Reyneke current releases

A lasting insight after a recent visit with Johan Reyneke of Reyneke Wines is that while organic farming is good in that it seeks to promote environmental sustainability as a goal, biodynamics goes a step further in treating the farm as an individuality that must be self-sustainable. Sustainability is therefore envisaged as being not just about the environment but having social and commercial dimensions, too. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:

Reyneke Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Price: R196

Matured for seven months in older oak. Dramatic aromatics of blackcurrant, white peach, asparagus and fennel plus some leesy character while the palate shows super-dense fruit matched by tangy acidity. It’s flavour-packed and quite particular.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Reyneke Reserve White 2018
Price: R307

From the same Sauvignon Blanc vineyard as above but presents quite differently – is it a matter of vintage, picking date, micro-climate? Reyneke is excited that it might come down to microbial activity in the soil which would require a “biological understanding” of the two wines. Matured for 12 months in French oak, 95% new. A little flinty reduction before blackcurrant, naartjie, apple and a little spice. The palate is tightly wound and intricate – good fruit expression matched by bright acidity.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Reynek Cornerstone 2017
Price: R223

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc and 14% Merlot. Matured for 18 months in French oak, 30% new. Intense dark fruit, violets, mint, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is dense and smooth textured. Impressive weight but lacks a little finesse.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Reyneke Reserve Red 2017
Price: R546

From Syrah, 35% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 20 months in second-fill barrels. Dramatic aromatics of red and black berries, violets, white pepper, cinnamon, fynbos, spice and some earthienss. The palate is intensely flavoured but not unduly weighty – a great core of fruit, fresh acidity and nicely chewy tannins. Very characterful and wonderfully satisfying to drink.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Reyneke Chenin Blanc 2019 rated 91/100 on review in June 2020 – see here.

Reyneke Syrah 2018 rated 91/100 on review in January 2020 – see here.

Reyneke Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 rated 94/100 and placed in the Top 10 of last year’s Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report– see here.

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