Quoin Rock Black Series MCC 2017

Quoin Rock in Stellenbosch is intent on making Cap Classique a significant part of its range and has launched a new lifestyle bubbly, the Festive Series 2022 (price: R350 a bottle).

Consisting of 70% Elgin Pinot Noir and 30% Elim Chardonnay, lees contact lasted 24 months. The nose shows citrus and peach while the palate is clean and fruity with fresh acidity and a fine mousse. Undemanding but eminently likeable. Alc: 11.5%.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

More serious (and priced accordingly at R900 a bottle) is the Black Series MCC 2017, a 50:50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this left on the lees for just under seven years. The nose shows citrus, peach, red apple, raspberry and biscuit while the palate is rich but not too much so with well-integrated acidity and a creamy mousse, the finish gently savoury. Well balanced and nuanced. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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