Thorne & Daughters new releases

Thorne & Daughters is the label begun by John Seccombe with the 2013 vintage. They are the product of a hands-off but undoubtedly deft approach to winemaking, the guiding philosophy possibly summed up as “elegance meets authenticity”. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Tin Soldier Semillon 2024
Price: R435
From Swartland Semillon Gris, 50% fermented on the skins for approximately one week. Some reduction before peach, orange and red apple, with subtle notes of potpourri and spice. The palate is medium bodied with well-integrated acidity, the finish gently savoury. Flavourful and balanced, the wine is relatively understated, any phenolic grip nicely managed. Alc: 12.85%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Paper Kite Old Vine Semillon 2024
Price: R435
Grapes from a 1963 Swartland vineyard. Expressive but not overly primary aromatics of peach and nectarine, with subtle notes of hay and wax. The palate shows impressive fruit weight and layers of flavour, the texture thick and mouthcoating, the acidity seamlessly integrated. A distinct umami quality marks the finish. Powerful and sophisticated – built to last. Alc: 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Cat’s Cradle Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R435
Grapes from three Swartland vineyards, two Paardeberg vineyards on granite and one west of Malmesbury on more iron-rich soil. The nose is expressive, offering notes of pear, peach, a touch of lemon, hay and florals. The palate is rich and intense, yet brimming with energy, the finish deeply savoury. Dense but equally remarkably taut. Alc: 13.97%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Price: R435
Grapes from Citrusdal Mountain. Subtle aromatics of blackcurrant, white peach and nectarine, with a touch of reduction. Lovely fruit concentration and bright acidity precede a super-long, savoury finish. The most refined vintage to date—still powerful, as always, but now also purer and more taut. A precise expression of a remarkable site. Alc: 14.06%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Wanderer’s Heart 2023
Price: R350
45% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 11% Carignan and 8% Mourvèdre, sourced from Olifantsberg in Breedekloof and Gabriëlskloof in Bot River. The nose is complex yet restrained, with notes of red and black berries, olive brine, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is focused and linear – almost austere – with pure fruit and fresh acidity, the finish long and dry. More detail and finesse than previous vintages. Alc: 14.01%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

The Rocking Horse Cape White 2023, rated 98/100 on release in June last year, is still available – and drinking beautifully.