Tempel current releases

Tempel Wines, on the outskirts of the town of Paarl, is so-called because the 1784 Cape Dutch farmhouse was once a Jewish place of worship. Recently acquired by Belgian Tom Heeremans, the farm is being replanted to Mediterranean varieties but in the meantime, there is a Pinotage from own fruit as well as a Cinsaut from Wellington and a Shiraz from Elgin. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Tempel Sorgvry Cinsaut 2018
Price: R250
30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months in older oak and concrete egg. Red cherry and raspberry plus a hint of reduction on the nose while the palate displays clean fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins (alcohol: 13.5%). Charming if relatively uncomplicated.

CE’s rating: 88/100.

Praise be.

Tempel Oogwink Shiraz 2018
Price: R280
Matured in a combination of French oak of which 20% was new and concrete egg for 12 months. Red fruit, fynbos, white pepper and other spice on the nose. Good fruit expression, fresh acidity and nicely crunchy tannins. True to variety, this is nicely handled and makes for good drinking.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Tempel Skoonskip Pinotage 2018
Price: R180
Matured for 12 months in French oak, 40% new. Plums, cloves, cinnamon and vanilla on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and soft tannins, the finish gently savoury. Pleasant enough but relatively unchallenging.

CE’s rating: 87/100.

Read Tim James’s article on his visit to Tempel here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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