South Africa: New releases

Howard John is in honour of Franco’s dad, and is a red blend that comes, from 2019, entirely from the Swartland. Lovely fruit. So much delicate energy, lovely mouthfeel. Plenty of perfume, then grip and a long and pure finish. Very detailed and very long.

Chenin Blanc from Durbanville just outside Cape Town. The Blouklip shale soils give a real richness to the fruit. There’s lovely purity here. Quite rich and spicy, with lovely energy, too. This is nicely balanced, with plenty of darker fruit on the palate.

In honour of Franco’s newborn daughter, Lua Ilse, he’s made just 777 bottles of Grenache from young vines in Piekenierskloof, a delicate, perfumed expression of the grape.So pretty - Pinot on the nose, so refined and fine, and such beautiful tannins. This is a real stunner.

Lindi Carien is the estate’s keynote white. In 2019 it’s a blend of Chenin Blanc, from the Uitkyk farm on the Paardeberg, from 36 year old vines, Verdelho from Stellenbosch, and Grenache Blanc, from the slow ripening Piekenierskloof. It’s named after Franco’s wife - who forewent an engagement ring as he bought his first supply of grapes. Really impressive drive here. So focussed with lemon oil notes, and a long and savoury finish.