South Africa: New releases

Working out of Glenelly’s cellar in Stellenbosch since 2016, and with the help of the winemaker there, Luke, it’s now a Cabernet Franc-led blend, with the fruit mainly from the Glenelly farm itself, and it’s consistently delicious.

From Darling David Cope makes a couple of barrels of foot-pressed Full Moon Grenache. This is definitely on the elegant side of this grape variety, at between 12.5% and 13% alcohol, and with a beautiful floral, delicate character. It’s a brilliant Cape Grenache.

The Full Moon White is a field blend from a single vineyard on the Swartland’s Uitkyk farm, a farm where plenty of others source grapes. Just a handful of bottles are made of this blend of Chenin, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay, from a 44 year old vineyard. There's stunning texture, and a slightly honeyed note that lasts an age. Brilliant.

In 2017 he added the Alphabetical White to the range. But not wanting to replicate what others were doing, this is predominantly Roussanne, with a drop Chardonnay from the farm. It’s crisp, textured, and easy to enjoy.