Vinevenom new releases

Vinevenom, the label owned by Samantha Suddons, should be a hipster favourite. Grapes are now entirely sourced from Swartland, winemaking is unconventional with most of her releases non-vintage, and production is limited. IYKNYK…

Tasting notes and ratings for the latest releases as follows:

Serenade Cap Classique 2020
Price: R360
40% Carignan, 40% Grenache, 20% Pinotage. 48 months on the lees and zero dosage. The nose shows berries, red apple, a yeasty note, spice, and some flinty reduction. The palate is lean with good flavour intensity, big acidity and a bone-dry finish. “Insipid” this is not.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Skin Chenin Blanc Non-vintage No. 3
Price: R250
27 days of skin maceration before maturation lasting 18 months in old 228-litre barrels. Intriguing aromatics of orange and dried peach plus hints of potpourri, honey, peat and bread dough. The palate is relatively broad with nothing too abrasive about it and full of subtle flavour.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Shining Rosé Non-vintage No. 4
Price: R210
Whereas No. 3, which rated 91 pts and placed Top 10 in last year’s category report sponsored by Prescient, contained 80% Carignan and 20% Touriga Nacional, this is a blend of Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache and Touriga Nacional. . Made in an oxidative style with some light flor ageing and a maderised component. Red berries, Turkish Delight, and a slight nuttiness on the nose. The palate is concentrated and intensely flavourful, bright acidity playing off against a creamy texture, the finish lingering and savoury.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Satellites Non-vintage No. 3
Price: R190
A Touriga Nacional-led blend with Grenache and Cinsault. Red berries plus touches of earth, playdough and spice on the nose while the palate is juicy and fresh with soft tannins and a gently savoury finish. Easy drinking “light red”.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Spektra Syrah 2022
Price: R360
Grapes from a Paardeberg vineyard on granite. 100% whole-bunch fermented before maturation lasting 18 months in old 228-litre barrels. Heady aromatics of red and black berries, lavender, violets, black olive and pepper. The palate is imposing – lots of palate weight, racy acidity and firm tannins. Suddons says her Syrah is “Cornas inspired” and this vintage (alcohol: 14.5%) is even richer and more impactful than 2021 which rated 96 points in last year’s category report.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Silence Flor Chenin Blanc Non-Vintage No. 3 (R210 a bottle) rated 91 in July 2024 – see here.