Critics Ratings

Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2014:
‘Heady, rich, opulent wine that has richness but not sweetness and is already gorgeous but definitely needs careful food matching. Round and reminiscent of Sauternes.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Jun 2017)

‘Sourced from the same blocks (two thirds of them well over 100 years’ old) since 1997, this trail-blazing Semillon is mostly fermented in new French oak, with 10% in concrete eggs. A splash of Sauvignon Blanc adds some extra lift to the subtle, herbal, beeswaxy flavours. Drink: 2016-20’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 94/100

‘Lovely peach, clementine and nectarine flavors form the core, accented by jasmine, white ginger and honeysuckle notes. The long finish has a waxy edge, while a quinine streak cuts through the middle. Distinctive and should age nicely. Drink now through 2022.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (2017)

Leeu Passant Lötter Cinsault 2015:
‘From 91 year old Franschhoek bushvines. Careful cellar handling in 2015 to allow fruit expression: morello cherries, crystallised violets, scrub, earth, all uncommon scents but this wine is individual. Sleek, masterly balance, timeless. Old oak, rest 30% new.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)

‘Known for her Swartland brand, this wine comes from Mullineux's new Franschhoek project, Leeu Passant. Sourced from South Africa's second oldest red-wine vineyard, with 91-year-old bush vines, this 100% Cinsault is a unique and powerful expression. It's currently quite closed and reserved, with tightly packed black-fruit notes at the core, framed by ripe, well-integrated tannins. The palate offers a bit more juicy fruit intensity, though final notes of pepper and baking spice as well as fine, dry tannins dominate the finish. It suggests something beautiful to come with time and maturity, so try this sleeper after 2020 to check in on its development.’ – Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Jan 2017)

L'Ormarins Wyne Ou Bosstok 2018:
‘Winemaking for the 2018 vintage involved fermentation and maturation lasting seven months in an old foudre, the nose shows lemon and peach plus some pronounced waxy character while the palate is rich and full with a creamy texture. For all that fruit density, there’s also lovely tangy acidity while the finish is nicely savoury.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100 (Aug 2021)

‘Unique, collectible. Vines planted 1964 on Paardeberg, 44 years later saved from uprooting & transplanted to Franschhoek. First commercial release minuscule 51 cases, some magnums. 2018 old-vine density & weight at just 12.5% alcohol, white peach & macadamia nut, enlivening mineral saltiness. Fermented in old foudres, 50% aged in old 300L barrels.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2021, 4.5* (90/100)

Naudé Werfdans Cinsault 2017:
‘Finally ready for release 6 years after vintage, the 2017 Werfdans Cinsault is undoubtedly one of the most exciting wines Ian has released to date under his own Naude Wines label. From an exceptional vintage, the 2017 is altogether tighter, tauter and more compact than the opulent and gregarious Werfdans 2016, coming across as a more serious, confident and highly composed expression of old vine Cinsault. Ian already makes some of the most regaled expressions of serious old vine Cinsault in South Africa, but the 2017 takes quality up another notch or two. The aromatics are initially a little more broody and restrained with a slow perfumed release of pressed violets, red bramble berry fruits, wild strawberry, sour cherry, sun raisined cranberry and the signature top notes of rose petals, crushed granite minerality and Turkish delight. The palate is packed as tight as a sailor’s sea chest, with a fruit density, concentration and power delivered with an effortless elegance. Always deliciously fresh and crystalline, the bright acids help frame the youthful palate fruit adding further structural integrity, finally yielding on the finish to delicately drying, mineral, fine grained stony tannins. This is an incredibly striking, long awaited fine wine release that all committed Cinsault aficionados are going to be seduced by. Drink on release and over the next 20+ years.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100 (Apr 2023)

‘Thrumming with life, an acrobatic energy, a pixelation of spices. Pulled as taut as a suspension bridge. This is taking Cinsault and the vineyard down to the bone. Tastes like strawberries spilled on stones, white pepper. Lean and fragrant.’ – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Jun 2023)

Sadie Family Kokerboom 2018:
‘"If you pick this two days too late, it gains 2% in alcohol," says Paul Jordaan of this cuvée of Semillon and a hint of co-planted Semillon Gris, sourced from the legendary Henk Laing. In 2018, Sadie Family got the harvest date spot on, because this is an elegant, herbal, greengage and lanolin-like white with grapefruity acidity. 2020-26’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2018, 95/100

‘This is as much about the seductive texture as the complexity and gorgeous flavor profile. Glossy, showing a slight crunchiness, this exhibits an array of orchard fruit, with plum pear and quince flavors emerging most prominently, mingling with mint and daisy notes before being swept away by fleur de sel accents. Harmonious and stunning throughout, with the potential to age gracefully. Drink now through 2032.’ – Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Apr 2020)

‘From Olifants River Semillon. The nose shows lime and green apple with notes of hay and blossom in the background. Lovely fruit expression and nicely coated acidity. Surprisingly rich and round. Delicious!’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100 (Jul 2019)

Sadie Family Pofadder 2018:
‘The 2018 Pofadder in Eben Sadie’s Cinsault from Swartland. This is complex and intellectual, yet utterly compelling, with beautifully detailed brambly red berry fruit, fennel, thyme and fynbos scents that blossom with aeration. The very detailed palate displays filigreed tannins, incredible focus and arresting purity through to the lightly spiced finish. This is one of the best from Sadie this vintage.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 96/100 (Oct 2019)

‘Dry farmed on the schist soils of the Kasteelberg, this is the latest in a run of superb Cinsaults from Eben Sadie. The vines are between 40 and 50 years' old, producing a delicate yet energetic and intense wine with some whole bunch spices and structure, raspberry and red cherry fruit and lacy, detailed tannins. 2020-26’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2019, 94/100

‘Named for shape of Riebeek Mountain origin of old cinsaut vines; this the most challenging wine here, Eben Sadie says. More so in 2018 drought. Gently perfumed, light & fresh but not without gravitas in its wild berry, scrub fruit. Youthfully austere, grippy but may be ready earlier than usual.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (91/100)

Provenance

Old Vine Project