Platter's Wine Guide 2022

It is time for the annual Platter’s Wine Guide reviews and ratings! We are incredibly honoured to have six of our submitted wines receive scores of 90+ points! Two of our wines have also been awarded 95+ points or 5 stars; Hope Marguerite 2020 (96 points) and New Baby 2020 (95 points). I would like to salute my whole team who work incredibly hard to get the best out of our vineyards in order to produce wines that speak truly of where they come from. In my view the Platter Wine “Guide” is an amazing publication that introduces you to just about every farm in the country. The ratings are a good indication of what is going on at the winery but never forget that your own taste is all that matters.

Chenin Blanc 2021 – 4 starts | 89 points

Unwooded 2021 captures the variety’s essence, crunchy apple & winter melon, sleek & vibrantly fresh. Reflects cool growing conditions, expert crafting.

Hope Marguerite 2020 – 5 stars | 96 points

Cape benchmark chenin, 2020 richer, bolder than its sibling. Wild ferment/oaked 11 months, barley sugar & melon preserve, everything working seamlessly to impress, seduce. Latent power despite the trim figure (12.5% alcohol). Also in 1.5L, 3L, 5L, as New Baby.

New Baby 2020 – 5 stars | 95 points - You are going to have to be patient for this wine, it will only be released in 2023.

Equal chenin, sauvignon, semillon with colombard, dash chardonnay, fermented separately, wild yeast, 11 months older barrels, & 2020 is multifaceted as intended. White peach & lemon/lime, astonishing concentration in such a sleek body (12% alcohol), tightly focused. 2019 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) as refined.

Constable House 2018 – 4 stars |89 points

Syrah (74%) & cab blend, last time tasted ex-barrel, where it spent 16 months, now bottled, & 2018 fulfils its earlier promise. Elegant (12.5% alcohol) & harmonious, the hedgerow fruit lifted by freshness.

Jackals River Pinotage 2018 – 4 stars | 89 points

Revives the original ‘Jackals River’ branding from 2018. Now bottled, a cool-climate style with piquant red berries, medium body & lovely freshness. Vanilla spicing from 18 months in barrel, already giving pleasure yet

Dangerfield Syrah 2018 – 4.5 stars | 93 points

2018 great syrah year here, low yields & small berries, & after 18 months in oak, final wine (previewed last time) as lovely as promised. All the cues: dark fruit, fynbos, peppery notes, silky polished elegance. Also in 1.5L, 3L, 5L.

Far Side Mourvedre 2018 – 4.5 stars | 93 points

Now named for winemaker’s favourite surf break. 2018 had long skin contact, 2 years French barriques, giving vivid fruit alongside a spice & herb array. Celebrates the variety, succulent, curvaceous, tannins a hidden strength. Complex & involving. Also in 1.5L, as next.

Ariane 2019 – 4.5 stars | 93 points

Last vintage as cab-led 5-part Bordeaux blend (following will be cab franc). 2019 has cool-climate linearity, 12% alcohol - everything beautifully in place. Graphite, deep-layered plush fruit on a bed of firm but ripe tannin; crafted to age well. 2017 untasted, 2018 unreleased. Also in 1.5L, as next.

Cape White 2018 – 4.5 stars | 93 points

Foot-trodden white ‘port’ from chenin, 2018 sweeter than debut/last 2013 (90 pts). Deeply rich, dried fruit, preserved citrus peel & caramelized nuts, the 36 months in older oak a savoury overlay. A creative food match. 375 ml.