Scions of Sinai new releases

Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, creator of Don Quixote, lends his name to Bernard Bredell’s second-tier Scions of Sinai wines. The labels feature not tilting 17th-century knights but cowboys instead – make of that what you will. Whatever the semiotics, the wines themselves are reliably tasty.

Granitas 2025
Price: R225
60% Chenin Blanc, 28% Grenache Blanc, 7% Chardonnay, 5% Roussanne, all from vineyards on granite soils, Stellenbosch and Voor-Paardeberg. Fermented and matured for eight months in barrel, foudre and stainless steel. The nose is very primary at this stage with a faint floral top note before citrus, yellow apple and peach while the palate is clean and fresh with a gently savoury finish – a subtle wine, quite neutral in flavour but has some texture. Probably needs another six months, if not a full year, to come into its own. Alcohol: 12.47%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Atlantikas 2025
Price: R225
Grapes from three untrellised vineyards planted in 1976, 1996 and 1992 close to the ocean in Stellenbosch. Partial whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in tank although some older oak barrels used in 2025. Seductive aromatics of rose, cranberry, raspberry, pomegranate, fynbos and a hint of white pepper. The palate is light and energetic – great fruit purity, vibrant acidity and powdery tannins, the finish super-dry. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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