Radford Dale new releases

There is, along with generally high quality, a certain quirkiness to at least some of the Radford Dale range of wines as made by Jacques de Klerk and this will endear them even further to the more adventurous wine drinker. Tasting notes and ratings for some of the new releases as follows:

Rigid.

Radford Dale Black Rock 2017
Price: R415
W.O. Swartland. From Cinsault, Syrah and Carignan. Varieties are co-fermented and maturation lasts 18 months in mainly older oak. Red and black fruit, olive, intense spice and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with lemon-like acidity and a super-savoury finish. Restrained to the point of severe currently, this will surely benefit from a year or two of bottle maturation.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Radford Dale The Antidote Gamay Noir 2019
Price: R415
W.O. Stellenbosch. As with previous vintages, a slightly bemusing wine possessing a certain wildness. Wildberry, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is fruity and fresh on entry but finishes savoury and even a touch bitter. An unfamiliar but intriguing flavour profile.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Radford Dale Gravity 2013
Price: R495
Release of this wine deliberately delayed. 62% Syrah and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Helderberg. Free-run juice drawn off and the pomace and skins left to drain overnight – gravitational rather than mechanical pressing and hence the name. Aromatics of red and black fruit, undergrowth, leather and spice. Full-bodied with tannins that seem just about resolved already, the overall impression being deeply savoury. Pretty much ready for drinking.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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