Tasting notes
Cold Mountain Vineyards, Brunia White 2018
'75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. Matured for 12 months in 228-litre French oak barrels. Plenty of smoky reduction before citrus, peach and vanilla on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated but equally possesses driving acidity, the finish long and savoury. Powerful and imposing.' – Winemag Prescient Sauvignon Blanc Report 2020, Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon Blends, 94/100
'Making its début in 2018, Wade Sander's Brunia White is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with 25% Semillon, fermented in 25% new wood. Elegant, nuanced and subtle, with the sea breeze quality that seems to be a feature of the wines from Sondagskloof, racy acidity and a hint of cinnamon spice. Drink 2019-24.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 92/100
Lelie van Saron, Syrah 2018
'The 2018 Syrah Lelie van Saron, which includes 25% whole bunch, offers aromas of red berry fruit with earthy notes, brown spices and flecks of dark chocolate and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening and a fine bead of acidity, maybe just missing a little depth and grip on the finish, but full of charm and certainly approachable. Excellent. Drink 2022-2030.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (April 2021)
'Seductive 2018 has marvellous profusion of flavours & aromas, from cassis & black cherries through violets & rosepetals to herbs & pepper, encased in a fine tannin lattice. Outstanding complexity & structure at moderate 13.4% alcohol. Only older oak.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (90/100)
Minimalist Wines, Experimental Blanc Sémillon 2020
'Just over 1,000 bottles of this experimental Sémillon from the GD 1 clone were produced. Lovely lemon and lime citrus with white fruit purity gets support acts of nettle, fynbos and curry leaf spice. The palate is elegant with good textures and a lingering long and precise finish, drawing fruit, acidity and tannic grip to a pointed close. A portion skin contact adds a nice gravitas to the end. Delicious now but will reward cellaring. Impressively pure, this is a once off small batch from interesting vineyards of the Cape. This one from Elgin.' – James Pietersen (June 2021)
Scions of Sinai, Heldervallei Cinsault 2020
'From a 1988 vineyard on Rustenhof. Vinification involves partial whole-bunch fermentation. Raspberry, red currant, fresh herbs and Turkish Delight on the nose. The palate is light (alcohol is 12.5) yet structured – pure fruit, bright acidity and fine but not indistinct tannins, the finish long and super-dry. Delicate and beautifully balanced. Total production: 825 bottles.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 91/100
Tembela Wines, Verdelho 2020
'From Stellenbosch grapes. Matured for 11 months in an old 500-litre barrel. The nose shows apple, naartjie and spice with a hint of leesy reduction in the background while the palate has good depth of flavour with driving acidity and nicely grippy quality to the finish. Long and savoury. Total production: 600 bottles.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 92/100
The Vineyard Party, I'm Your Huckleberry 2018
'70% juice and 30% skin contact. Aromas of citrus, cut apple and peach plus some waxy, earthy notes. The palate has surprisingly good weight and texture for a wine with an alcohol of just 12% alcohol and the finish is long and very savoury.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 92/100
Angus Paul, On a Flight of Furious Fancies Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2020
'A rush of white pome fruit exits the glass along with salty sea spray notes and confected fruit - I think of yellow gummy bears. A mineral or flinty character sits beneath the fruit like chainmail, awaiting. The palate is razor sharp; linear but coating in leesy creaminess. It is a wine of some length, its lingering saltiness is something we think is becoming quite signature to the area (Polkadraai Hills).' – Angus Paul, Winemaker
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