The Platonist Wine Company new releases

James Laurenson is Scottish-Ugandan and holds a fellowship in Classical Studies at the University of Edinburgh. He’s also mad about wine and has launched his own garagiste label, The Platonist Wine Company, founded on the principle that “truth, like wine, is elucidated through dialogue”. For his maiden 2025s, he set out to explore how the traditionally Tuscan Sangiovese would interact with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc under South African conditions. Friend Mark le Roux of Waterford provided access to grapes as well as guidance in the cellar.

The Grand Old Duke 2025
Price: R450
100% Sangiovese. Matured for 17 months in older oak. Cranberry, red cherry and floral perfume on the nose. Light-bodied with bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish lightly dry. Well balanced, vibrant and uplifting. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91 | Delicious

The Prelude 2025
Price: R450
87% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Franc. Maturation as above. Red and black berries to go with an attractive herbal top note. A little more weight and structure than its counterpart above but still very much elegant rather than imposing. Full of interest. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Distinctive

Memento Mori 2025
Price: R475
50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Sangiovese. Blended after six months before a further 11 months of maturation. Fragrant with red and black berries, rose and fresh herbs. The palate is slightly sweet-fruited initially, yet has good energy and a firm, tannic finish. Not entirely seamless, showing some unknit elements, but still has plenty of appeal. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91 | Distinctive

A Love Letter from Stellenbosch, Home 2025
Price: R595
70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Red and black berries, herbs and rose on the nose. Well structured, with concentrated fruit, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. There’s a pleasing suppleness to the palate, while the finish is properly dry. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Classic

Return of the Franks 2025
Price: R795
100% Cabernet Franc. Cherry, cassis, rose, herbs and a touch of earth on the nose. The palate shows lovely clarity and poise – pure fruit, bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, the finish resolutely dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Classic

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