The Foundry new releases

The Foundry was established in 2001 by former Meerlust winemaker Chris Williams, driven by a desire to explore the emerging potential of Rhône varieties in local conditions. “I was intrigued by the new flavour profiles and textural dimensions they offered compared to the more established cultivars,” he says.

In 2009, business partner James Reid acquired a property in Voor Paardeberg, which has become an increasingly important source of fruit for the project. A dedicated cellar followed in 2019, signalling a new chapter of focus and ambition. Tasing notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Grenache Blanc 2022
Price: R255
W.O. Voor Paardeberg including 49% of own fruit from a vineyard planted in 2018. Fermented and matured for 10 months in a combination of older oak, stainless steel tank and terracotta. The nose unfolds slowly, offering nuanced notes of pear, white peach and a delicate floral perfume. The palate is poised and finely etched – pure fruit complemented by a vibrant line of acidity, the finish long and gently pithy. Linear in structure yet not austere. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Syrah 2021
Price: R360
Second vintage from own Voor Paardeberg vineyard planted in 2000. Includes 6% Roussanne. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 14 months in older oak and terracotta. Blackberry, violet and cracked pepper aromatics precede a palate that’s well-structured – dense fruit, bright acidity and firm, grippy tannins in balance. The finish is dry without being austere. Youthful and assertive, this promises to age with benefit. Alc: 13.8%,

CE’s rating: 94/100.

The Roussanne rated 94 and the Grenache Noir 90 in March this year – see here.

The Viognier 2022 rated 92 in September last year – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.