Rall White 2013

Phat.

Donovan Rall has enjoyed huge success since his maiden vintage 2008. What does he put it down to? “Luck. Being surrounded by like-minded people. Constantly gauging myself against my peers. And the right vineyards – apply the least amount of winemaking possible and you should come out on top,” he says. His new releases are knock-out:

Rall White 2013
Price: R200 50% Chenin Blanc, the rest Verdelho, Chardonnay and Viognier from the Swartland and Stellenbosch. Fabulous aroma and flavour intensity – stone fruit, spice, dried herbs and some yeasty complexity. This is a wine with real presence – big and muscular but not at the expense of detail.  Lovely coated acidity which makes for a long, saline finish.
Score: 94/100.

Rall Red 2012
Price: R210 85% Syrah, 15% Grenache. Red and black fruit, fynbos, lavender and turned earth. A good core of fruit and nicely grippy tannins thanks to 30% whole bunch fermentation. Delicious – there’s more certainty of purpose here than ever before.
Score: 92/100.