Winemaker Notes
The 2016 has the simplicity of minimalism. Every one of the 11 varietals that drive this wine seems to be in perfect synchronization. The aromas are a journey of tropical, ripe fruit aspects going all the way to a very saline and mineral texture. The most exciting aspect of the 2016 is the length and the persistence of the tannin on the palate.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
This inspired wine is the product of 10 different varieties grown on three main soil types in the Paardeberg: granite, gravel & sandstone. The grapes are pressed and run off into clay amphorae & concrete eggs, where they are vinified and then aged for 12 months. The wine then spends another 12 months in old oak foudres. It creates a savoury, pithy, waxy and saline blend, with vibrant acidity and great balance. There's some textural grip to the green apple, honey and pink grapefruit palate. A beautiful wine, a blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Colombar, Palomino, Semillon, Roussanne, Verdelho, Clairette Blanche and Viognier.
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Wine Spectator
Broad and lush in feel, featuring creamed melon, pear and yellow apple fruit flavors, framed by warm meringue, white ginger and brioche notes. The long finish flows nicely, with a flicker of acacia lingering. Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2022. 981 cases made.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Literally meaning "the black land," Swartland takes its name from the endangered, indigenous "renosterbos" (translating to rhino bush), which used to be plentiful enough to turn the entire landscape a dark color certain during times of year. The district, attracting some of the most adventurous and least interventionist winemakers, excels in robust and full-bodied reds as well as quality fortified wines.