96-point Momento white releases

Focus and vivacity

'Marelise Niemann…is a star to watch in Bot River.' – Decanter

Marelise Niemann, the immensely talented Young Gun winemaker from Bot River, embodies authenticity and excellence. Her latest white releases are from the stellar 2021 vintage. First up is her Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2021 – a blend of 63% Chenin Blanc and 37% Verdelho that Christian Eedes describes as 'extraordinary ….and arresting'. It’s the Verdelho that gives this wine its unique vibrancy, adding great definition and length to the long finish. Tasted alongside a 2014 that was fresh and vivacious, there’s no doubt the 2021 will reward cellaring over the next decade.

A lover of all things Grenache, Marelise’s Momento Grenache Blanc 2021 is easily one of the best examples of this exciting variety in South Africa. From the Voor Paardeberg, it offers purity of fruit, a grippy palate, and a saline, refreshing end.

To complete the trio is one of SA’s few bottlings of Grenache Gris. We love the quiet hint of cherry pip and naartjie, as well as the complexity that the skin contact component brings to the wine. With its grip and haunting red fruit notes, the Momento Grenache Gris 2021 is different and special.

Marelise’s wines are some of our favourites! Produced in small quantities, these limited releases continue to impress and offer great value.