The Foundry Grenache Noir 2017

Chris Williams, winemaker at Meerlust in Stellenbosch, also makes wines under his own label called Th Foundry

The Foundry Grenache Blanc 2018
Price: R215
From Voor Paardeberg grapes. The nose is initially shy but reveals peach and apple with some floral perfume, fresh herbs and spice with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pure fruit and zesty acidity. This has a residual sugar of 6.6g/l but this is not particularly noticeable, the wine appearing nicely balanced and providing plenty of drinking pleasure.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

The Foundry Viognier 2018
Price: R215
From Stellenbosch grapes. A subtle note of honeysuckle before lime and lemon on the nose. The palate has a juiciness about it before a pithy finish. Nice round mouthfeel without being too rich or cloying as the variety can often be.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

When I reviewed the current-release 2017 vintage of The Foundry Roussanne earlier in the year, I was a bit nonplussed (rating it 90) but Williams showed it next to the 2013 on the basis that he feels it’s a variety that is particularly age-worthy and it is clear that the 2017, while rather elusive now, has a long life ahead of it. Definitely, the hardest to read/most intellectually challenging of the three white wines.

Heavy metal.

The Foundry Grenache Noir 2017
Price: R345
From Stellenbosch grapes, winemaking involved 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in a combination of old oak and tank. A captivating nose with a hint of smoky reduction before pomegranate, black berries, lavender, pepper and other spice. The palate shows great fruit density, fresh acidity and nicely grippy tannins. This comes across as particularly athletic – depth and power (alcohol: 14%) without sacrificing energy. Super stuff.

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

The Foundry Syrah 2016
Price: R345
From Stellenbosch grapes. A pretty nose showing red and black fruit, lavender, pepper and other spice while the palate is fruit-driven and smooth textured – already quite accessible.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

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