We are absolutely ecstatic to share the latest vintage release from Vulpes Wines—the highly anticipated 2024s. This release marks the third vintage for this small, exclusive label, helmed by winemaker Nuschka de Vos.
The name Vulpes is a clever, deeply personal nod to her Dutch surname, “de Vos,” which means “the fox,” reflecting both her heritage and her admiration for these inquisitive, intelligent creatures. And, much like the fox, Nuschka’s wines embody a sharp focus and an unmistakable sense of place.
Nuschka’s path to her own label was paved by a career rooted in sustainable and holistic farming. Growing up on an organic farm in Plettenberg Bay fostered a lifelong connection to the land. This experience was solidified during her six-year tenure (ending in late 2021) as Winemaker at Reyneke Wines in Stellenbosch—one of South Africa’s most respected biodynamic and organic producers.
Her philosophy for Vulpes is a continuation of this commitment: authenticity and low intervention. She is focused on long, gentle fermentations and minimal additions, using older barrels to allow the character of the vineyards to shine. She is a careful custodian of exceptional vineyard sites across the Cape, with cellar practices tailored to the fruit.
The 2024 vintage, though challenging, turned out to be one Nuschka is particularly thrilled with. While low yields were common across the Cape, the season offered a window that allowed her to pick all her vineyards at the perfect moment, unlike the pressure of previous years. The result is a trio of wines that showcase impressive precision and harmony, having garnered exceptional scores from Christian Eedes and Tim Atkin.
A quintessential and impeccable expression of high-altitude Swartland Chenin. The Chama 2024 is sourced from two distinct blocks, including the elevated ‘sky block’ on Eikelaan farm (400m above sea level), where cool breezes, granite soils, and dryland farming yield fruit of immense precision. And from Jakkalsfontein, which benefits from underground water giving concentrated fruit.
“Grapes from two Paardeberg vineyards, one planted in 1986 and the other in 1996. The nose is subtle and complex with a little flinty reduction preceding pear, peach, quince and citrus plus floral perfume and hay. Great fruit concentration and well-integrated acidity before a savoury finish. Pure and precise, tightly wound yet not too underdone. ” 96/100 Christian Eedes Winemag.co.za
The Velox 2024 is a rare and unique find, sourced from a neglected bushvine block on Pietersklip in Citrusdal Mountain. This cooler, misty site benefits from strong sea influence, creating a significant temperature difference that builds character in the grapes.
“Grapes from a previously neglected Citrusdal Mountain vineyard approximately 20 years old that De Vos is busy restoring – production has grown from 300 bottles in 2023 to 1,200 bottles now. Soft citrus, peach, earth and a touch of reduction on the nose while the palate is rich and savoury – dense fruit matched by punchy acidity, a slight bitter quality to the finish adding intrigue. 96/100” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
“Vulpes Velox is the richer and more concentrated of Nuschka de Vos’s two Chenin Blancs, although it still has only 12.8% alcohol. Now sourced from a site at 600 metres on the Citrusdal Mountain, it’s earthy, textured and effortlessly complex, with salty minerality, layers of beeswax, lemon zest, quince and blanched almonds and a chiselled, bone-dry finish.”95 – Tim Atkin MW
Blanford’s Fox Polkadraai Hills
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cana 2024 is a stand-out vintage, benefiting from extra hang time and no rain pressure, resulting in perfect phenolic ripeness: achieved early due to the organic farming of the ±25-year-old Reyneke vines. The aim was to make a Cabernet that is not heavy or lingering, and Nuschka nailed it.
“Grapes from the biodynamic Polkadraai property that is home to Reyneke Wines, the vineyard not classified as organic as it’s affected by spray drift from neighbours. Matured in old oak. Intensely floral top notes – wilted rose and violets – before cassis, olive, a flash of mint, and earth. Excellent depth of fruit, fresh acidity and firm but not astringent tannins, the finish long and dry. Thatch better realised than 2023. 94/100” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
Vulpes 2024 wines are on Fire!
We are absolutely ecstatic to share the latest vintage release from Vulpes Wines—the highly anticipated 2024s. This release marks the third vintage for this small, exclusive label, helmed by winemaker Nuschka de Vos.
The name Vulpes is a clever, deeply personal nod to her Dutch surname, “de Vos,” which means “the fox,” reflecting both her heritage and her admiration for these inquisitive, intelligent creatures. And, much like the fox, Nuschka’s wines embody a sharp focus and an unmistakable sense of place.
Nuschka’s path to her own label was paved by a career rooted in sustainable and holistic farming. Growing up on an organic farm in Plettenberg Bay fostered a lifelong connection to the land. This experience was solidified during her six-year tenure (ending in late 2021) as Winemaker at Reyneke Wines in Stellenbosch—one of South Africa’s most respected biodynamic and organic producers.
Her philosophy for Vulpes is a continuation of this commitment: authenticity and low intervention. She is focused on long, gentle fermentations and minimal additions, using older barrels to allow the character of the vineyards to shine. She is a careful custodian of exceptional vineyard sites across the Cape, with cellar practices tailored to the fruit.
The 2024 vintage, though challenging, turned out to be one Nuschka is particularly thrilled with. While low yields were common across the Cape, the season offered a window that allowed her to pick all her vineyards at the perfect moment, unlike the pressure of previous years. The result is a trio of wines that showcase impressive precision and harmony, having garnered exceptional scores from Christian Eedes and Tim Atkin.
The Wines:
R430.00Add to basket
Vulpes ‘Chama’ Chenin Blanc 2024
The Cape Fox
Swartland
Chenin Blanc
A quintessential and impeccable expression of high-altitude Swartland Chenin. The Chama 2024 is sourced from two distinct blocks, including the elevated ‘sky block’ on Eikelaan farm (400m above sea level), where cool breezes, granite soils, and dryland farming yield fruit of immense precision. And from Jakkalsfontein, which benefits from underground water giving concentrated fruit.
“Grapes from two Paardeberg vineyards, one planted in 1986 and the other in 1996. The nose is subtle and complex with a little flinty reduction preceding pear, peach, quince and citrus plus floral perfume and hay. Great fruit concentration and well-integrated acidity before a savoury finish. Pure and precise, tightly wound yet not too underdone. ” 96/100 Christian Eedes Winemag.co.za
R430.00Add to basket
Vulpes ‘Velox’ Chenin Blanc 2024
The Swift Fox
Citrusdal Mountain
Chenin Blanc
The Velox 2024 is a rare and unique find, sourced from a neglected bushvine block on Pietersklip in Citrusdal Mountain. This cooler, misty site benefits from strong sea influence, creating a significant temperature difference that builds character in the grapes.
“Grapes from a previously neglected Citrusdal Mountain vineyard approximately 20 years old that De Vos is busy restoring – production has grown from 300 bottles in 2023 to 1,200 bottles now. Soft citrus, peach, earth and a touch of reduction on the nose while the palate is rich and savoury – dense fruit matched by punchy acidity, a slight bitter quality to the finish adding intrigue. 96/100” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
“Vulpes Velox is the richer and more concentrated of Nuschka de Vos’s two Chenin Blancs, although it still has only 12.8% alcohol. Now sourced from a site at 600 metres on the Citrusdal Mountain, it’s earthy, textured and effortlessly complex, with salty minerality, layers of beeswax, lemon zest, quince and blanched almonds and a chiselled, bone-dry finish.” 95 – Tim Atkin MW
R430.00Add to basket
Vulpes ‘Cana’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Blanford’s Fox
Polkadraai Hills
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Cana 2024 is a stand-out vintage, benefiting from extra hang time and no rain pressure, resulting in perfect phenolic ripeness: achieved early due to the organic farming of the ±25-year-old Reyneke vines. The aim was to make a Cabernet that is not heavy or lingering, and Nuschka nailed it.
“Grapes from the biodynamic Polkadraai property that is home to Reyneke Wines, the vineyard not classified as organic as it’s affected by spray drift from neighbours. Matured in old oak. Intensely floral top notes – wilted rose and violets – before cassis, olive, a flash of mint, and earth. Excellent depth of fruit, fresh acidity and firm but not astringent tannins, the finish long and dry. Thatch better realised than 2023. 94/100” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
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