Terra.Loci new releases

Terra.Loci is a partnership between Bertus Fourie, previously of Diemersfontein and the instigator of “coffee Pinotage”, Johann Fourie, previously of KWV and currently of Benguela Cove, and the European based Pieter du Toit, the idea being to “capture the essence of unique vineyards scattered across the Cape”. Tasting notes and ratings for the maiden releases as follows:

Fé Chardonnay 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from an Elgin vineyard planted in 2004 on ferricrete. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 40% new. Orchard blossom, lemon, oatmeal and some struck-match reduction on the nose while the palate is pure and zesty – excellent fruit depth and intensity of flavour, the finish long and savoury. Alcohol is a modest 12.7% and yet this wine still manages to demand attention.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Déjà vu Grenache Blanc 2023
Price: R325
From a Paarl vineyard that Johann Fourie first encountered in 2009. 60% spontaneously fermented, 40% inoculated. Matured for 14 months in second- and third-fill barrels. The nose shows top notes of floral perfume and hay before citrus, peach and green apple. The palate shows dense fruit and exhilarating acidity, the finish possessing a slightly salty quality. No MLF which ensures the wine has energy but perhaps at the expense of dimension. Alc: 13.6%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Planted by Chance Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R595
Grapes from some 55 vines accidentally occurring among Pinotage, this Swartland vineyard established in 1978. Matured for 14 months in third-fill 300-litre barrels. Expressive aromatics of quince, soft citrus, sweet melon, fynbos, ginger and other spice, earth and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is rich but not ingratiating with concentrated fruit and punchy acidity, the finish nicely dry. Well balanced with layers of flavour. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Babilon Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R325
Grapes from two side of the same mountain, the Hemel-en-Aarde side planted in 2006 and the Walker Bay side in 2008. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 30% new. Red cherry, cranberry, an intriguing herbal quality and some flinty reduction on the nose. The palate is light-bodied with vibrant acidity, the tannins very fine – arguably a bit angular. Alcohol is 13.3%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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