Rall new releases
By Christian Eedes, 5 July 2023
Donovan Rall first released a wine under his own name from the 2008 vintage, the newly available 2022s therefore his 15th and these are now without doubt some of the most exciting in the country. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Rall Grenache Blanc 2022
Price: R290
Grapes entirely from Piekenierskloof this vintage whereas 2021 included a Stellenbosch portion. The nose is extraordinarily shy at this stage – elusive notes of pear, peach, citrus and herbs while the palate is light-bodied with fresh acidity and pithy texture. Very tight and unshowy. Alc: 12%.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Rall White 2022
Price: R365
72% Chenin Blanc, 24% Verdelho and 4% Viognier – includes a portion of Chenin from the vineyard from which Noa below is sourced. Expressive aromatics of citrus, peach, floral perfume, herbs and a subtle reductive note while the palate has a dense core of fruit, invigorating acidity and dry finish. Poised and rather thrilling drinking.
CE’s rating: 97/100.
Rall Noa Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R530
From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1969 on granitic soils. Lime, lemon, earth and a subtle waxy note on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit, well integrated acidity and a dry finish. Surprisingly forceful given an alcohol of just 12% but this equally possesses plenty of drive.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
Rall Ava Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R530
From a vineyard planted on schist soils. Yellow fruit (peach, apple) to go with hay, earth and spice on the nose. The palate has lovely breadth and texture – really detailed with layers of flavour, the finish showing a slight bitterness so typical of the variety. Alc: 13.5%.
Price: 95/100.
Rall Cinsault 2022
Price: R290
70% Darling and 20% Swartland grapes. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics of black cherry, plum, potpourri, earth and spice. The palate has nice roundness and weight – good fruit concentration, bright acidity and supple tannins. Alcohol is 13% compared to 2021’s 12% and shows more vinosity as a result.
Price: 93/100.
Rall Syrah 2022
Price: R290
Grapes from the vineyard that supplies Ava below but matured in 4 500-litre concrete squares rather than oak. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Compelling aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, earth, coriander and pepper. Light-bodied yet intensely flavoured with a great line of acidity and powdery tannins. Compact but also possessing plenty of verve and vitality – if 2021 was good, this is superb. Alc: 12.5%.
Price: 96/100.
Rall Red 2021
Price: R365
78% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 7% Carignan and 2% Cinsault. Matured for 12 months in older 225- and 300-litre barrels. Red and black berries, floral perfume, fynbos and a little undergrowth on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity fine tannins. Balanced and lightly dry on the finish. Very appealing with a nice crunchy quality to it.
Price: 94/100.
Rall Ava Syrah 2022
Price: R660
From vineyards on schist. Matured in 3 000-litre foudres. Hugely complex aromatics of red and black berries, orange, rose, lavender, fynbos and white pepper – all quite heady. The palate has astonishing clarity and focus – really vivid with lovely freshness and supremely long and dry finish. Poised, intricate and tightly coiled.
Price: 98/100.
The 2022 vintage of Cinsault Blanc is destined for export only.
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