Stellenbosch Hills Suikerboschrand 2015

Grower-owned company Stellenbosch Hills have upped the ante with two new top-end wines under the collective name of Sense of Place, these being a wooded Chenin Blanc called Kastanjeberg 2017 and a Cape Blend, Suikerboschrand 2015. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Stellenbosch Hills Kastanjeberg 2017
Price: R285
Fermented with new oak staves, matured for 12 months in 300-litre barrels. The nose shows honeysuckle and vanilla before stone fruit and melon. The palate is rich, broad and creamy in texture with a little spice to the finish. Flavourful but arguably a bit short of refreshment value – alcohol is 14.5%.

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

Suikerbossie ek wil jou hê.

Stellenbosch Hills Suikerboschrand 2015
Price: R385
33% Pinotage, 29% Shiraz, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. All components vinified separately, maturation lasting 24 months in 100% new oak. Dark fruit, violets, incense, a hint of chocolate and spice on the nose while the palate is rich and full (alcohol: 14.5%) but not without freshness, the finish long and dry. With good fruit definition and fine tannins, this keeps the “Cape Blend” dream alive.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.