Swerwer Touriga Nacional 2021 Bottle size: 750ml

‘This delicious 2021 Touriga Nacional from Jasper Wickens is made from vines planted in deep granitic soils on cooler mountain slopes in the Swartland, with grapes harvested earlier to retain a freshness and elegance easy lost in this warm region. Naturally whole bunch fermented and treated to very gentle extraction, this cooler vintage red show’s this Portuguese cultivar’s true heritage with lifted aromatics of floral red flowers, lilac, earthy bramble berries, black berries and black plum with undertones of smoked meats, bresaola, fireplace wood embers and a subtle sappy wood spice. The palate is equally impressive with plenty of overt juicy black and earthy red berry fruits that really shine under the coolness of the wines modest 13% alcohol. Elegant and complex, the wine retains a wonderfully soft texture and mid-palate balance with fine sweet silky tannins and notes of orange peel, grilled herbs and sweet savoury black berries. The finish sees an understated but concentrated length with a gracefully dense persistence, making this a really very attractive and appealing Touriga Nacional expression. Drink on release and over the next 3 to 5+ years.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 94/100

‘Given that Touriga Nacional is "easy to work with and has good acidity", according to Jasper Wickens, you wonder why the grape is not more widely planted in the Cape. This has violet and fennel aromas, black cherry and bramble fruit, subtle oak and plenty of spices and texture from 90% whole bunches. 2023-28’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2022, 92/100

‘100% whole-bunch fermentation. Exotic aromatics of plum, black berries, potpourri, earth and spice. Dense fruit, fresh acidity and grippy tannins. Relatively luscious – great fruit concentration offset by nicely tart acidity.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100