry and a hint of beetroot. The palate is pure and vital – lovely fruit definition and fine tannins, the finish emphatically dry. A convincing example of the New Wave approach to Pinotage, avoiding the variety’s more obvious excesses. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive

Check out our South African wine ratings database.