Reyneke Reserve Red 2014

I confess that I’m not sure what to think of biodynamics – part of me thinks it’s bogus and another part of me finds it quite romantic. At the very least, it adds some intrigue to those producers who claim to abide by its tenets like Reyneke in Stellenbosch. Tasting notes and ratings for the current-release Reserve wines as follows:

Reyneke Reserve White 2015
Wine Cellar price: R235
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Spontaneous fermentation before maturation for 12 months in 300-litre French oak, 90% new followed by four months in tank. Nothing in any way exaggerated about this wine – the nose shows elusive notes of citrus, peach, black currant and vanilla while there is a lovely presence to the palate – substantial but not weighty or too thick textured.

#WinemagRating: 91/100.

Black magic.

Reyneke Reserve Red 2014
Wine Cellar price: R415
100% Syrah. 35% whole-bunch fermentation, spontaneous fermentation and maturation lasting 22 months in second-fill French oak. A most particular nose of cranberry, pomegranate, pepper and spice plus a certain meaty quality. Pure fruit with lemon-like acidity and pleasantly grippy tannins. Extremely intense, extremely savoury – not a “pretty” wine but you certainly can’t ignore it.

#WinemagRating: 94/100.

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