Sanniesrust current releases
By Christian Eedes, 8 November 2022
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Pieter van der Merwe, winemaker at David Finlayson Wines, makes his own wine under the Sanniesrust label, named after the Free State farm he grew up on. The current releases offering very good quality relative to price, tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Sanniesrust Grenache Blanc 2021
Price: R170
Grapes from a Simondium vineyard planted in 2000, winemaking involving four weeks of skin contact before maturation lasting six months in a third-fill 400-litre barrel. The nose shows subtle notes of stone fruit and orange with potpourri, ginger and spice in the background while the palate is relatively light and fresh, the finish long and slightly grippy. Succeeds on account of its understatement – pleasantly more-ish. Only 600 bottles made.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Sanniesrust Grenache 2021
Price: R170
Grapes from Simondium bushvines planted in the late 1990s. 20% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in third-fill 300-litre French oak barrels. Cherry, raspberry, fynbos, pepper and spice plus a hint of flinty reduction on the nose while the palate shows pure fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Direct and flavourful – dense on entry but ends long and super-dry. Only 1 200 bottles made.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Check out our South African wine ratings database.
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Greg Sherwood | 8 November 2022
I wish the politicians of South Africa were held to this high degree of scrutiny!! ;-P
Gareth | 8 November 2022
Hi Christian, do you know where could I get hold of a case of the grenache? It sounds right up my street.. Thanks!
Christian Eedes | 9 November 2022
Hi Gareth, Send Pieter an email via: pieter@edgebaston.co.za
Donald | 15 February 2023
Hi Gareth a bit late to the party here but if you’ve not had any joy sourcing this wine please let me know on sawinereviews@gmail.com I sell the entire Sanniesrust range on behalf of the winemaker.
Pieter de Klerk | 8 November 2022
Sounds delicious. It’s quite a feat getting 600 bottles out of one 400l. barrel, though… 😉
Christian Eedes | 8 November 2022
Good point. Info as supplied by producer and I neglected to check the maths…
Pieter | 8 November 2022
Hi Pieter, well spotted, the other 50 liters is kept in a stainless steel keg. It is hard to find containers to keep smaller volumes of wine safe for longer periods.
This is not mentioned in the fact sheet, apologies Christian.