Silverthorn new releases

Karen Loubser’s father bought the Robertson property that is now home to Silverthorn in 1976. She and husband John took over in 1999, the first vintage of their Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique, The Green Man, appearing in 2004 while John was still winemaker at Steenberg. A rosé from Syrah called The Genie followed in 2007, the prestige cuvée Jewel Box in 2009, and more recently the Colombar-based NV River Dragon. The couple moved to Robertson permanently in 2019, and production now sits at around 40 000 bottles.

Jewel Box Brut 2019
Price: R550

85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir. Fermented entirely in old oak and matured 44 months on the lees. The nose shows white flowers, citrus and peach. The palate is rounded but never drifts into opulence or aldehydic clumsines – pure fruit, a firm line of acidity and a fine, energetic mousse. Alc: 11%; dosage: 4 g/l.

Note: The “Mad as the Mist and Snow” Brut Nature 2019 that rated 95 at this year’s CWG Auction is essentially the same wine, disgorged after 40 months and with RS of 2.1 g/l – consequently that much tighter.

CE rating: 94/100.

The Green Man 2022
Price: R345

100% Chardonnay, 15% matured in older oak; 31 months on the lees. White flowers, herbs and subtle notes of lime, lemon and green apple. Linear and taut with bright acidity, a fine mousse and a long, dry finish. Pure, focused, plenty of drive. Alc: 11.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

River Dragon NV
Price: R240
100% Colombar, 40% matured in acacia; 19 months on the lees. A floral top note precedes pear, peach, apple and a touch of flinty reduction. Light-bodied with clean fruit, zippy acidity and a fine, gentle mousse. Alc: 11.5%.

CE rating: 90/100.

The Genie NV
Price: R295

100% Syrah. Tank fermented, 15 months on the lees. Red berries, a hint of sweetness and a soft, friendly mousse – uncomplicated drinking.

CE rating: 88/100.

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