South Africa: New releases

The Rall Red is a blend of 70% Syrah 12% Grenache 10% Carignan and 8% Cinsault, with all the fruit coming from the Swartland. A lovely nose, very southern French in style: this is like a cool and sophisticated Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Notes of lavender and baked earth, and also plenty of mulberry and other wild berry fruit. Very well defined, and very long indeed.

Named after Donovan’s young daughter, it comes from schist soils, from a farm just outside Riebeek Kasteel, that Donovan and his team farm themselves. Tiny yields and incredibly hard work account for the higher price point. Incredibly peppery on the palate, there’s notes of violets and core of intense, ripe, yet not overbearing fruit. The texture is stunning here, and the finish seems to last an age. This is really very impressive.

First produced in 2015, his Grenache Blanc comes from 600-650m elevation in Piekenierskloof, and is a taut, elegant expression of the grape. This is really rather beautiful. Notes of apple blossom and ginger spice, and a silky and flowing mouthfeel. There’s an almost tonic feel to the finish. Cleansing and refreshing.

Named after Donovan’s young daughter, it comes from schist soils, from a farm just outside Riebeek Kasteel, that Donovan and his team farm themselves. Tiny yields and incredibly hard work account for the higher price point. Very focussed but expressive on the nose, the palate is a coiled ball of energy. This is so well defined, with notes of orange blossom, and plenty of cintru on the palate. Stunningly long, this is grown up Chenin Blanc.

And the most curious of all, perhaps, is his Cinsault Blanc. This is the only example we know of, from anywhere in the world. From a 33 year old, 0.2ha vineyard in Wellington, planted with a mutation of Cinsault Noir, just 650 bottles are produced. It’s just 11% alcohol, and is bright, vibrant, and delicious.

His Cinsault is a blend of fruit from Swartland, shared with David Sadie, and Darling, from the same vineyard as Duncan Savage’s Follow the Line. So pale in colour, with notes of wild cherry and blood orange on the nose, and a beautifully fresh and floral palate. Grippy tannins make the mouth water, and have you reaching for another glass. This is, simply put, delicious.