Torero new releases

Fernando Rueda of wine importer and distributor Rueda Wine Co. makes his own small-batch wines in collaboration with Angus Paul of Angus Paul Wines, the 2023 vintage newly released, the range now including a Verdelho for the first time. Tasting notes and ratings as follows (all wines R325 a bottle):

Torero and The Oxen of the Sun Verdelho 2023
From a Groenekloof vineyard that’s 0.3ha in size and was planted in 2001. Matured for 10 months in an old 300-litre barrel. The nose shows floral perfume, pear, peach and citrus while the palate has good fruit and is creamy in texture, the acidity well integrated, the finish savoury. Still very primary, a year in bottle should facilitate extra complexity. Alc: 13.29%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Torero and the Suit of Lights Carignan 2023
Grapes from Wellington. 100% whole-bunch fermentation (as opposed to 50% in the case of 2022) before maturation lasting 10 months in older 225-litre barrels. Red and black berries, fynbos and hints of pepper and other spice. The palate is juicy and round with a winning sweetness – alcohol is 14.5%. Acidity is nevertheless bright, the tannins crunchy.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Torero and Pasiphaë Syrah 2023
Grapes from Polkadraai Hills property Karibib. 100% whole-bunch fermented before maturation lasting 10 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Red berries, violets, cinnamon, white pepper and a trace of vanilla. The palate is light-bodied, even delicate with great energy and very fine, talc-like tannins. Pure, focussed and most accomplished.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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