Wade Bales new releases

Wade Bales, a wine merchant and négociant for the past 30 years, believes strongly in the power of wine regionality as a marketing tool. After identifying various prime wine-growing areas in the Cape, he set out to make wines that he feels exemplifies them respectively, an intriguing part of the proposition being that he collaborates with multiple winemakers across each area.

Wade Bales Constantia White 2021
Price: R250
67% Sauvignon Blanc, 33% Semillon – grapes from Beau Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Glen, Constantia Royale, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenberg. Pear, peach, lime, black currant and fresh herbs on the nose while the palate has good depth of fruit and punchy acidity before a dry, slightly pithy finish. This is full and flavourful but equally well defined and direct. Alc: 13.52%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Wade Bales Breedekloof Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R250
Grapes from Belle Rebelle, Bergsig, Botha Wine Cellar, Jason’s Hill, Olifantsberg, Opstal and Slanghoek. Vinification involved some skin contact, vessels used including concrete egg, amphorae and barrel. A top note of honeysuckle before yellow peach, Golden Delicious apple, a hint of vanilla and spice. The palate is round and generous with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.55%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Wade Bales Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Price: R490
Grapes from Delaire Graff, Ernie Els, Kanonkop, Le Riche, Nico van der Merwe Wines and Stark-Condé. Matured for 15 months in barrel, 40% new. Red currant, tomato leaf, floral perfume and a hint of oak spice on the nose while the palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Elegant and understated. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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