Spioenkop new releases

Belgian native Koen Roose farms a hilltop in the middle of Elgin, which he planted to vines in the early 2000s. Convinced that the area’s cool-climate growing conditions give his wines extra longevity, he tends to release a little later. Tasting notes and ratings for his new offerings as follows:

Spioenkop Riesling 2020
Price: R325
Some smoky reduction, a touch of petrol, lime, white peach and green apple on the nose. The palate is rich and creamy in texture but equally there’s a big acidity and the finish is nicely dry. Still very youthful and rather forceful, this perhaps lacks a little of the composure of the previous vintage.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Spioenkop Sarah Raal Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R400
The grapes for Sarah Rall have always been from a vineyard on ferricrete, but those that used to go into the Johanna Brandt bottling off shale soils have also been included since 2020. Floral perfume, herbs, peach and citrus on the nose. The palate is nicely restrained with pure fruit and racy acidity before a dry finish. Alc: 13.41%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Spioenkop 1900 Chenin Blanc 2020
Price: R265
Two-thirds fermented in older oak, one-third in tank, maturation lasting 12 months. Quince, peach, apricot, wet wool and earth on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit and punchy acidity, the finish savoury. A super-tasty, striking wine. Alc: 14.23%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Spioenkop Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R290
Matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Cherry, plum, beetroot and a touch of orange on the nose. The palate is rich and round with moderate acidity and tannins that are soft and already quite resolved. Flavourful enough.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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