Thamnus new releases

Thamnus Wines, situated in the Shaw’s Mountain area of the Overberg, some 15 minutes off the Hemel en Aarde Rd, focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Named after the rare mountain rose Orothamnus Zeyheri, the project sees experienced viticulturist and winemaker PJ Geyer heading up production and, since first bottling in 2020, quality is on steady rise.

Chardonnay 2023
Price: R500
Matured for nine months in barrel, 29% new.  Peach, lemon, oatmeal and a hint of reduction on the nose. Rich and round on the palate – pure fruit, creamy texture, the acidity neatly tucked in rather than overt. Not too exotic or tropical fruited. Alc: 13.42%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R500
Matured for 10 months in barrel, 36% new. Red fruit, flinty reduction, musk and hints of herbs and spice on the nose. The palate is light and fresh with impressive clarity of fruit and fine tannins. A classy, restrained rendition of the grape, if not yet pushing into the realm of the truly profound. Alc: 12.95%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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