Steenberg current releases

Steenberg in Constantia is owned by Graham Beck and 60% of production is Cap Classique made from Robertson grapes, Elunda Basson, previously of sparkling wine powerhouse J.C. Le Roux, head winemaker since 2018. As for the Steenberg property itself, there are 46ha under vineyard, 70% of which are planted to Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:

Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Price: R160
Green bean, melon, a hint of blackcurrant and dried grass on the nose. The palate has a creamy texture with tangy, well-integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 14.06%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R185
Previously called “Rattlesnake”. Fermented and matured for seven months in large-format barrels, a small portion new, plus a concrete egg. Peach and nectarine, a hint of spice and some leesy complexity on the nose while the palate is rich and forceful – dense fruit and coated acidity, some white pepper bite to the finish.  Alc: 14.04%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R280
From the two best blocks on the property. Top notes of floral perfume and dried herbs before citrus, peach and white pepper. The palate has weight but also freshness – good fruit definition and racy, the finish long and dry. Carries its alcohol of 14.3% very well.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Semillon 2023
Price: R280
Fermented and matured for 10 months in large-format barrels, 20% new. The nose shows peach plus subtle notes of hay, dried herbs and white pepper. The palate is broad and textured with moderate acidity and salty quality to the finish. Layered and long. Alc: 13.73%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Steenberg Merlot 2021
Price: R230
Matured for 24 months in older oak. Red cherry, cranberry and a hint of leafiness on the nose – less “green” than in times gone by. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury finish. A rather modest take on the variety. Alc: 14.41%.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Steenberg Nebbiolo 2019
Price: R390
Matured for 24 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Red berries, rose, a touch of meatiness and earth on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish savoury – ready to drink.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Steenberg Catharina 2021
Price: R395
59% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec. Red and black berries, mint, crushed leaves and chocolate on the nose. The palate is medium bodied and perhaps a bit angular – good freshness and frim but not coarse tannins. Alc: 15.1%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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