Rock of Eye new releases

Former Rust en Vrede winemaker Coenie Snyman now makes his own wines under the Rock of Eye label, after the expression used in tailoring where instinct born of experience is used instead of deliberate measuring. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Rock of Eye Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from a Simonsberg vineyard planted in 1980. Fermented in a combination of concrete egg and barrel, partially new. Citrus, peach, hay, herbs and ginger and other spice on the nose. The palate has a dense core of fruit, bracing acidity and a pithy finish. Direct and harmonious. Alc: 12.95%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Rock of Eye Cinsault 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from bush vines close to False Bay. Fermented and matured for six months in a combination of concrete egg and older barrels. Red and black berries, a hint of floral perfume, fynbos, earth and spice plus a little reduction on the nose while the palate has good fruit concentration, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Relatively rich and round.  Alcohol: 13.47%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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