Yardstick Wines

“Yardstick is a conversation about life and living, neatly gathered in a bottle”

― Adam Mason

Summary

Winemaker Adam Mason, the creative force behind Yardstick Wines, was born in Johannesburg and has been immersed in South Africa’s wine landscape since 1997. His career spans renowned estates including Klein Constantia and Mulderbosch, and later as head winemaker at DeMorgenzon. In 2009, Adam launched Yardstick Wines, a personal project of passion and precision that continues today as an ongoing conversation between land, vine, and winemaker.

Adam’s approach is simple: “knowing when not to interfere is what it’s all about.” This “less is more” philosophy, though challenging to master, defines Yardstick. He crafts small-scale, terroir-focused wines from selected Stellenbosch sites, guided by a commitment to sustainability and ethical
production that honours both the vineyards and the people who bring them to life. Yardstick exists to deliver the joy of a beautifully made bottle of wine; elegant, sincere, and authentic.

The wines themselves reflect this ethos. His Chardonnay from the foot of the Simonsberg Mountains, with fermentation taking place in both stainless steel and used oak barrels, is praised by Tim Atkin MW as “a deftly wooded Stellenbosch white that’s a pleasure to drink. White flower and anise aromas segue into subtle baking spices, citrus and beeswax, with a petrichor top note.”

His Pinot Noir, grown on mature vines on rocky river soils in the Stellenbosch mountain terroir, reveals spice, dark fruit, and earthy savouriness, while his Syrah from the ancient Blouklip river terrace is vibrant with floral lift, liquorice, and black olive tapenade.

At the heart of the range, À Gauche – a Bordeaux left Bank–inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot – is complex, velvet-textured, and a true reflection of Stellenbosch’s finest red vineyards.

Together, these wines embody Adam Mason’s philosophy: to craft pure, balanced benchmarks – true yardsticks of South African wine.

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