Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘2016 from Piekenierskloof mostly fermented in concrete ‘egg’; 20% on skins in old oak for added grippiness. Goes beyond the variety’s floral charm, exploring its capacity for texture, depth of flavour, mineral earth notes. Surprising vinosity, generosity for just 12.5% alcohol; dry finish.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (94/100)

‘Picked early to counter the effects of the hot, dry vintage, this is a wine that Donovan Rall likes “because of its imperfections”. Fermented in concrete eggs and old wood, with 20% skin contact, it’s a very taut, almost austere white with marked acidity and stony, leesy complexity. 2018-23’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 95/100

‘From Piekenierskloof grapes. 80% fermented in concrete egg, 20% fermented on the skins in barrel. An enticing nose of flowers, peach and pineapple. The palate shows lovely fruit concentration combined with riveting acidity before a saline finish. Great mouthfeel – plump without being thick textured or listless. Has a real effortlessness about it.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 (May 2017)

‘Immediately appealing and exciting on the nose. Peachy start but it finishes very tense and tight. To be enjoyed both with and without food. Just enough fruit for the tension – much greater than in most wines from this variety.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Oct 2017)

‘Partially skin Fermented in a combination of open top wood fermenters (20%) and Eggs (80%), then aged in concrete and old oak, this compelling white has a very pronounced saline, sea breeze, briney salinity mixed with yellow stone fruits, white flowers and crunchy white peaches. The palate is taut, displaying a zippy freshness, and a dusty, granitic, alka seltzer mineral complexity. There are some waxy phenolics adding texture and extra depth, but the wine retains great tension and remains fine and focused from start to finish. A genuinely impressive, high achieving expression of Grenache Blanc. Chapeau Donovan!’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 94+/100 (May 2017)

‘The 2016 Grenache Blanc, 20% whole bunch, is partly skin fermented in concrete eggs and used oak barrels. It has an intriguing bouquet with yellow flowers and lemon thyme, hints of orange zest emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity and fine tension. This is not a blowsy Grenache Blanc, not a textural white blend, but one underpinned by a sense of energy and drive. There is a lovely touch of lemongrass and sea salt on the finish that lingers once the wine has departed.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (Apr 2017)