Simelia new releases

Simon Obholzer and Celia Hoogenhout-Obholzer of Simelia.

German-born Simon Obholzer met Celia Hoogenhout of a Wellington wine-growing family in 2008 and after getting married in 2012 took over the farming of Woestkloof on the slopes of the Groenberg. Louis Nel, previously of Warwick and Hidden Valley, makes the wine on their behalf. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Casa Simelia Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Price: R240
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 12 months in French oak, 10% new. Ripe berries, an attractive leafy note plus a hint of earthiness on the nose. The palate is juicy and fresh with soft tannins.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Casa Simelia Syrah 2018 (price: R240) rated Top 10 in the Prescient Shiraz Report – see here.

Simelia Fluvius Merlot Reserve 2016
Price: R690
From a vineyard planted in 1992. Matured for 36 months in French oak, 30% new. Red and black berries, a hint of mint plus chocolate and spice on the nose. The palate is pleasant enough but lacks some fruit depth, the finish very dry.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Simelia Senectus Syrah Reserve 2016
Price: R690
From a vineyard planted in 1980. Matured for 36 months in French oak, 20% new. Black fruit, earth and pepper on the nose while the palate shows massive fruit concentration offset by fresh acidity before a savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

Attention: Reviews like this take time and effort to create. We need your support to make our work possible. To make a financial contribution, click here. Invoice available upon request – contact info@winemag.co.za