Scions of Sinai new releases

The light soils from decomposed granite that characterise Sinai Hill in the Lower Helderberg part of Stellenbosch lend the wines of Bernhard Bredell a particular finesse. He is deeply attached to this area, being the seventh generation of his family to farm here and today sources most of his grapes from Rustenhof owned by his cousin Pieter. The exceptions are his Syrah which comes from the neighbouring property of Seelug and his Grenache Blanc, his fascination with the variety leading him to the Klein Karoo on account of its similarity to the terroir of northern Spain where it does so well. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Gramadoelas Grenache Blanc 2023
Price: R330
Grapes from a Klein Karoo vineyard 345km east of Stellenbosch on schist and shale soils. Matured for nine months in older 228- and 400-litre barrels. Floral perfume, peach, sweet citrus and a hint of ginger. The palate is light yet intensely flavourful, zesty acidity playing off against pithy texture. Super-elegant. Alc: 12.54%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Granietsteen Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R440
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1978. 80% fermented and matured in concrete egg, 20% in old oak. Citrus, white peach and a touch of lanolin on the nose. The palate is taut – super-dense fruit matched by punchy acidity, a lightly grippy quality to the finish. Alc: 12.45%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Heldervallei Cinsault 2023
Price: R325
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1988. Partial whole-cluster fermentation. Matured in older 225- and 400-litre barrels. Cranberry, red cherry, rose, fynbos and an intriguing slightly wild, cured meat note. The palate is pure and poised with zesty acidity and fine tannins, the finish super-dry finish. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Féniks Pinotage 2023
Price: R380
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1976. Vinification as for the Cinsault. Top notes of rose, potpourri and fynbos before plum and black cherry on the nose. The palate is light-bodied with mouth-watering acidity, and firm but fine tannins which lend a pleasant, black-chocolate-like bitterness to the finish. Alc: 12.8%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Swanesang Syrah 2023
Price: R440
Grapes from vineyard planted between 1996 and 1999 and untrellised, rare for this variety. 90% whole-cluster fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months, 80% in concrete and 20% in old oak. Red and black berries, lily, violet and pepper on the nose. The palate has excellent fruit expression, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Succulent without being sweet or weighty. Wonderfully well-judged, being both seamless and intricate. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Krummelklip Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Price: R380
NEW. 15% whole-cluster fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in older 225-litre barrels. Cranberry, raspberry, cassis and a subtle leafiness on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with good energy and fine tannins, uncompromisingly dry on the finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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