The 2023 Swartland growing season witnessed below average rainfall, ultimately resulting in a  challenging vintage. Late December rains brought mild relief, the vines however, remained immensely stressed due to minimal soil moisture. These tricky conditions inevitably saw the vineyards raising small canopies and carrying low yields. Interestingly (and a great blessing), this vintage did not experience the usual December and January heatwaves, leading to lower alcohol conversions and naturally low residual sugar. The resultant wine is balanced and tremendously elegant with well-integrated tannins.

The nose is rich and intense with its abundance of black- and blueberry fruit, ripe brambles, and notes of black olives, perfume and dust. Whiffs of white pepper and coriander seed add to the complexity. The bright dark berries of the nose follow through onto a juicy, abundant palate with classic red liquorice and fresh cherry flavours. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with a broad, weighty midpalate, yet the mouthfeel is smooth, gentle. Lively acidity and svelte, velvety tannins are balanced and add to the elegance, focus and energy of the wine. Hints of cherry tobacco and exotic spice linger on a pure, dry finish.

Grapes are whole-berry fermented in a combination of concrete and stainless steel fermenters with no additions being made. After spontaneous fermentation, the juice was transferred to seasoned 225L French barrique. The élevage ranged between 12-14 months, depending on variety.