Tasting Notes 

Nose

This captivating wine captures attention and makes a confident statement, presenting itself as a gentle lemon hue in the glass. A divine citrus character persists on the nose, revealing an exquisite array of fragrances including invigorating lemon zest, delicate elderflowers, and enticing orange blossom. A subtle interplay of honey, luscious lemon curd, and a refreshing, mineral essence complements the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the fruit flavours shine, supported by a lively acidity that leaves the mouth pleasantly invigorated. Notes of white lilies, star jasmine, and a gentle touch of grapefruit pithiness, derived from a small portion of old vines, contribute to an enchanting tasting experience. The journey culminates with a nuanced vanilla finish that adds a delightful touch to the overall encounter.

Winemaking & Maturation

The Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc in this extraordinary blend is sourced from exclusively cooler climate vineyards that complement the name of the wine. 37% of the wine was matured in concrete eggs, and 67% was matured in older French oak barrels, ranging in sizes from 228L to 300L.

Vintage Conditions

The 2021 post-harvest period had cool and dry weather conditions, disease-free canopies, and an extended hang time for grapes. Adequate irrigation water allowed for reserve build-up. Banghoek experienced a favourable winter with steady cold accumulation and even rainfall, while spring was cool and dry. The growing season was wetter and cooler, slowing down ripening. Summer rainfall resulted in lush canopies, needing vigorous canopy management. Overall, the season maintained a slower pace despite a hot and dry ripening period.

The Range

Alan's Personal Tasting Notes

"Equally impressive as the red. The fruit is of the orange, clementine, mandarin style. Amazingly fresh, clean acidity on the front palate, followed by a little minerality, finishing with a soft creaminess from some oak or lees influence. Fairly long palate, medium-bodied with excellent balance - a good pair of well-made wines. A pair that packs a punch at this price!

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Nose

Oatmeal, macadamia nuts and creamy stone fruit on the nose.

Palate

The palate echoes those flavours with its richness and breadth. Peach pip, nectarine and stone fruit are fresh and lively while the oak supports it in a well-defined cradle. Again oatmeal and nutty flavours are apparent but not overwhelming. The wine is powerful yet refined and structured. Nothing is superfluous and its perfectly proportioned with a long tail of flavour that ends with a delightfully pithy citrus twist. 

The Riebeeksrivier farm is situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg, overlooking the Swartland. Its unique terroir, especially the shale soils, expresses itself strongly in the wine with unique varietal characteristics. The bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, planted in 1988, yield fruit of great intensity and richness balanced by bright acidity and length. 

In the Vineyard 

The bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, planted in 1988, yield fruit of great intensity and richness balanced by bright acidity and length. A small 0.8ha bush vine vineyard (Clone 880) was planted in 2013, producing outstanding quality fruit used in the production of this wine.

About the Harvest

Fermentation occurred in both stainless steel tanks (65%) and French Oak barrels (17% new) and the wine spent 8 months on the lees before being blended and bottled.

In the Cellar

The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. Whole bunches were pressed and the juice settled overnight.

History

Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm, L`Ormarins in Franschhoek. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, who passed away in 2001, the farm was eventually taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the brand named after him. It was Johann Rupert who constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and the beginnings of what is now a sprawling enterprise.

The focus is on terroir specific wines and therefore it would seem obvious that the brand is made up of an impressive portfolio of farms representing the best in grape producing locations. The portfolio is made up of L`Ormarins situated in Franschhoek, Rooderust in Darling, Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland and Altima in isolated Elandskloof. Individually each site offers optimum varietal specific growing conditions, allowing Anthonij Rupert Wyne to adhere to the requirements of their different brands.

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Bright, pale straw colour with delicate scent of wild flowers and fruit, especially Cape Honeysuckle. White peaches and pineapples with a delicate underlying minerality. The palate fully matches the nose with a creamy sensation and a texture that combines elegance and intensity and concentrated fruit flavours.

Vintage Conditions

Dornier is one of a select few wineries situated on the slopes of Stellenbosch Mountain. The Chenin Blanc vineyard used for the Moordenaarskloof is planted on the Keerweerder property on a site that has proven to be suited for making wines that express characteristics of quality and elegance. The vineyard was planted in 1986 at the foot of the Moordenaarskloof at an elevation of 230 metres above sea level. Although the plot is small it consists of three very different soil types that contribute to the complexity and many faces of this wine. The vineyard is also known for the natural balance between growth and yield displayed every year.

Fermentation & Aging

The grapes were harvested by hand during the cool mornings of early February. After gentle pressing of the bunches and cold natural clarification of the juice, fermentation was completed in old 300-litre French oak barrels. The wine was left on the lees until bottling as is unmistakable in the texture on the pallet. The wine was made with minimum interference to reflect the true character of the Moordenaarskloof vineyard.

Accolades

• Double Gold National Wine Challenge 2022 (2021 Vintage)
• 4.5 John Platter Stars
• 91 Tim Atkin Points

For all those wondering what 'Moordenaarskloof' means - it translates as 'Murderers Gorge' (there must be a story there!).

Specifications

Vibrant, crisp & delicate | Complex and honeyed, to be enjoyed with close friends

Tasting Notes

Producer

Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.

Specifications

Vibrant, crisp and delicate

Tasting Notes

Producer

Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.

Specifications

Tasting Notes 

Nose

The first aromas to leap from the glass are intensely citrusy and give way to delicacies of ginger and clove.

Palate

The palate is waxy yet grippy with a leesy weight and incredibly fine tannins that perfectly poise a tangy, tropical finish.

The 2021 Creative Batch (v2.0) is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Fernao Pires, Roussanne, Verdelho and Viognier, all treated differently to honour each variety’s individual potential as a wine. Once all the parts finished their different fermentations, they were blended together and allowed to mature on the gross lees for 9 months prior to being bottled.

This wine was only intended for a single vintage, but is back by popular demand and the 2021 has legs. It is bright and lively with concentrated fruit and a pithy finish that demands another dip. True to the vintage; it is notably fresher than the 2020 and will easily outlive its predecessor!

Winery

Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.

Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.

The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.

This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.

Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.

Accolades & Awards

• Tim Aitkin | 91 pts

“This is the second vintage of Pas de Nom, a wine in which Megan van der Merwe marries skin fermented Chenin Blanc with 34% Fernão Pires, Roussanne, Verdelho and Viognier. Bottled under a crown cap to appeal to younger drinkers, it's funky and fun, with subtle wood, orange peel, quince and yellow apple flavours and plenty of natural acidity.” 

Alan's Personal Notes

"This is a beaut! A melange of grape varieties deliver a real melange of flavours. Citrus fruits with a touch of ginger and spice - with a lovely waxy, pithy mouthfeel. Great complexity and flavours just go on forever. This is the 22 vintage which I suggest is better than the 21 we tasted with the winemaker Megan at the winery. Once you get past the Movember label this wine just sings beautifully in the glass - would be perfect with a chicken & mango curry." April 2024

Specifications