Thorne & Daughters new releases

John Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters characterises 2025 as a “pristine, elegant” vintage, shaped by conditions that allowed greater deliberation in picking decisions compared to 2024. In contrast, he suggests the 2024 wines carried a slightly greater sense of “edge”, with each vintage appealing for different reasons.

Tin Soldier Semillon 2025
Price: R455

From Swartland Semillon Gris, half the grapes spending approximately a week on skins. The nose is particularly expressive with notes of nectarine, orange peel, purple grape soda and a subtle potpourri nuance. The palate shows impressive fruit concentration and a creamy texture, balanced by well-integrated acidity. Some gentle phenolic grip lends shape and persistence to an otherwise juicy, rounded wine of considerable charm. Alc: 12.1%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Delicious

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Paper Kite Old Vine Semillon 2025
Price: R455

From a Swartland vineyard planted in 1963, matured for nine months in barrel, 25% new. The nose shows notes of lemon, orange and peach alongside straw, flinty reduction and a subtle yeasty quality. The palate combines remarkable fruit purity, managing intensity without excess weight. Bright acidity provides focus while the finish is dry and persistent. Vivid, sappy and impeccably composed. Alc: 13.45%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Classic

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Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Price: R455
Grapes from Citrusdal Mountain. Exotic aromatics of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and a hint of herbs. Super-concentrated, rich and smooth but equally carries a big acidity, the finish dry. As ever, makes a big impression. Alc: 13.85%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

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Cat’s Cradle Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R455
Grapes sourced from two Paardeberg vineyards on granite soils and a third site west of Malmesbury on iron. The nose opens with a subtle yeasty note before unfolding into layers of citrus, peach, potpourri, dried hay and herbs. The palate is pure and finely etched, carried by lively acidity and a pithy finish that stops short of austerity. Intricate and detailed, yet equally immediate in its pleasure. Alc: 13.62%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Classic

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Rocking Horse Cape White 2024
Price: R370
Source from sites across the Western Cape. 28% Roussanne, 23% Chenin Blanc, 23% Chardonnay, 19% Semillon, 7% Clairette Blanche. The aromatics are complex and compelling, moving from flinty reduction to beeswax, flowers and herbs, then all manner of fruit – citrus, apple, stone fruit, mango and pineapple. The palate is dense and layered, with punchy acidity and impressive length. A wine of presence, combining poise with texture. Alc: 13.62%.

CE’s rating: 98 | Serious

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The red blend that is Wanderer’s Heart 2023 is still available – it rated 94 on release last year and is currently drinking very well.

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