Super Single Vineyards new releases

Daniël de Waal of Super Single Vineyards works with vineyards throughout the Western Cape (including vineyards in the Sutherland-Karoo area for his Mount Sutherland range) but believes Stellenbosch is best when it comes to the Bordeaux varieties. Tasting notes for the new releases under the Pella label plus the top-end The King and I below:

Pella Verlatenkop Merlot 2018
Price: R380
Grapes from an unirrigated, untrellised vineyard planted in 1982. Matured for 12 months in predominantly French oak. The nose is quite brooding with notes of earth, undergrowth and boot polish to start with but opens up to reveal cherry, plum, olive and cassis as well as herbs and oak spice. The palate shows good depth of fruit and bright, even quite tart acidity before a savory finish (alcohol: 13.5%). A fascinating rendition of the variety.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Pella Granietbult Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Price: R400
From a south-facing vineyard on red granite soils. Matured for 18 months in French oak, 40% new. Cassis, some leafiness, earth, pencil shavings and oak spice on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with good fruit definition, fresh acidity and tannins that are resolving nicely. It’s intensely flavoured but not weighty or sweet – well balanced, elegant and true to the district.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

The King and I 2017
Price: R650
60% Cabernet Sauvignon from the upper part of the Granietbult vineyard on white granite and 40% Merlot from the Verlatenkop vineyard. Matured for 18 months in French oak, 50% new. Red currant, cassis, violets, some leafiness, cigar box and oak spice on the nose. The palate is full-bodied and comes across as rather polished, which is to say smooth and glossy. Layers of flavour, the finish gently savoury.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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