Zevenwacht Z Collection new releases

Stellenbosch property Zevenwacht has been owned Harold Johnson of Johnson Crane Hire and his wife Denise since 1992. Hagen Viljoen became head winemaker in 2018 and the wines have been going from strength to strength subsequently. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases of the top-end Z-Collection as follows:

Zevenwacht Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Price: R295
Includes 10% Semillon. 80% matured in 500-litre barrels of which 20% were new, 20% in concrete egg. Citrus, green apple, white peach, flowers and herbs on the nose while the palate shows clean fruit and zesty acidity, the finish possessing a saline quality. Good concentration, linear without being too sharp. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Zevenwacht Z Collection Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R295
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1981. Matured for eight months, 90%  in neutral 500- and 600-litre barrels, 10% in amphorae including a skin contact portion. Extremely aromatic with notes of pear, peach, citrus, quince, potpourri and fynbos. The palate is concentrated with plenty of drive – pure fruit and crisp acidity before a lightly grippy finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Zevenwacht Reserve 2021
Price: R345
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot from sister property Zevenrivieren in Banghoek. Matured for 18 months in 300-litre barrels, 60% new. Red and black berries, some leafiness and pencil shavings on the nose. Excellent fruit expression, bright acidity and fine yet grippy tannins. Lovely purity and balanced, the finish long and dry. Alc: 14.7%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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