Waterkloof new releases

Though Helderberg property Waterkloof was established by UK wine personality Paul Boutinot in 2003, and incumbent winemaker Nadia Langenegger has been there from 2013, only now is a Cape Bordeaux red blend being released under the eponymous top-end label. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R300
Matured for 10 months in older 600-litre barrels. Subtle notes of blackcurrant, peach, floral perfume and buchu on the nose while the palate is tightly wound – impressive fruit depth, well integrated acidity and a pithy, deeply savoury finish. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Waterkloof Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R300
Winemaking as above. The nose shows pear, white peach, citrus, nuts and a hint of wet wool. The palate is pure and poised – not too lean, fresh acidity and a super-dry finish. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Waterkloof Boreas 2020
Price: R550
51% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Whole-bunch fermented with the exception of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 27 months in 225-litre barrels, of which 10% were new, and 9,000-litre foudre. Red and black berries, rose, violet, and pencil shavings on the nose while the palate is medum-bodied with great clarity of fruit, acidity that kicks and mouth-coating, powdery tannins. Wonderfully well defined without being at all forceful. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.