Dear *|FNAME|*,

Danie and Hugo Carinus are exceptional growers, supplying their sought-after grapes to the country’s leading producers. So when rockstar winemakers Lukas Van Loggerenberg and Chris Alheit decided to collaborate with the Carinus cousins, the outcome was sure to be special! Their Chenin Blanc bottlings, Rooidraai 2022 and Polkadraai Heuwels 2022, offer a unique opportunity to experience two terroirs interpreted by two immensely talented winemakers.

The Polkadraai Heuwels from Stellenbosch is made by Chris Alheit, while the old-vine Rooidraai – from Paardeberg, Swartland fruit – is made by Lukas. Both Chenins hail from granitic soils, but the Polkadraai Heuwels comes from a younger, one-hectare vineyard. These outstanding wines will add great nuance and drinking pleasure to any Chenin Blanc collection.

Offering the best possible quality, the Polkadraai Heuwels is shy and light-footed, with a wonderfully subtle end. It has ‘lovely texture and a cool, precise finish’, says Tim Atkin MW. The Rooidraai 2022 has more fragrance, showing detailed floral aromatics and notes of freshly turned pottery, with refined structure and balance. ‘This is most sophisticated!’ writes Christian Eedes.

Danie and Hugo grow their grapes in Devon Valley, Polkadraai and the Swartland. They are fifth-generation wine growers and former Wine Cellar Young Guns™, and their small-batch wines are well worth seeking out.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Tasting notes

Carinus Polkadraai Heuwels Chenin Blanc 2022

'From a vineyard planted in 2015. Matured for 12 months, 75% in concrete egg and 25% in old 300-litre barrels. Enticing aromatics of pear, peach, lime and fynbos while the palate has impressive clarity and liveliness – great fruit expression, bright acidity and super-dry finish. So youthful and yet so compelling. Alc: 13.23%.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100

'Chris Alheit is the man entrusted with the grapes from Danie Carinus' one hectare on the decomposed granite of the Polkadraai Hills. Planted with the SN24 clone in 2015, this young vineyard of Chenin Blanc has incredible intensity and energy, very subtle wood, leesy weight, citrus and aniseed flavours, lovely texture and a cool, precise finish.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 94/100

Carinus Rooidraai Chenin Blanc 2022

'A combination of a fantastic 1981 vineyard on decomposed granite soils and a brilliant winemaker in the person of Lukas van Loggerenberg has resulted in a wine of complexity, poise and intensity. Chiselled, focused and leesy, with stony zip and pear, citrus and green apple fruit.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 95/100

'From a vineyard planted in 1981. Matured for 10 months in old 300-litre barrels. Pear, peach, orange, a subtle leesy note, ginger and other spice on the nose while the palate has great presence – good weight and texture offset by punchy acidity. With layers of flavour and a long finish, this is most sophisticated. Alc: 12.2%.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

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