Thistle & Weed new releases

Viticulturist and Thistle & Weed business partner Etienne Terblanche describes 2021 as “one for the books” on account of the growing season being cool and dry which meant no pressure on deciding when to pick. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Thistle & Weed Springdoring Chenin Blanc 2021
Grapes from a 1983 Swartland vineyard on granite. The nose is reticent with subtle notes of citrus, peach, hay and some leesy character while the palate is surprisingly luscious and thick textured – good density and tangy acidity before a slightly bitter finish.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Buy from PORT2PORT

Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc 2021
From a Paarl vineyard of Chenin Blanc planted in 1961. Expressive aromatics of peach, citrus, green apple and green herbs while the palate is lean and direct – pure fruit and zippy acidity before a salty finish.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Buy from PORT2PORT

Thistle & Weed Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2021
From a Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc vineyard planted in 1980 with 32 different rootstocks for trial purposes. The nose shows a hint of reduction before flowers, citrus and peach while the palate has great clarity of fruit, snappy acidity and a pithy finish. Tight and beautifully poised.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Buy from PORT2PORT

Thistle & Weed Khakibos White 2021
35% Verdelho, 24% Palomino, 22% Chenin Blanc, 13% Albarinho and 6% Fernão Pires. Complex aromatics of white peach, lime, lemon, flowers, herbs and spice. Medium bodied and intricate in flavour with a compelling urgency about it thanks to snappy acidity and a saline finish.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Buy from PORT2PORT

Thistle & Weed Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc 2021
Grapes from Polkadraai. 30% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 11 months in older oak. Pretty and forthcoming aromatics with top notes of rose and fresh herbs before red currant while the palate is relatively light (despite an alcohol of 14%) with fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish dry and gently spicy. Rather charming.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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