Terracura Wines new releases

Ryan Mostert is having a blast making small-batch, highly non-conformist wine under various labels but ultimately all under the umbrella brand of Terracura Wines. They’re not widely available but if you’re looking for something different, don’t hesitate to buy them should you chance upon them. Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:

Devilishly good.

Silwervis Chenin Blanc 2017
Grapes from a 1964 Paardeberg vineyard. The nose shows some reduction before citrus, apricot and pineapple. The palate is lean yet intensely flavoured with punchy acidity and a pithy finish.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Smiley White V5 NV
A multi-vintage Chenin Blanc, this version containing 22 different components made according to various techniques including skin contact, aging under flor and madeirisation. A subtle but complex nose showing a hint of potpourri before stone fruit plus some yeasty character, nuttiness and spice. The palate is full of detail, the finish long and salty. Brilliantly bonkers.

Editor’s tasting note: 95/100.

Spesiale Flor Chenin Blanc 2017
Aged under flor yeast. Notes of sea spray and nuts on the nose. The palate is delicate with lively acidity and a salty finish.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Spesiale Skin Contact Chenin Blanc 2017
Fermented on the skins for 21 days. A complex and absolutely captivating nose showing all manner of fruit, herbs and spice. The palate is intensely flavoured with a lovely line of acidity and a grippy finish. Utterly unconventional but delicious!

Editor’s rating: 96/100.

Silwervis Cinsault 2017
From a vineyard approximately 35 years of age. An exotic nose of red cherry, pelargonium, mint and other fresh herbs. The palate has plenty of juicy, sweet fruit matched by grippy tannins.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Smiley Red V4 NV
A multi-vintage blend predominantly from Cinsault and Tinta Barocca but also including small portions of Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Red and black berries, fynbos and earth on the nose. The palate shows sweet, pure fruit matched by zippy acidity and nicely grippy tannins.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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