Van Niekerk Vintners new releases

The Van Niekerk Vintners team is growing. Albert van Niekerk, assistant winemaker to Peter-Allan Finlayson of Crystallum and John Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters, last year got married to Anmar, who is the Gabriëlskloof assistant winemaker, and the two now work together in producing wines under this label. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Sonwater 2022
Price: R280
90% Swartland Chenin Blanc and 10% Clairette from Worcester. Matured for 10 months in older oak. Subtle aromatics of pear, peach, naartjie and herbs while the palate shows great fruit definition and poise – concentrated but not weighty with fresh acidity and pithy in texture. Carefully honed and just very pleasurable to drink. Alcohol: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Rebellie 2021
Price: R280
From Grenache, 60% Anysbos grapes and 40% from another Bot River property called Nabot. 40% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older oak. More assertive in terms of both aroma and flavour than previous vintages and that much better for it. Red berries (cherry and currant) along with rose, fynbos and white pepper on the nose while the palate has pure fruit, zippy acidity and nicely grippy tannins. A vital wine with good structure. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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