The Rall White 2021 is a well-established SA white benchmark. Accomplished in 2021, it's a Chenin-based blend, of which 20% is raised in concrete and the rest matured in old barrels. The wine has layers of flavours, including dried pineapple, lemon verbena, and preserved lemon. A lovely texture ensues, leading to a mineral and pithy finish.
The Rall Red 2020 is all Southern Rhône tannic power. Brilliantly realised, it maintains its freshness and dry, grippy finish. The 2020 is Syrah-based with dark fruit that mingles with crushed stone, damp earth and granitic tannins. Serious and persistent.
The Cinsault Blanc 2021 is crisp and lively, in a salty, aperitif style. Raised in amphorae and with only 11.5% alcohol, this extremely limited wine is the only Cinsault Blanc produced in the world!
The Cinsault 2021 is a blend of 50% Darling and 50% Swartland fruit, partially whole-bunch pressed with characteristic rose petal, potpourri, exotic spice aromatics and a crunchy, mineral palate. Fermented in concrete and raised in old white wine barrels, the Cinsault has settled in its exciting style.
From the same Kasteelberg vineyard as the AVA Syrah is the new addition to the range – the Syrah 2021. Seeing concrete only, it has a deep, dark-fruited nose, with meat spice, nutmeg, clove, and mineral notes that lead to a vibrant palate with firm, dry tannins.
ALLOCATION WINES
Due to the limited availability and scarcity of the Grenache Blanc and the AVA and NOA wines, the wines below are available on allocation only. Please contact lauren@winecellar.co.za to request an allocation.
The Grenache Blanc 2021 is mostly from old bush-vine fruit in Piekenierskloof, with the addition of one 500-litre barrel from a Swartland vineyard grown on schist, which adds more structure. Shy and subtle to start, green pineapple notes lead to richer white stone fruit and a crunchy, bright, linear palate with a chalky, bone-dry finish. Chiselled and defined.
A second new addition to the range is the NOA Chenin Blanc 2021. What a wine! The vineyard was planted in the 1960s on granite soils. Raised in concrete only, it is visceral, saline, and elegant, showing subtle notes of hay, lemon/lime, and white florals, with a juicy and savoury palate.
The AVA Chenin Blanc 2021 is once again an amazing wine. From schist soils, it has an opulent fragrance complemented by yellow fruit, nougat, ground almond, and honeysuckle notes. The palate is taut and precise with a pithy finish.
The AVA Syrah 2021 is from two vineyards. It has a captivating nose with an array of Northern Rhône aromatics, including spice, citrus, and florals. The linear, energetic tannins linger on and on. This is one of the finest Syrahs from the Swartland.
