Plaisir new releases

It’s all happening at Plaisir on the Paarl side of Simonsberg. Rose and Michael Jordaan took over the property (previously Plaisir de Merle) from Distell in 2021 and have made quickly made it a hospitality hotspot with accommodation, trails, restaurants and food markets. Tim Whitfield, previously assistant winemaker at Tokara, joined briefly before leaving for a position in Croatia, to be replaced by Fred Fismer, formerly of De Trafford.

As for the wines, the intention is to have two top-end offerings known as Grand Plaisir, the white a single-variety Chardonnay and the red a Cape Bordeaux red blend. Tasting notes and ratings for the soon-to-be-released new vintages as follows:

Plaisir Grand Plaisir White 2022
Price: R490
Chardonnay. Matured for 11 months barrel, 60% new. Pear, peach, citrus and a subtle nuttiness on the nose. Medium bodied with well-integrated acidity and a pithy finish. Carries its oak well and comes across as elegant and understated.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Plaisir Grand Plaisir Red 2018
Price: R790
41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, the rest Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Matured for 18 months in first- and second-fill barrels before a further six months in third-fill barrels. Red and black berries, rose and fresh herbs on the nose while the palate is medium bodied (despite an alcohol of 14.5%) with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Drinks well but could afford to be a little more complex and substantial given the price tag.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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