André van Rensburg Artisan Wines – ‘Winemaking genius’
André van Rensburg Artisan Wines – ‘Winemaking genius’
André van Rensburg Artisan Wines
‘Winemaking genius’
'My first encounter with the relatively unknown André was in 1995. Even then, the winemaking genius was apparent.’ – Richard Kelley MW
André van Rensburg’s distinguished career culminated in 25 years at Vergelegen, and his success can be measured by a long list of local and international awards. Part madman, part genius, his outspoken nature always has a pointed wit to it. This is a winemaker with an obsessive determination to produce the best terroir-expressive wines humanly possible.
Now retired from Vergelegen, André’s first solo releases speak of his brilliance. They exude excellence and precision, showing off decades of craftmanship. Richard Kelley MW observes, with a touch of humour: ‘Over the last three decades, I’ve come to understand that André is the greatest winemaker in the world. It’s something he reminds me of every time we meet.’
From Stellenbosch fruit, the André van Rensburg Artisan Wines Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon 2021 is a blend of 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Sémillon, raised in 500-litre French oak and stainless steel. André was the pioneer of this style in the ‘90s, and this wine shows incredible balance and focus. At R280, it has the refinement, pedigree and age-ability of other top Bordeaux-style whites in SA – but at half the price.
Whilst at the helm of Vergelegen, he produced some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon based blends South Africa has ever made. The André van Rensburg Artisan Wines Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2020 is a seamless blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, with splashes of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This is pure class, with exemplary tannin management and layered complexity. It’s destined for a decade or more of evolution.
These are impeccable first releases from a master winemaker, now free to do exactly as he pleases.
