Tempel current releases

Tempel Wines, the property situated between Paarl and Wellington owned by Belgian Tom Heeremans, attracted attention earlier in the year when its Kattemai 2021, a wine consisting of 88% Chenin Blanc from Wellington and 12% Semillon from a 1905 Franschhoek vineyard, rated 95 points in the Prescient Chenin Blanc Report.

Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:

Sorgvry Cinsault 2020
Price: R250
W.O. Wellington. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Red cherry, plum and a hint of floral perfume on the nose. Juicy and fresh, full and round on the palate, the tannins soft and supple. Alcohol: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Skemerdans Grenache 2020
Price: R295
W.O. Piekenierskloof. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Red currant, flowers, herbs and spice on the nose while the palate shows good fruit concentration, bright acidity and powdery tannins – accessible and appealing.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Oogwink Shiraz 2020
Price: R280
W.O. Stellenbosch (Polkadraai). 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Heady aromatics of dark berries, fynbos, pepper and spice. Good depth of fruit, fresh acidity and crunchy tannins – intensely flavoured with a nicely dry finish.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Tydsaam Tempranillo 2020
Price: R325
W.O. Wellington. Matured for 12 months in French oak, 35% new. Black berries, violets, herbs and chocolate on the nose while the palate is deep and rich – sweet upfront but pleasantly grippy tannins contribute to a dry finish. Has a succulence thanks to bright acidity.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.