Zevenwacht Z Collection new releases

Hagen Viljoen became head winemaker at Polkadraai Hills property Zevenwacht in 2018 and the wines have slowly but surely become more noteworthy since then. 40ha of the 90ha under vine are planted to Sauvignon Blanc and Viljoen is doing good things with this variety, most recently the Estate 2022 (R105 a bottle) placing Top 10 with a rating of 93 in this year’s category report sponsored by Prescient.

Meanwhile, the top-end Z Collection has been expanded, tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Zevenwacht Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Price: R290
Branded as single-variety Sauvignon Blanc but contains 13% Semillion and is barrel fermented and matured for nine months in 500-litre barrels and consequently comes across much more as a Bordeaux-style white blend. Complex aromatics of blackcurrant, white peach, nectarine, naartjie, fennel and spice while the palate has good depth of fruit and well-integrated acidity. Rich and smooth textured but equally balanced and satisfying.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Zevenwacht Z Collection Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R290
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1981. 80% matured in concrete egg, 20% in barrel. Hay, citrus, peach and herbs on the nose while the palate is linear and direct – concentrated fruit and arresting acidity before a saline finish. A dramatic wine.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Zevenwacht Z Collection Syrah 2021
Price: R340
70% whole-bunch fermentation before 12 months of maturation in 1 000-litre foudre. Red and black berries, geranium, white pepper and a touch of reduction on the nose. The palate is medium bodied and wonderfully energetic – great fruit definition, snappy acidity and powdery tannins before a finish that is gently savoury. Balanced and super-elegant, another excellent example of this variety from Polkadraai Hills.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Zevenwacht Z Collection Reserve 2020
Price: R340
85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. Matured for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. Black berries, violets, dried herbs and some earthiness on the nose while the palate is full-bodied and smooth-textured. Rich but arguably lacks a little freshness and is slightly hot on the finish (alcohol is 14.8%).

CE’s rating: 91/100.