The Foundry new releases

The Foundry was established in 2001 by former Meerlust winemaker Chris Williams to explore the potential of Rhône varieties in the Cape. The project entered a new phase when business partner James Reid acquired a property in Voor Paardeberg in 2009, followed by the completion of a dedicated cellar in 2019, with own fruit now playing an increasingly important role. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows: 

Viognier 2024
Price: R265
Grapes from Stellenbosch. 50% spontaneously fermented, 50% inoculated. Matured for 10 months in barrel. The nose shows flowers, peach, orange and a hint of bee’s wax. The palate is well balanced – good weight and texture and well integrated acidity before a savoury finish. Alc: 13.21%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

Grenache Blanc 2023
Price: R265

Grapes from Voor Paardeberg including 60% own fruit. Matured for 10 months in a combination of oak, stainless steel tank and terracotta. Some flinty reduction before lime, lemon, white peach and pineapple on the nose. Full yet poised – dense fruit matched by punchy acidity, the finish long and saline. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

Roussanne 2024
Price: R265

Grapes from own Voor Paardeberg vineyard. Matured for 11 months, half in old oak and the other half in terracotta. Citrus, peach, honey and quite a pronounced waxy note on the nose. The palate is broad and textured, even chunky, with moderate acidity and an intensely savoury finish. Alc: 13.14%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Serious

Grenache Noir 2022
Price: R365

Grapes from own Voor Paardeberg vineyard. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 11 months in old oak and terracotta. Alluring aromatics of cherry, strawberry, fynbos and spice while the palate combines good fruit concentration with bright acidity and chalky tannins, the finish nicely dry. An example of the variety that is as moreish as it is refined. Alc: 13.1%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Delicious

Syrah 2022
Price: R365

Grapes from own Voor Paardeberg vineyard planted in 2000. 40% wholebunch fermentation. Includes 6% Roussanne. Matured for 14 months, 80% in old oak, 20% in terracotta. Some flinty reduction before red and black berries, a hint of peach, and pepper on the nose. The palate is rich with quite polished tannins but still possesses plenty of momentum thanks to bright acidity. Alc: 13.38%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

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