As the head winemaker at Meerlust until 2019, Chris Williams produced one of SA’s most iconic wines. He also established The Foundry in 2001, which focused on single-varietal bottlings. With more headspace and a second wind igniting his passion, he’s revelling in the creative pursuit of winemaking again with these limited releases.
Geographica – Wines of Presence
Geographica
Wines of Presence
Geographica is the latest creative endeavour from master winemaker Chris Williams. As the name suggests, it’s the ultimate outlet for Chris to produce wines inspired by place. Formerly Cellar Master of Meerlust, his brilliant Bonsai Chenin Blanc 2020 has ‘real presence’, says Christian Eedes, while the Thoreau Cabernet Franc 2020 is a nod to the Loire and ‘pretty much pitch perfect’.
Chris speaks of the atmospheric experience of just being in the 1957 Chenin vineyard – perched on the slopes of the Helderberg in the teeth of the Cape South Easter. The small bush vines offer immense concentration and cool, coastal fruit, with a rare balance of freshness and fynbos overtones. The sibling red is incredibly poised with fine, detailed tannins – celebrating the delicate beauty of Cabernet Franc.
