Orange wine lovers unite!

Usana The Runaway Pinot Gris 2022 – R 140
This vintage has not been rated yet, see 2021 tasting notes:

'The wine is nice and fresh with hints of Granny Smith apple some pear and white peach. The lees contact adds lovely texture and weight to the palate. It has good depth and Pinot Gris is very versatile with food. Paired well with seafood, pasta or vegetarian dishes. Be adventurous and add some spice.' – Winemaker

Klein Amoskuil, Obscura Orange 2022 – R 319
‘100% from Darling Grenache Blanc. Left on the skins for eight weeks. Peach, orange, floral perfume, olive oil and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit expression, lively acidity and a gently savoury finish. Relatively straightforward as “orange” wines go but entirely pleasurable to drink. Only 500 bottles made.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100

Heinrich, Muscat Freyheit 2020 – R 685
‘It sensorially opens instantly to reveal a magnificent ramble across blooming meadows with floral scents to a colourful and flavoursome juice bar with the most tempting ingredients: kumquat, persimmon and grapefruit meet cilantro, candied fennel seed and wheatgrass. Despite all its fragrance, it paradoxically impresses with unobtrusiveness. Muscat Freyheit mischievously presents its down-to-earth broadness on the palate. Vitalized and structured with creamy texture and delicate bitterness, piquancy is the credo of this cheerful nature. For best enjoyment, shake before pouring!’ – Winemaker

Intellego, Elementis 2022 – R 300
‘From an Abbotsdale vineyard planted in 1988 on alluvial soils. Fermented on the skins for 14 days before being matured in old 500-litre French oak barrels for 10 months. Very fragrant with note of potpourri, orange, peach and spice. The palate of this vintage has an intriguing structure being quite dense but not overly tannic, the acidity moderate. Perhaps not quite as arresting as usual but still full of flavour. Alc: 12%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100

Testalonga, El Bandito Skin 2023 – R 360
‘Grapes from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1972 on granite. Two weeks of skin contact. Aromatics are more restrained than Stay Brave with notes of peach, orange and spice. The palate is tightly wound with dense fruit and a savoury, lightly grippy finish. A wine of undeniable presence despite its subtlety. Alc: 11.34%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

Mother Rock, Liquid Skin 2021 – R 250
‘From a Paardeberg Chenin Blanc vineyard planted in 1984. Skin contact lasting eight months – the longest period yet. Matured for 18 months in concrete. Expressive aromatics of citrus, stone fruit, potpourri, fynbos and spice while the palate is not without weight but also has a great tension about it – punchy acidity and a pithy, super-dry finish. It’s audacious in concept and basically demonstrates everything that’s good about natural wine. Alc: 11.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100