Radford Dale Organic new releases

Radford Dale acquired what was Elgin Ridge in 2021, with the intention of leveraging its organic certification, 2023 marking the second set of releases under the new regime. Tasting notes and ratings as follows (all wines R549 a bottle):

Touchstone Chardonnay 2023
Fermented and matured in older oak for 11 months. Struck-match reduction precedes lime, lemon, a subtle herbal note and oatmeal on the nose. The palate is concentrated but not weighty or oily – pure fruit and fresh acidity before a dry finish. Precise and elegant. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Revelation Semillon 2023
Fermented on the skins for three days and matured in older oak for 11 months. Subtle and alluring aromatics of hay, lime, lemon, peach, nectarine, soft citrus and perhaps some blackcurrant. The palate is lean but flavourful with racy acidity and a savoury, slightly grippy finish. Poised and detailed. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Freedom Pinot Noir 2023
Matured for 11 months in 228- and 300-litre barrels. Red cherry, strawberry, sour plum plus a herbal note on the nose while the palate is light-bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish overtly dry. A touch angular. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Higher Purpose Cabernet Franc 2023
Made using carbonic maceration in concrete eggs. A shy nose with hints of red and black berries, rose and forest floor while the palate is well balanced and medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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