Other recent vintages:  2023   2021   2020   2019  

This Viognier garners a bit of a cult following, and we understand why. Naturally fermented, deftly oaked in old barrels, and picked in a narrow window of ripeness to show delicate floral and stone fruit aromas. A small batch stunner from the slopes of the Simonsberg.

  • South Africa    Simonsberg    Simonsberg-Paarl
  • 100%
    Viognier
     
  • Alcohol
      13.0%
  • Certified sustainable
  • Harvest time
      Early February
  • Natural wine
  • Oak
      9 months in old French oak barrels
  • Organic in conversion
  • Production
      320 cases
  • Residual sugar
      1.7
  • Soil
      Granite
  • Vegan
  • Vineyard aspect
      North/northwest
  • Vineyard elevation
      150-200m
  • Vineyard planted
      2001
  • Vineyard size
      0.6
  • Vineyard yield
      6
  • Award
      90 points, 4.5 stars, Platter's South African Wine Guide (2020 vintage)
  • Award
      91 points, Tim Atkin (2020 vintage)

Viognier grows on our vineyard in two distinct sites, each of which imparts unique characters to this wine. Viognier grows vigorously in our terroir and its meandering and soft shoots require constant training in order to form a canopy with the ideal balance between shade and sun.

We pick Viognier very slightly early, to retain the wine’s freshness and to prevent the grape’s effusive floral aromas from overpowering the quiet strength of the wine.

Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is cooled to 5° Celsius overnight. Bunches are sorted whole and pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle. Primary fermentation occurs in 300 liter French oak barrels using wild yeast populations. The wine is kept on the lees for 9 months before bottling and stirred frequently to add weight and richness.

This Viognier has bright, explosive, floral aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom. The primary fruit expression is peach and pear, with a hint of straw. The lengthy, dry finish reveals a bit of spice and dried herbs. This wine is ready to be enjoyed now and can be cellared through at least 2024.