Tokara new releases

Stellenbosch property Tokara seems to be in something of a hurry. At the recent new vintage launch, the very young 2022 vintage of both the Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc and the Reserve Collection Chardonnay were poured, the latter not even labelled yet (although it is only due for release later in the year). The Director’s Reserve White, in fairness, probably tended to come to market a little too late and the fact that it is now the 2020 that’s available seems better timed.

As for the reds, it’s the 2020 vintage of both the Director’s Reserve and Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon that are now on sale which again seems a touch early for a producer of this calibre, while it’s offering the 2019 of the Reserve Collection Syrah, which is probably spot on.

As for the Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs, it was the 2016 vintage that was shown whereas the 2014 is still available on the website. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Tokara Blanc de Blancs 2016
Price: TBC
100% Elgin grapes. Matured on the lees typically between six to seven years. Citrus, peach, some subtle brioche character and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate is rich but not short of freshness – good weight and a creamy mousse before a gently savoury finish. Well balanced.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Price: R165
9% fermented and matured for five months in older 400-litre barrels. Aromatics of green pea, white peach and dried herbs. Full and broad on the palate with coated acidity – smooth textured and arguably lacking a bit of flavour intensity.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2022
Price: TBC
Matured for nine months in 228-litre barrels, 40% new. Primary aromatics of citrus, blossom and herbs as well as struck-match reduction and vanilla. The palate is powerful with pure fruit, bright acidity and a pithy finish. Polished and correct.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2020
Price: R320
72% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon. Fermented and matured for nine months in 400-litre barrels, 25% new. Lime, lemon, peach, blackcurrant, herbs and a hint of reduction on the nose while the palate shows great fruit concentration and driving acidity, lightly grippy in texture, the finish long and savoury. A wine of refinement which is not to say underdone or overly delicate.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2020
Price: R440
71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. Matured for 22 months in French oak, 44% new. Red and black berries, violets, a light herbal note and pencil shavings. Pure and juicy fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. Well balanced and lively, this is very elegant. Alcohol: 14.39%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: TBC
Contains a dash of Petit Verdot. Matured for 22 months in French oak, 60% new. A herbal top note before cranberry, cassis, vanilla and pencil shavings. More depth and maybe less nuance than the blend above – full bodied with fresh acidity and firm but not aggressive tannins. Extremely youthful now.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2019
Price: R370
Red and black berries, some flinty reduction, lilies, vanilla and spice on the note while the palate is luscious with soft tannins. Rich, round and smooth textured, bright acidity stopping the wine from becoming dull – again very polished.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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