Waterkloof new releases

Over the past two years, Waterkloof on the south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg has transitioned to regenerative farming, with no-till practices at the core to protect soil structure and biological activity, meaning the renowned Percheron plough horses are now retired from vineyard work. Soil fertility remains the ultimate objective, supported by the continued use of cows and pigs for manure, alongside cover crops and composting.

Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Price: R150
Spontaneously fermented and matured for 10 months in older 600-litre barrels. Pretty aromatics of flowers, herbs and low-key notes of peach and blackcurrant. The palate is all precision – pure fruit and racy acidity before a super-dry finish. Poised and austere in the best way. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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Circle of Life White 2025
Price: R160
75% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Chenin Blanc and 3% Semillon. Winemaking as above. Lime, peach, apple, floral perfume and herbs on the nose.  Dense fruit meets driving acidity, the finish distinctly pithy. A striking, highly particular wine, bordering on angular. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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Circumstance Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R150
Winemaking as above. A touch of flinty reduction and a herbal edge precede notes of pear, peach and citrus. Lovely fruit purity, punchy acidity and a long, dry finish. Precise and refined. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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Cape Coral Rosé 2025
Price: R140
From Mourvèdre, spontaneously fermented in wooden fermenters. Rose, raspberry, orange and spice on the nose. The palate is relatively full and vinous with moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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Circle of Life Red 2023
Price: R180
84% Mourvèdre, 9% Syrah and 7% Grenache. Matured for 20 months in older 600-litre barrels. The nose is notably expressive: strawberry, peach, floral perfume, raw meat, olive brine and spice. Succulent fruit, fresh acidity and powdery tannins combine to good effect. Full of flavour. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Last of the First Pinotage 2024
Price: R550
From a vineyard thought to be the first commercial planting in 1941. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 18 months in older 225-litre barrels. lack cherry, earth, a slight metallic note (“rusty nails”) and spice, with a hint of floral perfume. Full, with soft acidity and firm, slightly bitter tannins. No shortage of interest, if somewhat rustic. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Circumstance Syrah 2022
Price: R270
100% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 25 months in older 600-litre barrels. Red and black berries, floral perfume, fynbos and white pepper. Medium to light bodied, slightly sour acidity, fine tannins. Elegant and nuanced.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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Circumstance Mourvedre 2023
Price: R270
100% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 24 months in older 600-litre barrels. Dark berries, orange, fennel, earth and spice on the nose. Rich and intensely flavoured, moderated acidity, tightly packed tannins, the finish super-dry. Alc: 13.7%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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Waterkloof Boreas 2023
Price: R550
Approximately 50% Cabernet Franc, the rest Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Top notes of rose, fynbos and tomato leaf before red berries. The palate is medium bodied and elegant – good freshness, the tannins soft, the finish nevertheless savoury. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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