Vinum new releases

“Quaffable” may be a loaded term in wine circles – perhaps a little twee – yet it perfectly describes the Vinum range from Radford Dale: effortlessly drinkable, delicious, and dangerously easy to finish. Priced at R199 a bottle, the wines also offer commendable quality for money.

Chardonnay 2024
From Bottelary, Helderberg and Polkadraai Hills. Matured for nine months, 50% in foudre and 50% in barrel, a small percentage new. A hint of reduction, lemon, yeasty complexity and a hint of oak spice on the nose. The palate has good fruit concentration and tangy acidity before a gently savoury finish. Textbook stuff. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Chenin Blanc 2024
From southern Stellenbosch (Lyndoch), Helderberg and Polkadraai Hills. Matured for nine months, 70% in in mainly older barrels, 30% in foudre. A herbal top note before pear, peach, citrus, a hint of melon and a touch of ginger on the nose. The palate is focused and unshowy with pure fruit and snappy acidity before a finish that’s long and dry. Alc: 12.5%

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Pinot Noir 2024
From Bot Rive, Devon Valley and Paradyskloof. Matured for nine months in mainly older barrels. Cherry and cranberry plus traces of mint and fynbos on the nose. The palate is not too light or austere – well-defined fruit and bright acidity before a lightly grippy finish. Alc: 13%.

Price: 91/100.

Gamay Noir 2024
From Polkadraai Hills. Carbonic maceration before maturation lasting 10 months in older barrels. Raspberry, strawberry and subtle fynbos lift on the nose while the palate is pure and fresh with powdery tannins. Poised, elegant and wonderfully refreshing. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Grenache 2024
From Paradyskloof and Helderberg. Matured for 16 months in a combination of foudre and barrel. The nose offers red and black berries, plus hints of cured meat, herbs, earth and spice. The palate shows ample fruit weight, moderate acidity and firm, grippy tannins – rustic in the best sense, without veering into coarseness or astringency. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Pinotage 2024
70% Helderberg, 30% Paardeberg grapes. No new oak. The nose shows plum, black cherry, violets and a touch of earth. The palate is marked by well-defined fruit, bright acidity and astutely managed tannins that lend shape and depth. Very much in the New Wave idiom yet retains impressive substance and complexity. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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