Waterkloof new releases

Waterkloof is the Schapenberg property owned by illustrious UK wine industry personality Paul Boutinot that is farmed according to biodynamic principles. There are various tiers to the business, not all from own grapes, starting from entry-level False Bay all the way up to Waterkloof itself. Wines under the top-end label are only from select years, a Sauvignon Blanc made for the first time in 2005 and then a long wait for a wine from another variety, a Chenin Blanc 2021 finally making the grade (not reviewed) to be followed by a profoundly good Syrah from the 2020 vintage. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Price: R300
From a single block on the Schapenberg planted in the late 1990s at 300m above sea level. Full malolactic fermentation. Matured for 10 months in older 600-litre barrels. Aromatics of lemon and blackcurrant with hints of blossom, herbs and flinty reduction in the background. The palate has both breadth and depth, bright acidity and a super-long finish. It’s a generous wine without sacrificing definition and detail. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Waterkloof Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R300
Grapes from a site of staked vines (“stok by paaltjie”) planted approximately 15 years ago on sandstone. Matured for 10 months in 600-litre barrels, 8% new. Subtle notes of pear and peach on the nose while the palate is rich and smooth textured with moderate acidity. Carefully crafted but lacks some drive. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Waterkloof Syrah 2020
Approximate retail price: R520 (sold out from the farm)
NEW. Grapes from a wind-affected SE-facing block planted more than 20 years ago on decomposed granite. 100% whole-bunch fermented before maturation lasting 24 months in older 600-litre barrels. Red and black berries, orange, fresh herbs, cured meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate has great fruit definition, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Vivid, vital and intense. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Waterkloof Circumstance Mourvèdre 2020
Price: R250
100% whole-bunch fermented before maturation lasting 24 months in older 600-litre barrels. This wine has a tempered wildness about it with aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, fresh herbs, some meatiness and spice while the palate is full of character and energy – pure fruit, driving acidity and crunchy tannins. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Waterkloof Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: R250
Matured for 24 months in older 225-litre barrels. Red berries, olive and some leafiness on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Tightly wound and deeply savoury, singular in style. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Waterkloof Circumstance Cabernet Franc 2019
Price: R250
100% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for over 24 months in older 225-litre barrels. Red berries,  a subtle herbal note and pencil shavings on the nose while the palate has great clarity and poise. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and assertive tannins – the wine comes across as classically austere and cries out for food.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.