Pounding Grape new releases

Chris Groenewald ended his involvement with Terracura with the completion of the 2026 vintage and will now focus fully on his own label, Pounding Grape, continuing to operate from his makeshift cellar in a semi-industrial corner of Parow.

Bringing Back The Joy Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Price: R195
From Durbanville. Fermented on skins for six days, matured in concrete egg and old oak. Peach, nectarine, a hint of blackcurrant and dried herbs on the nose. Concentrated fruit and big acidity before a grippy finish. Lean with a long, saline finish. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Distinctive

Unicorns in the Sky Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R325
NEW. From Paardeberg, a 25% portion fermented on skins. The nose shows peach and soft citrus as well as hints of hay and potpourri. Light but not entirely insubstantial with fresh acidity, the finish ever so lightly grippy. Energetic and intricate.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

Just Leave Me Flowers on My Grave NV
Price: R325 per 500ml
NEW. From Swartland Chenin Blanc. 65% from the 2023 vintage aged under flor, 35% from 2026. The nose shows an oxidative, rancio-like character with notes of nuts and wax, alongside hints of stone fruit and dried herbs. The palate is dense and intensely flavoured, moderate acidity providing sufficient lift. The 15% alcohol is impressively well integrated.

CE’s rating: 94 | Serious

Fairies in the Garden Semillon 2025
Price: R260
From Swartland. Fermented on skins for seven days, matured in concrete egg and old oak. The nose shows red apple, orange, thatch and spice. The palate is light but not meagre – pure fruit and fresh acidity before a pithy finish. Focused and delightful to drink. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Delicious

Where the Lines Bend Cabernet Franc 2025
Price: R260
NEW. From Bottelary, Stellenbosch. Entirely destemmed and matured in concrete egg. Very fragrant aromatics of floral perfume, fresh herbs, red cherry, cassis, and earth. The palate combines pure fruit with racy acidity finishing saline. Alc: 11%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Delicious

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