Vulpes new releases

De Vos is a Dutch-language surname meaning “the fox” and hence the theme of foxes in Nuschka De Vos’s branding. The winemaker at Reyneke from 2015 until late-2021, she launcher her own label with a smart Chenin Blanc from the 2022 vintage, the 2023s now out, the range expanded to include another Chenin and a Cabernet Sauvignon, tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Vulpes Chama Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R385
Grapes from two Paardeberg vineyards, one planted in 1986 and the other in 1996. Peach, soft citrus, earth and a touch of spice on the nose while the palate is rich and relatively broad with seemingly moderate acidity.  Intensely flavoured and multifaceted, the finish savoury. Presents as just a little riper than 2022. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Vulpes Velox Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R385
Grapes from a neglected vineyard on a Citrusdal Mountain vineyard, the 2023 harvest yielding just 700kg of grapes, which resulted in 300 bottles. Pear, peach, lime, hay and herbs on the nose. The palate is super-concentrated with crisp acidity and a lightly grippy quality to the finish. Poised and taut with great length. Alc: 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Vulpes Cana Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Price: R420
Grapes from the biodynamic Polkadraai property that is home to Reyneke Wines, but not certified as such because the vineyard in question is situated too close to a conventionally farmed property and hence affected by spray drift.  Violets, plum, cassis, earth and a slightly wild, hard-to-describe edge. Medium bodied and yet intensely flavoured. Pure fruit and fresh acidity before a super-dry finish. Alc: 13.1%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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