Dear *|FNAME|*,

Donovan Rall’s 15th vintage release is an accomplished set of wines by a masterful winemaker. The 2022s are ‘without doubt some of the most exciting in the country’, writes Christian Eedes.

The second release of the Rall Syrah is from the 2022 vintage and is the best value Syrah to hit the market this year. If you’re a Northern Rhône lover, this 96-pointer is a must! Aromatically beguiling with meat spice, concentrated fruit and wonderful citric freshness, it’s selling for only R280. As per Christian, ‘If 2021 was good, this is superb.’

The Rall White 2022 harks back to the taut and narrow 2019. This well-established SA white benchmark has added verve in 2022 thanks to a concrete egg of the Noa Chenin. It’s as smart as ever. The blend of 72% Chenin, 24% Verdelho and 4% Viognier is ‘thrilling to drink’, says Christian, rating it 97/100.

The 2021 Rall Red – always released a year later – maintains its Southern Rhône aesthetic with dark brooding fruit, some savoury depth and a cool mineral core, finishing fresh and grippy. The sense of power in this wine is balanced by lively acidity and a long, dry send-off.

Rall has garnered such a following that their scarce single-vineyards are only available on allocation. Please contact lauren@winecellar.co.za to request an allocation.

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

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Rall Cinsault Blanc 2022

‘Grapes from a 0.2ha Wellington vineyard and “the only example in the world” of a wine from this variety. The 2022 vintage of Cinsault Blanc is destined for export only. Not tasted.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Rall Grenache Blanc 2022

‘Grapes entirely from Piekenierskloof this vintage whereas 2021 included a Stellenbosch portion. The nose is extraordinarily shy at this stage – elusive notes of pear, peach, citrus and herbs while the palate is light-bodied with fresh acidity and pithy texture. Very tight and unshowy. Alc: 12%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100

Rall Noa Chenin Blanc 2022

‘From a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1969 on granitic soils. Lime, lemon, earth and a subtle waxy note on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit, well integrated acidity and a dry finish. Surprisingly forceful given an alcohol of just 12% but this equally possesses plenty of drive.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

Rall Ava Chenin Blanc 2022

‘From a vineyard planted on schist soils. Yellow fruit (peach, apple) to go with hay, earth and spice on the nose. The palate has lovely breadth and texture – really detailed with layers of flavour, the finish showing a slight bitterness so typical of the variety. Alc: 13.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

Rall Cinsault 2022

‘70% Darling and 20% Swartland grapes. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics of black cherry, plum, potpourri, earth and spice. The palate has nice roundness and weight – good fruit concentration, bright acidity and supple tannins. Alcohol is 13% compared to 2021’s 12% and shows more vinosity as a result.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100

Rall Ava Syrah 2022

‘From vineyards on schist. Matured in 3 000-litre foudres. Hugely complex aromatics of red and black berries, orange, rose, lavender, fynbos and white pepper – all quite heady. The palate has astonishing clarity and focus – really vivid with lovely freshness and supremely long and dry finish. Poised, intricate and tightly coiled.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100

Rall Syrah 2022

‘Grapes from the vineyard that supplies Ava below but matured in 4 500-litre concrete squares rather than oak. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. Compelling aromatics of red and black berries, fynbos, earth, coriander and pepper. Light-bodied yet intensely flavoured with a great line of acidity and powdery tannins. Compact but also possessing plenty of verve and vitality – if 2021 was good, this is superb. Alc: 12.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100

Rall White 2022

‘72% Chenin Blanc, 24% Verdelho and 4% Viognier – includes a portion of Chenin from the vineyard from which Noa below is sourced. Expressive aromatics of citrus, peach, floral perfume, herbs and a subtle reductive note while the palate has a dense core of fruit, invigorating acidity and dry finish. Poised and rather thrilling drinking.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100

Rall Red 2021

‘78% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 7% Carignan and 2% Cinsault. Matured for 12 months in older 225- and 300-litre barrels. Red and black berries, floral perfume, fynbos and a little undergrowth on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity fine tannins. Balanced and lightly dry on the finish. Very appealing with a nice crunchy quality to it.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100

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