Thistle & Weed new releases

Thistle & Weed is a collaboration between viticulturist Etienne Terblanche and winemaker Stephanie Wiid, the wines named after weeds found amongst the vines. Maiden release was in 2016, and they have always made wines of real character – distinctive, engaging and intellectually stimulating, with a charm that is entirely their own.

Springdoring Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R395

From a Paardeberg vineyard planted between 1982 and 1988. 10% of the wine underwent four days of skin contact. Matured for 10 months in older oak as for all white wines. A shy nose with hints of lime, peach, floral perfume and hay. Light bodied with moderate acidity, a touch of phenolic grip on the finish. Composed and understated. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Classic

Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R395

From a Paarl vineyard planted in 1961. Peach, citrus, a hint of pineapple and herbs on the nose. Concentrated fruit – dense but not heavy – with lively acidity and a pleasantly bitter finish. A striking wine, yet always poised. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Serious

Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R395

From a Stellenbosch vineyard planted in 1980. Citrus, peach, honeysuckle and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is voluptuous – good weight and texture, layers of flavour, well-integrated acidity, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Luxurious

Khakibos White Blend 2025
Price: R295

47% Verdelho, 26% Palamino, 15% Chenin Blanc, 10% Alvarinho, 2% Fernão Pires sourced from across the Western Cape. Complex and engaging aromatics of flowers, herbs, hay, pear, peach and citrus. Light-bodied yet immensely flavourful, with pure, focused fruit and zippy acidity lending energy. Super-tasty, with a long, savoury finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Delicious

Knapsekêrel Cabernet Franc 2025
Price: R445

From a Polkadraai Hills vineyard. 15% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 11 months in older oak. Rose, tea leaf, fresh herbs and red berries on the nose. The palate has a lovely clarity about it – puse, sappy fruit, bright acidity and ultra-fine tannins. Neither too lean nor too stemmy, it’s effortlessly drinkable. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92 | Distinctive

Nastergal Red Blend 2024
Price: R330

42% Tempranillo, 16% Alicante Bouschet, 11% Touriga Franca, 11% Souzão, 8% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 4% Pontac sourced from across the Western Cape. Matured for 11 months in older oak. Black berries, herbs and violets on the nose while the palate is rich yet balanced – generous fruit, bright acidity and crunchy tannins. Idiosyncratic as ever.

CE’s rating: 91 | Distinctive

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