Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Anlässlich des New Wave Tasting in London im September hat Jancis Robinson und ihr Team eine Reihe von Highlights entdeckt und in Ihrem Report beschrieben und bewertet. Zum Teil gab es ausserordentlich hohe Bewertungen. Viele dieser zum Teil raren, da in kleinen Mengen produzierten Weine, finden Sie bei uns im KapWeine Sortiment>>
Man darf die Bewertungen gerne den etablierten Gewächsen dieser Welt gegenüberstellen. Als Beispiel dienen hier: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/bordeaux-and-beyond https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/bordeaux-2018-tasted-with-preceding-vintages
Ch Figeac 2011 St-Émilion 17+ Punkte Ch Figeac 2010 St-Émilion 18.5 Punkte Ch Smith Haut Lafitte 2018 Pessac-Léognan 17 Punkte Ch Gazin 2016 Pomerol 16.5 Punkte Ch Canon La Gaffelière 2016 St-Émilion 16.5 Punkte Ch Rauzan-Ségla 2016 Margaux 17.5+ Punkte Ch Léoville Poyferré 2016 St-Julien 17.5 Punkte Ch Pontet-Canet 2017 Pauillac 16+ Punkte Ch Montrose 2017 St-Estèphe 17+ Punkte Ch Latour 2011 Pauillac 18+ Punkte Ch d'Yquem 2007 Sauternes 17.5 Punkte Antinori, Solaia 2016 IGT Toscana 17 Punkte Antinori, Guado al Tasso Matarocchio 2007 IGT Toscana 17 Punkte Ornellaia, Masseto 2016 IGT Toscana 18 Punkte Ornellaia 2017 Bolgheri 16.5++ Punkte Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove 2015 Bolgheri 16.5 Punkte Ch de Beaucastel, Hommage à Jacques Perrin 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 18 Punkte Lapostolle, Clos Apalta 2016 Colchagua 16.5 Punkte
Und hier gehts zum New Wave Tasting report: https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/new-wave-south-africa-2019-version#
New Wave South Africa – 2019 version TASTING ARTICLES SOUTH AFRICA
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
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Was this year's showing by the Cape's young guns the tasting of the year? It certainly felt like it. See also David & Nadia's 2019 releases.
Jancis writes This year the organisers of the New Wave South Africa tasting moved back to the basement of Soho record store Phonica. This was fine – apart from the noise (not a sound-absorbing soft furnishing in sight). The only problem was that the basement is insured for only 320 people, and there were many more who were keen to taste this array of exciting wines. (The event was oversubscribed.) So at one point, thanks to a broad-shouldered chap on the door with a clicker counting us in and out, there was a sizeable queue waiting on Poland Street.
This is the first time I have encountered anyone queuing for a professional wine tasting in London. (My picture shows the ground floor of Phonica where the vinyl-philes seemed unperturbed by the noisy oenophiles downstairs. You can see the person-counter in the doorway in the background.)
For days afterwards I heard people in and around the UK wine trade raving about the tasting. To be sure, the lunch provided by leading Stellenbosch restaurateur Bertus Basson was far above the wine trade norm, but it was the quality and excitement of the wines on show that people were talking about. What, I suspect, made it very special was that virtually all wines were presented by their makers, young to youngish people full of intimate knowledge and boundless enthusiasm.
The tasting is organised jointly by importers Swig, Indigo, New Generation, Fields Morris & Verdin and Dreyfus Ashby and has been going since 2015. On the basis of our previous experience Julia and I suspected that this event was worth double representation of the JR.com team, a rare occurrence, and were very pleased to have been able to split the 'work' between us. Even then, we didn't manage to taste everything, by any means. I topped up my notes with a handful of wines tasted subsequently.
As Julia remarked afterwards, 'I gave so many 17s!' I expressed my overriding impression to several of the exhibitors: 'I just wish a load of influential American tasters could see these wines'. The US is really missing out on this sort of great quality. Perhaps that helps put a brake on the price rises that were perhaps inevitable after the Cape's succession of drought-shrunk harvests.
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Below is a plethora of fascinating wines, many of them – especially the Chenins and old-vine Swartland wines – unique to South Africa. While I understand the need to avoid flabbiness, I did find a few of the south-coast Chardonnays a little too austere for my taste. Or perhaps one just needs to wait awhile for them to relax. There seemed a particularly wide range of different styles of Syrah/Shiraz with some of them pretty sweet and hefty, and one standout at the other extreme (see the coda on The Minimalist at the end of the introduction to my notes on David & Nadia's latest releases.)
Other producers of those I tasted that particularly stood out included Ginny Povall's Botanica, now fully certified organic, and the very impressive Krone range of traditional method (méthode cap classique) sparkling wines being made at the historic Twee Jonge Gezellen winery in Tulbagh now that it is owned by Vinimark. The wines were shown by Rudiger Gretschel, head winemaker of the Vinimark group which includes the certified biodynamic Reyneke.
These 147 wines are grouped by colour/style then shown alphabetically by producer, with each producer's wines shown in the order tasted. You can jump to the different groups using the links below.
Sparkling wines
White and rosé wines
Red wines
Sparkling wines
Krone, Kaaimansgat 2016 Elandskloof
Brand new release – traditional method from a very cool site. Foudres. Three years on lees. Dosage 2 g/l. Lots of autolysis. A real breakthrough for South Africa. Appley but serious and a bone-dry finish. Well done (cellarmaster) Rudiger Gretschel!
11%
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Drink 2019 – 2022 £35 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
White wines (and one rosé)
Alheit, Cartology 2018 Western Cape
Bottled March 2019 under Diam, as are all Alheit’s wines now – he is fed up with the variability of oxygen ingress that he gets with cork. 10% Semillon and 10 vineyards of Chenin all down the western coast. Some citrus fruit, green fruits and a light stone-dust minerality. There’s a note of oak spice but it’s subtle. So seductively creamy on the palate but with a piercing freshness to balance. Intense and alive. Stunning new vintage. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2030 £34.95 Vin Cognito, £35 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 18
Alheit, Fire By Night 2018 Swartland
Chris Alheit is very thrilled that they were able to buy this 1978-planted Chenin vineyard two weeks ago – they used to buy the fruit. A little less open than the Cartology. Some lime fruit and crunchy green apple, tangerine as it opens. A gentle oak mealiness on the palate and fabulous fruit purity with a dry finesse that seems to be the granite effect. Utterly mouth- watering without being tart. Very persistent. (JH) KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
12.8% Drink 2021 – 2030 £46 Vin Cognito, £45 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17.5
Alheit, Nautical Dawn 2018 Stellenbosch
Vines planted 1978 on granite but right by the sea (Sinai). Very clean-cut citrus aroma. Both mineral and saline, even a little smoky. On the palate, there’s stunning clementine freshness and a cool silky texture even though the aroma is chalky. Fluid and salty on the finish. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2028 £37 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17.5
Alheit, Huilkrans 2018 Citrusdal Mountain
Chenin planted 1974–84 at 450 m. More spicy than the Nautical Dawn. Somehow both smoky and dusty/chalky in its mineral character but there’s a creamy note too – very complex already. So juicy and generous on the palate, gushing with citrus fruit on the palate after the spicy nose. The acid is quite strident at the moment and needs time to mesh. Bright citrus intensity. (JH)
14% Drink 2022 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
– 2030 £65 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17 +
Alheit, Magnetic North 2018 Citrusdal Mountain
Chenin planted in the early 1980s at 550 m on own roots. Chris Alheit feels the integration of tannins and acid is better. Herbal where the Huilkrans is spicy, more green fruited. The acid seems higher here because the fruit is less mouth-filling but there is real elegance and finesse. Juicy, mouth-watering persistence. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2030 £65 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17.5
Alheit, La Colline 2018 Franschhoek
Semillon planted 1936. DNA is even older after decades of mass selection. A uniquely South African wine, says Alheit. Smells a touch reductively smoky (in a good way). Light spice, citrus and a touch of hay. Almost earthy/herbal but not quite. Oatmeal leesy depth to the texture, fine grained and structured. Rounded in the mouth, complex and quiet on the long finish. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2028 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£65 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17.5
Alheit, Hemelrand Vine Garden 2018 Hemel-en-
Aarde Ridge
Young vines, field blend of Chardonnay, Chenin, Roussanne, Verdelho and a pinch of early-picked Muscat. Aromatic, floral but not OTT. Orange notes in the aroma and on the palate, so scented without any aromatic variety dominating. Some pear and citrus at the core but lots of light aromatic top notes and still has a mineral dusting. Intensity builds on the palate to give a firm, concentrated wine. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2023 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17
Anysbos, Disdit 2017 Bot River
Winemaker is Marelise Neeman of Momento. Chenin, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Scented without being floral and a strong dusty/mineral aroma. Bone dry, chalky freshness on the palate, really mouth-watering. Juicy and with an attractive sour- fresh persistence. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 –
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2021 £25 RRP imported by Woodwinters 16.5
Avon, Daschbosch Clairette Blanche 2018 Breedekloof
Rather heavy bottle. Interesting herby nose and real grip and presence on the palate, without being aggressively phenolic. Some honeyed fruit and very long. Really well made and far from a fly-by-night white – should have some ageability. Long with a hint of marzipan. Tastes as though it has more than 13% alcohol.
13% Drink 2019 – 2022 Imported to the UK by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5
A A Badenhorst, Secateurs 2019 Swartland
Cinsault. Pale salmon pink. Plenty of red fruit – red cherry, rose-hip freshness. Juicy, fruit sweetness and perhaps a touch of residual sugar but it’s balanced and straightforwardly refreshing. Much more intense than many rosés, and long too. GV (JH)
12% Drink 2019 – 2020 £13.50 RRP imported by Swig
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
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16
A A Badenhorst, Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2019 Swartland
Fresh apple and greengage with lovely depth of fruit for a wine at this price. I find it a little sweet/sour as if there were some residual sugar? Apparently it is just 2.8 g/l. It’s certainly fresh but that sweetness (I am very susceptible to residual sugar so you might want to ignore this bit) makes me want to go and brush my teeth. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2020 £13.50 RRP imported by Swig 16 -
A A Badenhorst, Family White 2019 Coastal
Region
Many varieties but the dominant one is Chenin. Unoaked, a year in concrete. I love the aroma here: sour-fresh, honey and citrus, and the palate is equally rich and complex. Full and broad in the mouth and still perfectly fresh. Creamy textured from the lees, I guess, since there is no oak. A wine to linger over. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2023 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£27.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
A A Badenhorst, Sout van die Aarde Palomino
2018 Swartland
Relatively neutral on the nose, then a fine subtle sour freshness on the palate. A stony mineral streak in that herbal, grapefruit, almost tart intense freshness. Perfect for a hot day. Serve well chilled. (JH)
12% Drink 2019 – 2022 £39.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
A A Badenhorst, Dassiekop Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
Apparently took 15 months to ferment. This is more steely on the nose than the Kelderblock, with some oak spice and lees richness. A bit of a conundrum because there is so much ripe fruit on the palate. A little too big for (my) comfort but certainly concentrated and powerful. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2021 – 2025 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£39.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
A A Badenhorst, Kelderblok Chenin Blanc 2018
Swartland
Deep soils, ‘pretty Chenin’, says Badenhorst. Lemony and gentle even though there’s bright Chenin freshness. Not a steely style but still intense. Almost nutty. Creamy and ripe but nicely dry. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2027 £39.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2017 Franschhoek
Well-balanced, attractive fruity nose without the aggressive green streak of many other South African Semillons. Sweet and creamy with no rough edges but real structure and ageability. One of the world’s best Semillons?
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2026 £32 RRP imported by New Generation 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Botanica, Mary Delany Collection Chenin Blanc 2017 Citrusdal Mountain
From old vines way up the west coast, made by Ginny Povall. Very dense nose. Rich front palate and very welcome after an array of rather austere, embryonic, southern coastal whites. Complete and far from a silly price. QGV
14% Drink 2019 – 2024 £28 RRP imported by Deyfus Ashby 17
Botanica, Mary Delany Collection Semillon 2018 Western Cape
Bright, sweetish lanolin nose – certainly varietal. A strong green streak – and some strong vegetal note. Celery? Interesting rather than gorgeous. But I should think it’s attractively novel in South Africa. Still pretty introvert and young.
12.5% Drink 2020 – 2024 £27 RRP imported by Deyfus Ashby 16 +
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Cap Maritime Chardonnay 2018 Hemel-en- Aarde Ridge
Quite rich yet with that streak of briny acidity typical of this part of the world. Passion- and kiwi-fruit notes. Wait for more bottle development, I suggest…
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2024 £40 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5 +
City on a Hill Muscat d'Alexandrie 2017 Swartland
Crystal-clear greenish pale gold. Grapey nose and none of the sticky marmalade sensation that can often be found in hot-climate Muscat of Alexandria. The same purity of texture as the Chenin Blanc 2017 from David Sadie's assistant winemaker. Pretty dry finish. But definitely without the class of the Chenin Blanc 2017 from this address.
11% Drink 2019 – 2021 16
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
City on a Hill Chenin Blanc 2017 Swartland
Made by David Sadie's assistant winemaker with minimal intervention for this personal label. It was awarded five stars by the Platter Guide 2019. Very limited production. Very pure and precise with marked acidity. You'd never guess this was grown in a warm region. Honey and green undergrowth on the nose. A saline streak on the palate. So pure it almost hurts!
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2024 17
Crystallum, The Agnes Chardonnay 2018 Western Cape
Intense, pure fruit: citrus and nectarine, the oak merely hinted at in spice and creamy oatmeal. On the palate, almost savoury in the oak influence but finely judged in relation to the fruit. Precise, lingering and elegant. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2025 £22 RRP imported by Liberty Wines 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Crystallum, Clay Shales Chardonnay 2018 Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
The aroma is a little more intense than on The Agnes but as well as more intense fruit there’s a stony mineral quality that holds the fruit in check. Extremely embryonic but already harmonious. Rich and creamy with the richness of lees in the texture. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2025 £28 RRP imported by Liberty Wines 17.5
DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chenin Blanc 2017 Stellenbosch
Light, green-streaked honey on the nose. Creamy, flattering texture. Green fruit and interest underneath. Approachable but clearly with a fine future.
14.4% Drink 2019 – 2026 £31.25 RRP imported by Seckford Agencies 16.5 +
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chardonnay 2018 Stellenbosch
Delicate and very hands-off. Very clever! Rather Puligny-like. Great balance. Beginning middle and end. But already approachable. Subtle but not reserved.
14% Drink 2019 – 2024 £31.25 RRP imported by Seckford Agencies 17
The Foundry Grenache Blanc 2018 Voor Paardeberg
Lively and spirited with just the right amount of floral fruit. Beautifully judged, more refreshing than most southern Grenache Blancs. Well done.
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2022 £15 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
The Great South African Wine Co, Grand Blanc 2018 Stellenbosch
42% Semillon, 41% Chenin Blanc and 17% Sauvignon Blanc; all malo and old (>20 years) vines. Cool white made by De Morgenzon’s genius winemaker Carl van der Merwe. Great balance and texture with a mass of fruit and some chalky chew on the end. And that green streak of the ‘green grape’ (old Cape name for Semillon). GV
13.8% Drink 2019 – 2021 £18.95 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Glen Heatlie, The Frontier Grenache Blanc 2019 Wellington
To be bottled end 2019. Sweet, floral nose. Very youthful and tight. Interesting and certainly not fat.
12.5% Drink 2020 – 2022 £25 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Hogan Chenin Blanc 2017 Swartland
Not the most aromatic. A little heavy in the old-fashioned Meursault mould. Mealy nose. Not thrilling but doubtless with excellent intentions.
13% Drink 2019 – 2020 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 15.5
Richard Kershaw, Clonal Selection Chardonnay 2017 Elgin
Shale. 11 vineyards, 21 ferments. Sweetly cedary citrus and then plenty of oak sweetness, creamy texture and spice on the palate but beautifully balanced with the fruit. Creamy clementine. Gorgeous harmony of flavour and texture. (JH)
13% Drink 2019 – 2026 £44 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Richard Kershaw Chardonnay 2017 Lower Duivenhoks River
Limestone. Smells tighter and more zesty than the Clonal Selection just tasted but still a dusting of new-oak spice. More concentrated, richer and just a hint of (?reductive) char on the palate. Needs more time to unfurl still but has terrific richness and freshness to the very long finish. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2030 £43 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17.5 +
Leeu Passant Chardonnay 2017 Stellenbosch
30% new oak. A little more oak than on the Mullineux Granite Chenin 2018 just tasted, and it shows in an inviting spice sophistication. Minerality is more oily than dusty here. Fabulous acid core that stretches the wine to a really long finish but clothed in fruit. Goes on and on. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2027 £55 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 18
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Leeuwenkuil 2017 Swartland
Mainly old Chenin. Straightforward young and fruity nose. Pretty simple pear-juice impression though good fruity stuff.
13% Drink 2019 – 2020 £15 RRP imported by New Generation 15.5
Leeuwenkuil, Heritage Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
Greenish straw. Creamy texture and a green streak with an off-dry impression. Lively even if not the most distinctive.
13% Drink 2019 – 2022 £25 RRP imported by New Generation 16
Lismore, Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Cape South Coast
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. This is now 30% fermented in concrete egg, the rest in 500-litre oak. My first Sauvignon Blanc of the day and what a treat. There’s a light herbal quality to tell you the variety but not to shout. Then there’s a touch of mealy creaminess. Outstanding balance on the palate between herby citrus fruit, lemon purity and the chalky yet rounded texture of the two fermentation styles. Mouth- watering finish with the fruit full charge at the end. VGV compared with, say, a top white bordeaux. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2023 £22.99 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 17.5
Lismore, The Age of Grace Viognier 2018 Cape
South Coast
Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. Barrel fermented but 15% in concrete egg. Stone fruit, subtle. More intense on the palate than on the nose, with apricot and citrus notes, creamy and broad yet utterly fresh on the palate. One of the freshest Viogniers I have tasted for a while even though the fruit is fully ripe. Fine chalky texture at the end. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2023 £22.99 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Lismore Chardonnay 2016 Cape South Coast
Shale over clay. Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. Neutral 300-litre barrels. Both creamy and stony/dusty on the nose. Concentrated without excess weight, pure and direct, bright citrus all wrapped up in seductive but subtle oak- influenced leesy texture. This has a long life ahead. Marked persistence. GV (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2028 £25.99 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 17.5
Lismore, Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2017 Greyton
Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. Fermented in 500-litre oak, 30% new. More oaky on the nose and palate than the 2016 Cape South Coast but the fruit is more concentrated too. I have to stop in my tracks here. It is impossible to move on, with flavour that seems to go on for ever. A fabulous infant with great potential. The oak so subtle, the texture so flattering. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2030 £38.50 Vin Cognito, £39.99 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 18
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Lukas van Loggerenberg, Kamaraderie 2018 Paarl
Chenin planted in 1960 at 500 m. Part malo. Fermented in old oak. Chalky and lightly spiced aroma then the fruit bursts in your mouth. Creamy ripe citrus, ripe apple, almost pineapple but not that exotic, and super-fresh. Chalky finish and impressive length. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2024 £33 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17
Lourens Family, Lindi Carien 2018 Western Cape
Made by the Alheit winemaker. Blend of Swartland Chenin with Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Verdelho. Very intense, quite complex nose. Electric fruit on the palate. Really zings along. Great impact. A relative bargain? GV
13% Drink 2019 – 2023 £24 RRP imported by Swig 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Lourens Family, Skuinskap Steen 2018 Piekenierskloof
Planted 1977. Trellised, unusually. Right on top of Piek. Certainly betrays a pretty cool site with all that acidity. Very youthful. Not yet ready, I’d say. Another wine that demands time. Lime streak. But well put together.
13% Drink 2020 – 2025 £39 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Lysa Verdelho 2019 Stellenbosch
Guillaume Nell manages another farm but always loved these vines, planted at the beginning of the 21st century not that far from the ocean on the Helderberg. (He’s releasing a Chenin next month and is planning to add two more white varietals.) Really complete nose already. An utter charmer with broad fruit and enough acidity to add zest. Confident and long. Exciting.
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2023 £20 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Metzer, Maritime Chenin Blanc 2017 Stellenbosch
‘Naturally fermented.’ Planted in 1980 very close to the sea. A large sandy vineyard shared with four or five others. Cool and slightly reductive nose. Bright fruit with the freshness dominating any Chenin honey. Good wine though far from cheap. Tastes as though it could develop interestingly in bottle. Lots to chew on still.
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2026 £27 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16 +
Metzer, Montane Chenin Blanc 2017 Stellenbosch
Planted in the 1960s on granite and schist, up against the mountain though not that far from the sea. Richer, riper nose than the Maritime bottling. Broad, evolved, rather flattering nose. A little bit of chew but very precise fruit.
13% Drink 2018 – 2024 £30 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16 + KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
J H Meyer, Palmiet Chardonnay 2017 Elgin
No added sulphites. Just a touch of smoky reduction and sour-fresh grapefruit and lemon. As it opens, it becomes richer and the fruit shines, pure and lively, intense and fresh on the palate, that touch of reduction adding complexity. Delicious and changing all the time in the glass. GV (JH)
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2025 £19.95 Vin Cognito, £20.50 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 17
Momento Chenin Blanc/Verdelho 2018 Western Cape
Swartland and Bot River. Pear fruit and just a touch of honeysuckle on the nose. Spicy and generous on the palate with depth of fruit shot through with lovely freshness. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2022 £24 RRP imported by Armit Wines 16.5
Momento Grenache Gris 2018 Western Cape KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Swartland fruit. Spiced pear with a stony overlay. This has great freshness for Grenache Gris but has not compromised on the fruit depth. The spice is almost like incense. Succulent and long. (JH)
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2022 £24 RRP imported by Armit Wines 16.5
Mont Blois, Groot Steen Chenin Blanc 2016
Robertson
Deep gold. Masses of big, bold, fully evolved fruit. Freshness is not its strong point. Different though!
14% Drink 2018 – 2020 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Mont Blois, Kweekkamp Chardonnay 2016 Robertson
Lively and fresh. Lightly floral. A little astringent on the end. Could do with slightly more juice. KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2021 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 15.5
Mother Rock, Force Majeure Semillon 2018 Swartland
Part of the wine spends 14 days on skins. No added sulphites. A little cloudy and lots of open fruit here, baked apple, fresh pear but not oxidative. Light but definite tannins, a really textured wine but those tannins are not at the expense of fruit. Juicy and would be a really versatile food wine. On the right side of chewy. (JH)
12% Drink 2019 – 2021 £16.50 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16
Mother Rock, Kweperfontein Chenin Blanc 2017
Swartland
No added sulphites. Quite closed on the nose. Some ripe apple fruit and an attractive note of hay. Sour-fresh on the palate, quite lean but just in balance. Certainly refreshing. Bone dry and long. Extremely mouth-watering, like lemon juice on the finish. (JH) KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2021 £25.50 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16.5
Mullineux, Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
Sweet ripe apple and what seems to be oak sweetness in the aroma. So creamy on the palate yet the fruit is full of life and freshness. Not complex but harmonious and with easy appeal and good fruit depth. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2021 £14.95 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 16
Mullineux, Old Vines 2018 Swartland
Both subtle and intense on the nose: lime, hay and clementine. On the palate, perfectly ripe but fresh, lively fruit. Oak is quite obvious at the moment but the fruit is the foundation. Long and gently spiced finish. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 –
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2025 £24.95 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17.5
Mullineux, Granite Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
Cedary citrus, lightly spiced green apple. Quite oaky and chewy on the palate at the moment, dense but not heavy. Interplay of stone-dust mineral and creamy citrus and green fruits. A baby with massive potential. (JH)
14% Drink 2021 – 2028 £55 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17 ++
Naudé 2009 Western Cape
Wow, look at the vintage! Apparently Ian Naudé likes old vines and old wines. Blend of varieties and provenance but with Sauvignon and Semillon playing a part. Bottled only in early 2018! Very distinctive nose slightly reminiscent of furniture polish, and no sign whatsoever of age!! Has this wine been embalmed? So fresh! Still masses of acidity. Tangy in the extreme. Electric impact on the palate. As a curiosity this is VGV.
13% Drink 2017 – 2023 £21 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Naudé, Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2016 Western Cape
100% Chenin from vines a minimum of 35 years old in Swartland, Durbanville and Stellenbosch. Good zesty nose and recognisably varietal with quite punchy acidity. Just a little pinched on the nose. But certainly refreshing!
12.5% Drink 2020 – 2024 £35 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Naudé, Old Vine Semillon 2016 Western Cape
100% Semillon but from sites all over the Western Cape. Pale greenish straw. Greenish streak but nicely balanced by masses of lively fruit intensity. Racy and unusual.
12% Drink 2019 – 2024 £35 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5
Naudé Malvasia Rei 2017 Robertson
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Malvasia Rei is Palomino Fino (the sherry grape). Good choice of synonym! Pale gold. Open, nutty nose with some glucose notes. Lacks a bit of acidity – more of a curiosity than a complete wine. A sour green note on the end – despite the softness. Not really beautifully balanced, but it might attract the obscure- grape enthusiast.
12% Drink 2018 – 2019 £20 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 15.5
Newton Johnson, Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2017 Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Nice blend of richness and crisp green fruit on the nose. Very light malo influence (100% malo apparently) and really super-fresh fruit. Sea breezes waft through this wine, which should age well.
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2024 £27.00 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5 +
Donovan Rall Grenache Blanc 2018 Piekenierskloof
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
High site in Piekenierskloof, vines 20 years old. Picked early and goes with full solids to concrete eggs. Chalky, dusty-mineral pear fruit. Dry and chalky in texture, with the fruit flavour of Grenache Blanc and still great freshness. Chalky length and that lovely dry dusty texture that I associate with concrete. (JH)
12% Drink 2020 – 2023 £26.50 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16.5
Donovan Rall 2018 Swartland
Chenin, Verdelho and a little bit of Viognier. Fermented and aged 11 months in old oak on lees. Surprisingly complex for such a young wine. Chalky mineral overlay on green fruits. On the palate, intense freshness clothed in pure bright fruit. Chewy texture and just a light scent on the long finish. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2025 £30 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 17
Donovan Rall, Ava Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
Named after his daughter. Yields are so low that 2.4 ha gave him 1,300 bottles this year. Oak seems a little more evident here than on the 2018 blend, in creamy, mealy KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch spice. Seductively deep fruit balanced by zippy freshness. Effortless concentration of old vines. So fresh it’s almost salty on the finish. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2021 – 2028 £46 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 17.5
Restless River, Ava Marie Chardonnay 2017
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Attractively stinky (slightly reductive) nose. Lots of personality but just a tad austere. Green-fruit flavours. I definitely wouldn’t open this for a while but I think it will probably blossom and gain weight and interest. Still very chewy.
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2025 £45 RRP imported by Swig 16 ++
Reyneke Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Stellenbosch
Fruit from less vigorous vines compared with the Reserve bottling, so riper grapes and less oak. Vegy nose with some hint of sweet oiliness. More Pessac than Marlborough. A really rather serious Sauvignon but with good drive. QGV
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
13% Drink 2019 – 2022 £18 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
Reyneke, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017 Stellenbosch
Fruit from more vigorous, later-ripening vines compared with the regular bottling and this went into new barriques for a year. Smoky, tingly nose. The new oak doesn’t show because the fruit is so dense. Really vibrant and zesty, even if more mineral and Sancerre-like than the 2018 Sauvignon.
12% Drink 2019 – 2023 £25 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
Saurwein, Chi Riesling 2019 Elgin
Cuts right through the palate – very brisk and precise. Very edgy and super- refreshing. Very bright fruit indeed and a dry impression. Still a little chewy but it should age well. Possibly the best South African Riesling I have tasted.
12% Drink
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2019 – 2024 £24 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Savage 2018 Western Cape
54% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon, 18% Chenin Blanc. Very appetising. Lots there! Really pretty enthralling. Great lively balance with lots of fruit. Really sappy and rather entrancing.
14% Drink 2019 – 2024 £29.50 RRP imported by Swig 17
Savage, Never Been Asked to Dance 2018 Paarl
Straight Chenin. A little simpler than the 2018 white blend from this producer but well done. Just a bit linear when tasted after the blend. Green-streaked honey.
13% Drink 2019 – 2026 £29.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Hannes Storm, Wild Air Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Light, varietal, somehow 'green' nose. Good density on the palate of this bone- dry wine. More Sancerre than Marlborough. Very appetising indeed with excellent balance.
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2022 16.5
Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay 2019 Hemel-en- Aarde Ridge
First Chardonnay vintage. Pale straw. Floral Chablis nose! Racy and vibrant with a tad more fruit than some of its neighbours. Pretty tart on the end. Wait!
13% Drink 2020 – 2024 £29.95 RRP imported by Swig 16 +
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Thistle & Weed, Brandnetel Chenin Blanc 2018 Stellenbosch
Full and rich. Lower acidity than most so very accessible.
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2022 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Thorne & Daughters, Tin Soldier 2018 Swartland
Semillon Gris. Honeyed, pale copper colour. Very unusual nose with a twist of something spicy and lots of grip. Really fascinating. Proper wine with the same sort of structure as a fine Albillo. Beginning, middle and end.
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2023 £27 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17
Thorne & Daughters, Rocking Horse 2018 Western Cape
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Cool and fresh. Good fruit impact on the front palate. A little astringent on the end. But masses of fruit on the way there. Should satisfy if drunk with food.
13% Drink 2019 – 2023 £24 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Waterkloof, Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Stellenbosch
This was a broader vintage than 2017 but they never acidify, says owner Paul Boutinot. Fermented and aged in big neutral oak. This is such good value. It has everything: herby citrus fruit, creamy texture and freshness even in a richer vintage. There’s a sweet/sour effect but it brings harmony not clash. VGV (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2020 £13.50 RRP imported by Boutinot 16
Waterkloof, Circle of Life 2016 Stellenbosch
Two-thirds Sauvignon and the rest Chenin, co-fermented for the first time this year. ‘The best time to blend’, says Paul Boutinot. The Sauvignon effect is a little more grassy here than on the Circumstance 2018,
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch a vintage effect, I think. Clean, crisp edges. Tight and mouth-watering, more precise than the Circumstance 2018 and impressive length at this price. Still so youthful. GV (JH)
13% Drink 2019 – 2022 £14.99 RRP imported by Boutinot 16.5
Waterkloof Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Stellenbosch
Yields just 12 hl/ha because of drought and winds from the Antarctic that stress the vines. Super-intense fruit here but it is lemon and fresh herbs, nothing like gooseberry or passionfruit. Subtle but intense. On the palate, stony elegance and concentration without effort. Almost a little spicy on the long finish. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2025 Imported to the UK by Boutinot 17
Red wines
Anysbos Grenache 2016 Bot River
Light to mid crimson. Sweetly spiced dark-red fruit. Seems to be marked by oak on the palate but juicy and nicely dry in the fine tannins. (JH)
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
14% Drink 2019 – 2025 £25 RRP imported by Woodwinters 16.5
A A Badenhorst, Secateurs 2018 Swartland
Shiraz, Cinsault, Grenache, Tinta Barocca ‘and a few others’. Enticing aroma of sweet red fruits, red cherry, but also a more savoury, almost leathery note. There is something really honest about this wine, not rough but not too polished. Some grip and plenty of freshness. GV (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2022 £13.50 RRP imported by Swig 16
A A Badenhorst, Family Red 2018 Swartland
80% Cinsault plus Shiraz (used to be vice versa). Initial impression is, unexpectedly, eucalyptus/menthol. The Shiraz seems to punch above its percentage but there is still the juicy scentedness of the Cinsault. Chewy, full-flavoured, just a bit rustic in texture. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2022 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£27.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
A A Badenhorst, Ringmuur Cinsault 2018
Swartland
Tiny vineyard. Carbonic maceration. Pale cherry red. Red fruit, orange peel. Very unusual wine: light bodied, easy to overlook for its delicacy but it has great persistence and real character. An individual of a wine and lots of fine-boned pleasure. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2026 £39.50 RRP imported by Swig 17
A A Badenhorst, Ramnasgras Cinsault 2018
Swartland
50% destemmed. Very pale cherry red. Strangely this seems more stemmy than the carbonic- maceration Ringmuur Cinsault. Bone-dry and chalky in texture. No make-up, all vineyard, it seems. Dry, fine boned and long. (JH)
12% Drink 2021 – 2027 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£39.50 RRP imported by Swig 17
Boekenhoutskloof, The Chocolate Block 2018
Swartland
Deep crimson. Intensely fragrant and balsam. None of the overly sweet, chocolatey character of old. Lovey nose, slightly edgy palate and then it just becomes a little edgily dry on the end. But what a sea change!
14% Drink 2019 – 2021 £23 RRP imported by New Generation 16
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2017 Swartland
Deep crimson – bluer than most South African Syrahs. Dense, recognisably Syrah with real tingle. But arguably just a tad richer than many people’s ideal Syrah in the 21st century. Well made though.
14% Drink 2020 – 2025 £42 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Franschhoek
An increasing proportion of Cabernet Franc apparently because it retains aroma and freshness better in hot, dry summers than Cabernet Sauvignon. Mid to dark crimson. Some real grace here on the nose. Round, gentle tannins with a sweet undertow and a beginning, middle and end. Light charge of fine tannins.
14.5% Drink 2019 – 2026 £42 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5 +
Boschkloof, Sons of Sugarland Syrah 2018 Stellenbosch
100% whole bunch. All cement, no oak. Beautifully scented, peppery, peony, dark fruit, light stemmy herbal freshness. Chewy, chalky tannins add to the mouth-watering freshness. So juicy without being simple. Deliciously dry texture. Both refined and full of lively pleasure. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2025 £34 RRP imported by Enotria & Coe 17 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Boschkloof, Epilogue 2017 Stellenbosch
Single-vineyard Syrah. Part destemmed, mix of oak and cement tanks. Rich, dark and subtly seductive. Dark fruit and a hint of dark chocolate but not sweet. Firm, dry and serious, dark like 75% chocolate on the finish, leaving your mouth clean, with a long lingering finish. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2023 £49.50 RRP imported by Enotria & Coe 17 +
Botanica, Big Flower Merlot 2016 Stellenbosch
Bright mid crimson. Racy sweet nose. Real wine! Lots of life. Transparent and good acid balance for the opulent fruit without that much tannin. Definitely needs food though. GV
14.5% Drink 2018 – 2021 £15 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Botanica, Arboretum Merlot 2016 Stellenbosch
Quite deep garnet. Rather an earthy nose. Masses of fruit. Over delivery. Very satisfying and 21st century. GV
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
14.5% Drink 2019 – 2023 £22 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5
Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2018 Upper Hemel-en- Aarde Valley
Bright cherry red. Very pure Pinot aromas. A bit sweeter and fuller than some of its peers. Very charming. Even if not the grungiest.
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2025 £40 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
Crystallum, Peter Max Pinot Noir 2018 Western Cape
From five vineyards, mostly in Hemel-en-Aarde but one higher and further inland. 40% whole bunch. Light, bright cherry red. Sweet and perfumed with red fruit and something that is a cross between stemmy herbs and a more floral quality. Really pretty. Likewise on the palate with a hint of oak but that doesn’t dampen the prettiness of the scented fruit. Very fine tannins. (JH)
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2026 £25 RRP imported by Liberty Wines 16.5
Crystallum, Mabalel Pinot Noir 2018 Elandskloof
Single vineyard, 10% whole bunch. Lightish cherry red. Less pretty and more savoury and spiced than the Peter Max. Subtle but deep in red fruit. As it opens, that floral scent starts to emerge. More serious than the Peter Max but not because of the winemaking, just because of the fruit. A light dust of spice. Very good. Long too. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2028 £40 RRP imported by Liberty Wines 17
Crystallum, Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2018
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
60% whole bunch. 25–35% new oak (225 and 500 litre). Light to mid ruby. More obviously stemmy in its fresh herbal aroma, then more savoury and oaky on the palate but no lack of red fruit. Tannins are dry and extremely fine. Not seductive – yet. Needs time. (JH)
14%
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Drink 2022 – 2028 £40 RRP imported by Liberty Wines 16.5 ++
Crystallum, Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2018 Hemel- en-Aarde Valley
50% whole bunch. 25–35% new oak (225 and 500 litre). Mid ruby. Relatively closed on the nose, opening slowly to reveal its peppery red fruit, but on the palate this is a fine example of freshness, subtle fruit and light- touch winemaking. Persistent. (JH)
14% Drink 2022 – 2030 £40 RRP imported by Liberty Wines 17
DeMorgenzon, Reserve Syrah 2015 Stellenbosch
Pure and rather noble. Polished and confident. Delivers. Smart stuff. Definitively South Africa rather than Rhône but/and very well done. Still youthful though.
14.3% Drink 2019 – 2025
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£31.25 RRP imported by Seckford Agencies 16.5 +
DeMorgenzon, Maestro Blue 2015 Stellenbosch
Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and little Petite Sirah. Pure and sweet. Pretty grippy on the end.
14.4% Drink 2020 – 2024 £20.25 RRP imported by Seckford Agencies 16 +
The Foundry Grenache 2017 Stellenbosch
From one of the few Grenache vineyards in Stellenbosch. Slightly more severe than most Grenaches and a tad dry and demanding on the end but certainly adds to what’s available in Stellenbosch.
14.5% Drink 2020 – 2024 £18.50 imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
The Great South African Wine Co, The Great Red 2017 Stellenbosch KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cinsault, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot. Round and well worked. Lots of juicy fruit. Not the most complex flavours but a lovely round texture without its being sweet or dull.
14% Drink 2018 – 2020 £18.95 RRP imported by Swig 16
Hogan, Mirror for the Sun Cabernet Franc 2018 Stellenbosch
Bright, pale cherry red. Fragrant but a little simple. Sweet and sour without quite enough in the middle. But I can certainly see some varietal imprint.
14% Drink 2020 – 2024 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 15.5
Keermont Syrah 2015 Stellenbosch
Pale to mid crimson. Sweet, ripe fruit. I’m not sure I would guess Syrah. Certainly not overoaked but not quite savoury enough for me. No negatives but just a little hot.
14%
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Drink 2018 – 2022 £25 RRP imported by Swig 15.5
Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Stellenbosch
Mid crimson. Real savour and frank Cabernet fruit (maybe a drop of Cabernet Franc? 3% by planted area apparently, as well as some Malbec) with a minerally undertow. Very beautifully balanced, subtle and complete. Fills all the nooks and crannies on the palate. Bravo! GV
14% Drink 2019 – 2027 £25 RRP imported by Swig 17
Keermont, Estate Reserve 2014 Stellenbosch
Bordeaux blend with a little bit of Syrah. Quite dense crimson. Sweet Merlot influence on the nose. And palate! Nicely put together but not quite as distinctive as the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, with just a little more heat. Admirable in a South African context but perhaps not a standout in a global one.
14.5% Drink
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2017 – 2025 £32 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Richard Kershaw Syrah 2016 Klein River
Bush vines planted in the 1990s. Darker fruited than the Elgin Syrah. Darker and more savoury overall. Black fruit, spice and a touch of chocolate but avoids unwanted sweetness. Firm, dense yet lively. Sweet fruited with archetypally spicy Syrah finish. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2028 £43 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17 +
Richard Kershaw, Clonal Selection Syrah 2016 Elgin
Some stems exceptionally in this hotter vintage. Spicy ripe dark-red fruit with a lovely peppery touch. What seems like oak sweetness on the palate. Lightly chewy, the fruit sweetness in balance with the freshness. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 –
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2024 £43 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 16.5
Richard Kershaw, Clonal Selection Pinot Noir 2017 Elgin
Light cherry red. Super-subtle red-fruit aroma. Juicy, very slightly rubbery/reductive on the palate. Silky texture, tannins barely apparent but it has a subtle intensity and surprising length. Just that rubbery note bothers me. Maybe it will blow off? (JH)
13% Drink 2019 – 2023 £46 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 16.5
Leeu Passant , Dry Red 2017 Western Cape
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc. Leafy cassis with a touch of mint but no greenness. Pencil shavings and cedar but no lack of lightly herbaceous black fruit. Powerful, dense and embryonic. Dark and savoury with a hint of char and dark chocolate on the finish but beautifully dry at the end. (JH)
14% Drink 2022 – 2030
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
£84 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17.5 +
Leeuwenkuil 2017 Swartland
Some Syrah from the 1990s, some Cinsault. Mid garnet. A tiny bit muddy on the nose – but it’s not expensive… Good barbeque wine?
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2020 £15 RRP imported by New Generation 15.5
Leeuwenkuil, Heritage Syrah 2017 Swartland
A bit pinched fruit but certainly not heavy, nor gratuitously sweet. Not a great buy though. Grainy finish with some slightly drying tannins.
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2024 £39 RRP imported by New Generation 15.5 +
The Liberator, Thunderbirds are Go! 2018 Western Cape KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Blend of Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache made by Sam Lambson of The Minimalist and sold by Richard Kelley MW of Dreyfus Ashby under his Liberator label to UK merchant Lay & Wheeler (still under the auspices of Majestic at the time of writing). Bright pale cherry red. Sweet and light. A gentle hand as regards extraction. Almost more like liquid candy than a wine. Attractively delicate and with a spicy finish. Very 21st century. Nicely contained; no rough edges. This could slip down dangerously easily. Wine bar wine rather than serious stuff.
13% Drink 2019 – 2021 £TBC Lay & Wheeler 16.5
Lismore Pinot Noir 2017 Cape South Coast
From Elgin and Walker Bay. Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. 30% whole bunch, one month on skins, 25% new oak. Light bricky red. A little bit of stemmy herbs but mostly red fruit, starting to show some bottle development already. Acidity is fresh but the fruit seems older than its years. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2021 £32.99 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 16
Lismore Syrah 2016 Cape South Coast
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Elgin and Greyton. Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. 40% whole bunch, only older oak. Mid cherry red. Sweet dark fruit, peppery. Fruit spice and more red fruited on the palate, quite an unusual style of Syrah. Sweet/sour on the finish. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2023 £32.99 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 16.5
Lismore, Estate Reserve Syrah 2017 Greyton
This is the first time Sam O’Keefe has been able to afford to make this on its own (rather than including it in a blend) and she feels it is the greatest expression of her terroir. Dry farmed, indigenous yeasts. 30% whole bunch, aged in 500- and 700-litre oak, minority new. She was trying to make South African Shiraz before when that was not the style of her fruit. There’s dark fruit, peony, intense Syrah perfume with a minor note of pepper. Opens up to a touch of black olive, which I guess will increase with time in bottle. Acidity is pronounced yet harmonious, the texture fine and the whole is pure fruit because the oak is a hidden support. Mouth-wateringly good and very persistent. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2030 £39.95 Vin Cognito, £42 RRP imported by Hallgarten Druit & Novum Wines 18
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Lukas van Loggerenberg, Geronimo 2018 Stellenbosch
100% Cinsault, 44 years old, from Helderberg area. 100% whole bunch. Aged in 500-litre oak. Red fruited and floral and so juicy and chewy on the palate. More tannin and density than many Cinsaults these days with a fine counterbalance of juicy fruit and dry texture. Mouth-watering and carrying the stems lightly. (JH)
12.5% Drink 2020 – 2024 £24.95 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17
Lukas van Loggerenberg, Breton 2018 Stellenbosch
Cabernet Franc on granite in Polkedraai region (Lukas is a big Loire fan). 11 months in old French oak. Classically leafy Cab Franc nose. Lightly herbal and stemmy but rich in dark cassis and cassis leaf. Concentrated and still fresh. Juicy yet with good fruit depth. (JH)
13% Drink 2020 – 2028 £34 Vin Cognito, £33 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Lukas van Loggerenberg, Graft 2018 Polkadraai Hills
One of the highest vineyards in the area at 300 m. 100% whole bunch and some new oak. Lifted and perfumed like the best northern Rhône Syrah but it’s no imitation. Peony, black fruit, pepper. On the palate, wonderfully dry texture, the oak in the background. The texture is infused with the perfume from the beginning to the long finish. Dark, chalky finesse at the very end. (JH)
13.5% Drink 2021 – 2028 £34 Vin Cognito, £33 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17.5
J H Meyer, Signature Pinot Noir 2017 Elgin
Three vineyards, whole bunch, long vatting, 12 months in foudre. No added sulphites. Mid to light crimson. Peppery and lightly stemmy nose. High acid with just enough fruit to balance, lean but not mean, making it very refreshing and probably better with food. A bit too eye-watering on its own. (JH)
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2024 £21.10 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
J H Meyer, Elands River Pinot Noir 2016 Elgin
Single vineyard, whole bunch, long vatting, 18 months in foudre. No added sulphites. Very pale bricky red, looks older than it is. Quite stemmy but in a delicate way – the whole wine shows a light touch. On the herbal side of Pinot and harmonious in that delicate style. Long too. (JH)
12.5% Drink 2019 – 2024 £29 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16.5
Minimalist, Stars in the Dark Syrah 2018 Elim
19-year-old vines on shale. Whole bunch. Natural yeast. No added sulphur. The South African allocation of the total production of 800 bottles is already sold out. This should please the naturalistas! Not extreme but clearly out on a bit of a limb. Very savoury. Pretty Côte Rôtie-like! Richard Hemming MW would LOVE this. Really adds to the range that South Africa can offer. Snap this up!
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2023 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17.5
Momento Grenache 2017 Western Cape
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Swartland, 30% whole bunch. Lightish crimson. Delicate, fine-textured and with no make-up, just pure, elegant fruit and light-boned structure. Beautifully subtle and refreshing. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2023 £28 RRP imported by Armit Wines 16.5
Momento Tinta Barroca 2018 Western Cape
From three vineyards in Swartland, Stellenbosch and Bot River. Old bush vines originally planted for fortified wines. Mid crimson. Much more intense aromas than I expected. Ripe and spicy hedgerow fruit but doesn’t smell sweet. Peppery, like Syrah. Dry, paper-fine texture and super-fresh. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2024 £26 RRP imported by Armit Wines 17
Mother Rock, Force Majeure Cinsault 2018 Swartland
Surprisingly dark for Cinsault. So pretty on the nose, scented ripe sour cherry, and chalky textured and deep but fresh-fruited on the palate. This is Cinsault
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Max, aromatic, super-fresh and with perfectly judged dry tannins. I think it will age well but it’s hard to resist now. GV (JH)
12% Drink 2020 – 2028 £17.95 Vin Cognito, £17.20 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 17
Mullineux, Kloof Street 2017 Swartland
Juicy and peppery aroma. I sense the alcohol initially. But on the palate, the dry fine-grained texture is the star, suffused with black and red fruit. Sweet and juicy but still fresh. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 – 2021 £14.95 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 16.5
Mullineux Syrah 2016 Swartland
After the Kloof Street red 2017, this is more savoury and sober in aroma. Spice, pepper and dark fruit of pure Syrah. Some oak sweetness on the palate but counterbalanced by the finest of dry tannins. Chalky fresh aftertaste. (JH)
14% Drink 2019 –
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2024 £28.95 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17
Mullineux, Granite Syrah 2017 Swartland
Deep, dark-fruited but elegant Syrah nose. Delicious combination of dark, fine fruit and super-dry tannin texture, smooth but dry. Extremely elegant and well- proportioned. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2027 £84 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 17.5
Mullineux, Schist Syrah 2017 Swartland
Even more savoury than the Granite Syrah. Restrained, dark and peppery. Chalky, chewy dry finesse. More northern Rhône than the Granite Syrah but with the ripeness of Swartland heat. This is all about the texture on the finish. Extreme elegance. (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2030 £84 RRP imported by Fields Morris & Verdin 18
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Newton Johnson, Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2018 Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Pale ruby. Slightly vegy note on the nose. But pretty and nice balance of fruit and (fairly considerable) acidity on the palate. Quite delicate. Not that much depth but a very good attempt.
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2023 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Newton Johnson, Seadragon Pinot Noir 2018 Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Second vintage of this single-vineyard Pinot to be released in October 2019. Their oldest vines. Pale ruby. Really rather warm, ripe nose and then lovely freshness on the palate. Another wine from this address that seems rather maritime. Already fun to drink with lots of undertow and a very delicate hand regarding oak.
13.5% Drink 2020 – 2026 £POA imported by Dreyfus Ashby 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Newton Johnson, Windansea Pinot Noir 2018 Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
To be released in October 2019. Deep clay, just below the winery. Pale garnet. Quite a subtle, minerally nose. Very mouth-filling fruit, really quite a fruit bomb. Marked tannin. Wait awhile but the point is made about the difference between this and Seadragon. Big and bold.
13.5% Drink 2021 – 2026 £POA imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16.5 +
Porseleinberg Syrah 2016 Swartland
Seriously hot, dry vintage. Tarmac notes and pretty drying on the end. Sandy texture. Not that much juice!
14% Drink 2020 – 2024 £60 RRP imported by New Generation 16 -
Porseleinberg Syrah 2017 Swartland
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
75% of average rainfall and much gentler and more even season than 2016. Such a contrast to the 2016! Lovely gentle, mellow, softly structured, juicy, warm-climate Syrah.
14% Drink 2019 – 2026 £60 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
Donovan Rall Cinsault 2018 Swartland
100% whole bunch and picked quite early. Old oak. Light cherry colour. Pretty red fruits and a touch of orange peel and rose petals. Beautifully scented but not OTT. Fine dry texture, not notably stemmy in flavour but perhaps in the tannins. Lively and fresh. (JH)
12% Drink 2020 – 2024 £26.50 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 16.5
Donovan Rall, Ava Syrah 2018 Swartland
From the same site as the Ava Chenin Blanc. Deep crimson. Dark, intense, spicy fruit. This is concentrated but not with fruit sweetness. It’s the dark dry tannins that shine here, the fruit sober yet rich, dark and chewy/chalky. Compact and needs time for the texture to release the fruit. (JH)
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
13.5% Drink 2022 – 2030 £53 RRP imported by Indigo Wine 18
Restless River, Le Luc Pinot Noir 2017 Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Slightly dull pale garnet. Really interesting nose. A tiny suggestion of sweet toasty oak that might become tiring with time? But it’s fresh and has some depth of flavour. Already rather flattering and winning with masses of freshness – thanks to sea and altitude presumably.
13% Drink 2019 – 2024 £45 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Reyneke, Cornerstone 2016 Stellenbosch
Rather a complete Bordeaux blend. Mid crimson. And nicely resolved on the nose, even if the palate is a little spiky in terms of acidity. Dry finish. Definitely needs food.
14% Drink 2018
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
– 2021 £20 RRP imported by New Generation 16
Reyneke, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Stellenbosch
Dense crimson with some gradation of colour. Hint of sweet oak on the nose. More fully ripe fruit without its being seriously sweet, but I’m not sure it’s three times as good as Cornerstone. Correct Cabernet with a dry finish and nothing out of place. Food please!
14% Drink 2018 – 2024 £60 RRP imported by New Generation 16.5
Saurwein, Nom Pinot Noir 2018 Elandskloof
Compare and contrast with the 2017 tasted as a standalone. This is further inland, and therefore presumably higher, than the vineyard responsible for her Om bottling. Bright cherry red. Fruit is very slightly raw on the nose. Lots of charm and brightness on the palate however. Fairly precise but definitely local rather than burgundian!
13.5% Drink 2019
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
– 2024 £45 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
Savage, Follow The Line 2018 Darling
86% Cinsault, 14% Syrah. Pale garnet. Juicy and round with a bit of polish but not the freshest fruit. Sweet and quite charming but I wouldn’t mind a little more precision.
13% Drink 2019 – 2021 £29.50 RRP imported by Swig 16
Savage, Thief in the Night 2018 Piekenierskloof
54% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 22% Cinsault. Grip and sweetness and real drive to this wine. I think that served a little cool this would be stunning.
13% Drink 2019 – 2024 £29.50 RRP imported by Swig 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Savage, Girl Next Door 2018 Cape Town
Syrah. Deep crimson. Real Syrah savour and a certain leatheriness. Lots to chew on. But correct and fresh.
14% Drink 2019 – 2026 £35 RRP imported by Swig 16.5 +
Savage 2017 Coastal Region
Syrah. Mid to deep crimson. Beautifully balanced nose with lots of interesting grace notes. Briary and juicy with both acid and tannin. Still quite youthful.
14% Drink 2020 – 2024 £29.50 RRP imported by Swig 16.5 +
Sijnn Touriga Nacional 2014 Malgas
Feels a little out of its milieu. Not bad. But a bit dry and dusty on the end – though not expensive for such a mature wine.
14.5% Drink 2017 KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
– 2021 £20 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Sijnn 2012 Malgas
Syrah-dominated blend, with Touriga Nacional, Mourvèdre and Trincadeira. Very mature nose. Maybe past its absolute prime? But certainly not fading. Fun and interesting.
14% Drink 2016 – 2021 £28 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2018 Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
2015 was the debut vintage of this wine. Very pale garnet. Attractive layers of flavour. Pretty light but admirably delicate. Fruit trumps vegetal notes. The opposite of heavy handed: light handed?
13% Drink 2019 – 2023 £39.95 RRP imported by Swig 16.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Thistle & Weed, Nastergal Tempranillo/Alicante Bouschet 2018 Stellenbosch
Mid crimson. Round and different (in a South African context). Spicy. Maybe this could do with just a tad fresher fruit but I’m sure it’s a hit in South Africa.
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2022 £30 RRP imported by Dreyfus Ashby 16
Trizanne Signature Wines, Reserve Syrah 2016 Elim
Naughty heavy bottle. Made from three different parcels with vine age 10–20 years on shale, gravel and decomposed granite. Mid garnet. Meaty, sweet nose. Quite a rich nose for this relatively cool region but not heavy or aggressive. It's clearly not taking the northern Rhône as its model, which is fine. It's presumably trying to present a friendly, fully ripe red that expresses place and vines. Really quite a rich start and then there is admirable freshness on the finish. Very 'alive'. Well done. Very much on its own terms but with an attractive savoury finish.
13.5% Drink 2018 – 2022 Imported into the UK by Alliance Wine KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
16.5
Waterkloof, Circumstance Mourvèdre 2017 Stellenbosch
Aged in old 600-litre barrels. Deep crimson. Not what I expected on the nose – peppery and fragrant, almost floral. Then shows the reductive character of the variety on the palate, but in a good way – smoky, dark and savoury. Even a hint of char. Blind I might have thought this was Syrah. Compact, fine and dry in texture. Lovely but embryonic. VGV (JH)
14% Drink 2020 – 2027 £16.99 RRP imported by Boutinot 17
Waterkloof, Circumstance Cabernet Franc 2016 Stellenbosch
Aged in 225-litre oak, just 7% new. Deep crimson. Totally Cab Franc on the nose. Leafy, dark-red fruit, very Loire! Benchmark Cab Franc, with structure and energetic fruity freshness. Packed with fruit and pleasure. Straightforward but not simple. Still very young. (JH)
13% Drink 2019 16.5++ KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
2025 £16.99 RRP imported by Boutinot
David & Nadia's 2019 releases TASTING ARTICLES SOUTH AFRICA SWARTLAND
A range of great wines from a Swartland star, and one to grab from a South African debutant (pictured).
This week the new season’s tasting season in London got off to a brilliant start with this year’s New Wave South Africa tasting on Tuesday. There was a massive buzz there as well as a massive crowd and Julia and I will be publishing the tasting notes the two of us made there. One of the star producers, it was widely agreed, was David & Nadia, a husband and wife (winemaker and viticulturist/soil scientist respectively) team we have long followed and appreciated.
David Sadie (no relation to Eben Sadie of Sadie Family, who could be said to have been the pioneer of the new wave in fashionable Swartland) came to see me in the Languedoc this summer with samples of most of their new releases, which are being offered by Justerini & Brooks of London next week. He had been in the Roussillon the weekend before for a celebration of obscure grape varieties. He left us to go and see his brother, who plays rugby for Agen. Bill & Co is the wine- minded café and wine bar he and his brother have established in Malmesbury in the Swartland. His sister works for an organic tea company, roiboos being an important crop in South Africa that can be much more financially rewarding than grapes.
My tasting notes are below but as usual it was an instructive occasion. First, a few observations from the Sadies on recent vintages in the Swartland. Basically it’s a tale of drought (remember all those dire warnings about how urgently Cape Town needed a shower?), with David explaining that they are still showering with a bucket. In the vineyard, mulching has become very important to conserve as much moisture as possible in the soil. Every drop counts. Presumably life is
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch slightly easier for the Swartland gang who have never relied on irrigation than for some traditionally heavily irrigated vineyards in, say, Stellenbosch.
'2019 We had a record short and intense harvest starting on 21 January and ending already on 15 February 2019 which gave us 20 consecutive working days of harvesting … four weeks only! Believe us if we say that a lot happened during this short space in time. Yields were a mixed bag of disappointments and blessings. Disappointment due to wind damage during flowering in October 2018, which resulted in very low yields in general in the Cape, especially in the Swartland. The small vintage was also a result of previous consecutive dry winters. Blessings came due to the quality of the vintage as well as results from farming investments we started with in 2016, only showing fruit three vintages later. We are still blessed to fill our beautiful old cellar to its full capacity, not wasting an inch…
'2018 This was officially the smallest vintage in our relative short careers with average annual rainfall of previous years not averaging more than 300 mm [12 in] when we normally expect at least 500 mm a year. This vintage started with one of the most intense heatwaves we have ever encountered and yet we could not pick any earlier than we did because most vineyards were still green. Due to small canopies, some of the vineyards took longer than ever to ripen, which resulted in our longest vintage of five to six weeks.
'2017 This vintage was close to, but not as dry as, the 2018 vintage, and also resulted in very low yields. After the drought-struck 2016 vintage with its two heatwaves and less than half the amount of average rainfall in winter 2015, 2017 was a very intense vintage. It was also the first vintage that Grenache as variety took the lead in our cellar and we will be focusing even more on this variety in the future. The vintage again proved that Chenin Blanc and Grenache Noir work extremely well in dryland farming conditions.
'Since 2016 our yields have been really small, resulting in extremely high input costs and expenses per hectare of vines. Not that we did not know this before, but more than ever our focus is on producing the best quality of wine possible. Usually when one thinks of droughts, it is assumed that the fruit will be disease free, but this is not necessarily the norm when we think back to recent warm winters where 30 °C [86 °F] temperatures in mid July resulted in premature
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch budding on some vineyards and which in itself leads to challengingly high disease pressure during budding.'
The Sadies own 20 ha (50 acres) of vines and manage a further five. Since they pay the farmers they work with by the hectare rather than by the tonne, these short, dry vintages have been particularly taxing financially – even though they are thrilled to be working in their own premises on Paardebosch farm on the Paardeberg for the last few years. For the reasons outlined above, they are focusing on Grenache, but David bemoaned how relatively rare old Grenache vines are in South Africa. Most of it is in Piekenierskloof, on hills overlooking the west coast, and keenly fought over between winemakers. Tierhoek is the main owner of old-vine Grenache in Piekenierskloof. Adi Badenhorst also has access to some on his farm, but the Sadies have decided to focus on planting it. At least, unlike many old vines, they can be sure of clean, virus-free plant material – unlike so many of the old Pinotage vineyards.
The Sadies began planting in 2016 and now have access to Grenache grapes grown on the shale and schist of Kasteelberg, the granitic Paardeberg soils and deeper iron-rich soils in western Swartland. As their vines mature we can presumably expect a growing range of single-vineyard Grenaches to match their single-vineyard Chenins. They used to produce 50:50 red:white but from 2016 they have made more white than red, although once the Grenache they have planted comes into production it will probably return to half and half.
David Sadie now has an assistant in the winery, André Bruyns, who, in the New Wave South African way of things, has his own label, City on a Hill. Andre’s 2017 Chenin Blanc was awarded five stars in this year’s Platter guide, as were David & Nadia’s three Chenins. They have been investing in square concrete vats for their reds on the basis that it ‘preserves the energy’ of the wines although I got the impression that when they can afford it they may invest in some Stockinger foudres.
We talked about the problems specific to Swartland – notably the structure of the wine business whereby the old vines are on mixed farms and formal contracts are rare. According to David, some vines are old simply because the farmers can’t afford to rip out the vines.’ However strong the sense of unity among the New Wave wine producers, they can easily find themselves competing for the same fruit. Sadie admits to one reason they are happy to have
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch some blends rather than single-vineyard wines. ‘The blend model works when you can lose vineyards so easily. We lost one to Lammershoek, for instance. But sometimes it’s ok to lose a vineyard when it’s impossible to convince the farmer to give up agrochemicals.’
The Sadies produce a couple of wines in their Topography range and explain the rationale thus:
'We are ultimately responsible for farming the vineyards of the two main wines in the Topography range – Sémillon and Pinotage. The financial responsibility of farming these vines is entirely ours and we need to make these vineyards viable. We cannot include all of the Sémillon in our Aristargos blend nor all the Pinotage into our Elpidios as it would stylistically dominate them and also dilute our vision as to what we want to showcase from the region in terms of our main four wines. So, instead of selling the grapes, we have started the Topography range to ‘absorb’ the low yields off these vineyards into a single varietal bottling. It took us five vintages to grow to a stage where we could utilise all the fruit and make wine from it. Yields were 30% lower than the year before, which has unfortunately affected both availability and pricing.'
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Sam Lambson stomping grapes for his Minimalist label
And while we are considering matters superior and South African, I would also like to highlight one wine that particularly struck me at this week’s New Wave South Africa tasting in London as it’s made in too small a quantity to be possible to recommend as a wine of the week. Regard it as a special wine of the week restricted to Purple Pagers.
Minimalist Wines, Stars in the Dark Syrah 2018 Elim was made by 21-year-old Sam Lambson, a curly-haired lamb of a lad who is currently completing his BSc in Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. As I tasted this stunning wine, I immediately thought how much both Richard and Tam would love it – Richard
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch because it’s a dead ringer for a Côte Rôtie and Tam because it wears its sustainable credentials on its sleeve. The grapes from 19-year-old vines on shale were not destemmed. No sulphur was added. ‘This should please the naturalistas!’, I wrote, adding that it’s ‘not extreme but is clearly out on a bit of a limb’.
To my mind it really adds to the range of Syrah on offer from the Cape. Most of those I tasted on Tuesday were much heavier and sweeter but this is a delightfully transparent, savoury, appetising number. ‘Snap this up!’, I wrote. Which you will need to as only 800 bottles were made and it’s already sold out in South Africa. Read more about this enterprising new winemaker, who has been ‘lucky enough to work harvests under Carl van de Merwe of De Morgenzon (2017) and independent winemakers Lukas van Loggerenberg (2018) and Chris Alheit (2019)’, on his website.
Vagabond stores in London have bought some of the Syrah and I am assured by Vagabond’s Colin Thorne that there should be ‘a preliminary 24 bottles at our newest store in Paddington Basin from Saturday, with more to follow into our bonded warehouse and stores from 16 September onwards.’ The price is £31.50 a bottle.
Sam has also made 1,356 bottles of a red blend which forms part of Richard Kelley MW’s Liberator range and is to be offered exclusively by Lay & Wheeler in the UK. Details here. I have not tasted it but would love to.
David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
This is their main Swartland Chenin, making up 70% of production. From old bush vines (planted 1962–1982) from seven vineyards – doesn’t include Skaliekop but does include the other sites that are bottled as single-vineyard wines and cost twice as much as the blend. David Sadie explains that it’s important to include fruit from the single vineyards because they don’t want to dilute the blend, which they want to be perceived as premium in South Africa. The idea for the blend is to create a picture of the Swartland: mainly granite (from Paardeberg) with a bit of schale/schist from the east, clay from the north and iron from the western parts of the Swartland. Whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented, matured for 11
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch months in old, neutral French oak barrels. A Certified Heritage Vineyards wine (vineyards 35 years or older). Yield 1–3 t/ha. 5,080 bottles produced. More evolved nose than the single vineyards, minerally with lots of lift. Strong green acid streak runs through it. Long and nicely balanced.
13% Drink 2018 – 2022 £120 for six ib Justerini & Brooks 16.5 +
David & Nadia Grenache 2018 Swartland
First vintage was 2011. Based on fruit from one sustainably farmed vineyard on granite in Paardeberg planted in the early 2000s, blended with a similar-age organically certified vineyard planted in deep clay soils north of Malmesbury. They describe Grenache as their ‘ultimate red variety … well suited to the Swartland in its droughts and harsh conditions’ – hence they are planting much more. In the context of dry-farmed land and poor soil they use mass-selection Grenache grafted on moderate-strength rootstocks to restrict yield. Four weeks on the skins pre-/during fermentation, 60% whole bunch, one punchdown per day. Pressed off and matured in old 500-litre neutral French oak barrels for a year. Yield 1.5–3 t/ha. 7,000 bottles produced. Pale ruby. Very pale rim. Sweet, meaty, very Grenache nose. Lots of acidity and freshness on the palate. Elegant, pure style – super-fresh. Very reverberant and bone dry on the finish. Very distinctive.
13% Drink 2019 – 2024 £120 for six ib Justerini & Brooks 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
David & Nadia, Elpidios 2017 Swartland
31% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah, 19% Carignan, 10% Cinsault, 10% Pinotage. This may be the only wine in which Pinotage is blended with Grenache! 2017 is the first vintage of this wine to be majority Grenache, and David & Nadia intend this to continue for all future Elpidios blends. (They want to release a single-vineyard Grenache too.) Mostly granite soils from the Paardeberg, blended with structured shale/schists from the east, clay from the north and iron-mixed soils from the west – eight vineyards in total. Variety of vine ages. Average 50% whole bunches, pressed off and matured in a mix of large-format vertical foudre and old 500-litre neutral French oak barrels. Matured for a year before bottling and then matured in bottle for 18 months before release. Yield 1.5–3.5 t/ha. 7,000 bottles produced. Mid ruby colour. Spicy, layered nose. Salty finish, with lots of presence in the mouth. Lively and elegant but with a firm structure. A clearly superior red.
13% Drink 2019 – 2026 £110 for six ib Justerini & Brooks 17 +
David & Nadia, Topography Pinotage 2018 Swartland
Dry-farmed bush vines planted in the early 1990s on pure granite in the higher parts of the mountain (around 240 m above sea level) and decomposed granite deposits lower down. David & Nadia have farmed these vineyards since 2014. Harvested in three batches in the third week of January 2019, hand sorted, partially destemmed but not crushed (which results in plenty of whole berries) and 20% whole bunches all placed in foudre for fermentation (so there is some carbonic maceration). Left on the skins in total for three weeks including pre-
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch ferment cold soak. One punchdown per day. Pressed off into the old 4,000-litre vertical foudre (unfortunately not enough to fill another 2,300-litre foudre as in 2017 because of the small vintage). Yield 2 t/ha. 5,800 bottles produced. The label emphasises bush vines and Paardeberg. Transparent garnet. A little simpler than I remember the previous vintage, still quite tight. Grainy textured. My least favourite of the wines in this selection but still very well made.
12.5% Drink 2020 – 2022 £180 for 12 ib Justerini & Brooks 16 +
David & Nadia, Hoë-Steen Chenin Blanc 2018
Swartland
Hoë means tall and Steen the old name for Chenin Blanc in South Africa. Vineyard planted in 1968 west of Malmesbury towards Darling, in red iron- and clay-rich soils. Mass-selection vinifera – primarily Chenin Blanc, but some Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc), False Pedro (Cañocazo), Palomino, Sémillon and Clairette Blanche vines have been discovered – grafted onto rootstocks a year after the rootstocks were planted. This south-facing 2-ha (5-acre) vineyard ripens late and was their last vineyard to be harvested in 2018 (even after Cinsault), about a week later than usual in the second half of February. Smaller canopies due to the lack of rainfall for three consecutive winters. Hand sorted, whole-bunch pressed, one year in old French oak barrels. A Certified Heritage Vineyards wine. The yield was 3 t/ha in 2017 but <2 t/ha in 2018. I asked whether he adjusted pricing to take account of this? ‘We’re not Burgundy, so no,’ said David. 2,000 bottles produced. Creamy texture. Racy and lifted. Very dancing and fine. Real impact on the palate. Lightly chewy finish. Very long.
13.5% KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
Drink 2019 – 2026 £240 for six ib Justerini & Brooks 17.5
David & Nadia, Skaliekop Chenin Blanc 2018
Swartland
1.4 ha (3.5 acres) of vines planted in 1985 in very shallow shale soils in the Paardeberg (an anomaly as the mountain is mainly granite). Planted on the Paardebosch farm (next to the Plat’bos vineyard) and very exposed as it is planted on a ‘kop’ (so Skaliekop means hill of shale). Their shallowest soil so the vines struggle. David & Nadia have been farming this site since winter 2013 and this is the fifth vintage of Skaliekop Chenin to be released. This was their first organically grown vineyard, in 2016, using their own compost and resulting in particularly dark green leaves. Just after winter it’s full of weeds, apparently. They take out all the weeds by hand. Harvested towards the end of January, the Skaliekop proves to be one of the most challenging vineyards to ferment bone dry within its first two months in barrel. Yield 1.6 t/ha. 1,200 bottles produced. Broader nose than the Plat’bos. ‘Shale Chenins show a lot of richness', says David. There’s not as much tension as the Plat’bos – almost rich. Long and opulent. A little kick of tannin on the end. Impressive undertow.
13.5% Drink 2019 – 2024 £240 for six ib Justerini & Brooks 17
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil
Öffnungszeiten Tel. 043 888 21 21 Mo. - Fr. 09.00 – 18.00 [email protected] Sa. 10.00 – 16.00 www.kapweine.ch
David & Nadia, Plat'bos Chenin Blanc 2018 Swartland
100% Chenin blanc, planted right next to Skaliekop in 100% decomposed granite. Planted in the early 1980s on the Paardebosch farm, this vineyard also contributes to David & Nadia’s regular Chenin Blanc as well as Aristargos, but is released as a single-vineyard wine for the first time in this vintage. Plat'bos means low or flat bush, referring to the small, low bush vines here. They have been farming this vineyard since winter 2013 and it has achieved organic certification with this vintage. Harvested in mid January 2018, this is one of the warmest and earliest-ripening of their Chenin Blanc vineyards. A Certified Heritage Vineyards wine. Yield 1.5 t/ha. ‘We never do any skin contact because the grapes are so concentrated.’ All old oak. No bâtonnage just ageing on lees. 100% malo. 1,200 bottles produced. Very powerful nose with the soil speaking more loudly than the fruit. Full of personality. Easy to like! Great texture. Racy and relatively lean. No spare flesh. Quite attention-demanding. Very long. Lots of chew on the end but massive fruit before then. Round and friendly. Saline note on the end too.
13% Drink 2019 – 2025 £240 for six ib Justerini & Brooks 17.5
KapWeine – Cape Wine Selection SA | Rütibüelstrasse 17 | 8820 Wädenswil