Tembela Wines new releases

Banele Vakele will complete his last harvest as assistant winemaker at Savage Wines in 2025, with him and Duncan Savage set to enter into a 50:50 partnership Cabernet Sauvignon-dedicated project after that. “We want to teach the Stellenbosch boys how to make proper Cab,” he says. In the meantime, Vakele is launching his own-label wines from the 2023 vintage. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Tembela Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R270
Grapes from an untrellised vineyard in the general Bottelary area. Fermented and matured for 10 months in older 500-litre barrels. Quince, soft citrus and stone fruit on the nose. The palate shows great fruit depth and tangy acidity, while the finish is savoury, even slightly bitter. With layers of flavour and a nicely pithy texture, this is most accomplished. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Tembela Syrah 2023
Price: R290
70% of grapes from Polkadraai Hills property Karibib, 30% from Langverwagt on the outskirts of Stellenbosch that also supplies Savage Red. 40% whole-bunch fermented/stems added back. Matured for 13 months in old 225- and 500-litre barrels. Raspberry, red cherry and white pepper plus a hint of smoky reduction on the nose. The palate shows pure fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins – clean and correct, as ever. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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