We are delighted to share the latest release from Beeslaar wines.
Abrie Beeslaar grew up in Worcester, 120 km northeast of Cape Town. Initially, he wanted to study medicine, but fate (and the student culture at the University of Stellenbosch) steered him in another direction, and he obtained a BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology in 1997.
After officially leaving Kanonkop in August of last year, Abrie is now focused on his own wines under the Beeslaar label. The project started in 2011 when he was offered the opportunity to make a Pinotage from a single vineyard in the Simonsberg Ward, just outside of Stellenbosch town centre – he jumped at it. “I didn’t pick Pinotage – instead, it picked me.“
This vintage maintains the consistently high quality we’ve come to expect from Beeslaar. The Pinotage is a classic expression while still very elegant in style. The Chardonnay is exceptionally well judged, with a rich, nuanced texture on the palate and a delightfully dry finish.
This year, sees the maiden release of The Sacrament 2022, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend, showcasing his distinct Beeslaar style and character. Unfortunately production was absolutely minuscule. We are hoping more will be bottled from subsequent vintages.
Abrie Beeslaar, three time winner of International Winemaker of the Year from the IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition) has just released his latest wines and they demonstrate the consistently high quality we’ve come expect from Beeslaar.
Included:
1 bottle of Beeslaar Chardonnay 2023
1 bottle of Beeslaar Pinotage 2023
1 bottle of Beeslaar ‘The Sacrament’ Cape Bordeaux Blend 2022
The grapes were handpicked and whole bunch pressed. After allowing the juice to settle for 48 hours, it was transferred to a combination of new French oak barrels, older French oak and ceramic pots for fermentation. For added complexity, the wine was matured on the lees for 12 months in French oak (20% new barrels). Prior to bottling, the wine was matured for 12 months on the lees.
“Grapes from Stellenbosch, Barrydale, Kaaimansgat and Robertson. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 20% new. Less than 20% MLF. The nose shows pear, peach and citrus, an attractive note of vanilla and a hint of struck-match reduction. Dense fruit, bright acidity and a savoury finish – tightly wound with more clarity and poise than the maiden 2022 vintage released last year. Alc: 12.88%.”
Handpicked grapes were destemmed, sorted, and fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 28C. The skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place for 20 months in 225L French oak barrels (50% new and 50% 2nd fill).
“Matured for 20 months A compelling and complex nose of red and black berries, floral perfume, dried herbs, liquorice, vanilla and oak spice. The palate is full but equally shows excellent composure – pure fruit, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. Structured and detailed, this is a very strong vintage of this wine. Alc: 14.5%.”
60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 20% Merlot / 20% Cabernet Franc
The hand-harvested grapes were destemmed, carefully sorted, partially crushed, and fermented in open-top fermenters. The cap was gently punched down every six hours over a period of six days for optimal colour extraction. The wine was then matured in 100% new 225L French oak barrels for 19 months, undergoing two rackings during this time.
“60% Cabernet Sauvignon from Helderberg, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot both from Banghoek vineyards. 30% whole-berry fermentation with a view to making the wine accessible earlier. Matured for 19 months in barrel, 100% new. Enticing aromatics of red and black berries, violets, a certain leafiness and pencil shavings. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine, supple tannins. Juicy on entry, the finish long and dry. Elegant and understated. Alc: 14.5%.”
Beeslaar February 2025 Release
We are delighted to share the latest release from Beeslaar wines.
Abrie Beeslaar grew up in Worcester, 120 km northeast of Cape Town. Initially, he wanted to study medicine, but fate (and the student culture at the University of Stellenbosch) steered him in another direction, and he obtained a BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology in 1997.
After officially leaving Kanonkop in August of last year, Abrie is now focused on his own wines under the Beeslaar label. The project started in 2011 when he was offered the opportunity to make a Pinotage from a single vineyard in the Simonsberg Ward, just outside of Stellenbosch town centre – he jumped at it. “I didn’t pick Pinotage – instead, it picked me.“
This vintage maintains the consistently high quality we’ve come to expect from Beeslaar. The Pinotage is a classic expression while still very elegant in style. The Chardonnay is exceptionally well judged, with a rich, nuanced texture on the palate and a delightfully dry finish.
This year, sees the maiden release of The Sacrament 2022, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend, showcasing his distinct Beeslaar style and character. Unfortunately production was absolutely minuscule. We are hoping more will be bottled from subsequent vintages.
Abrie has been a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) since 2008.
The Wines:
R2,330.00Read more
Beeslaar 2025 Release Mixed Three Pack
Abrie Beeslaar, three time winner of International Winemaker of the Year from the IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition) has just released his latest wines and they demonstrate the consistently high quality we’ve come expect from Beeslaar.
Included:
1 bottle of Beeslaar Chardonnay 2023
1 bottle of Beeslaar Pinotage 2023
1 bottle of Beeslaar ‘The Sacrament’ Cape Bordeaux Blend 2022
*Free delivery*
R460.00Add to basket
Beeslaar Chardonnay 2023
The grapes were handpicked and whole bunch pressed. After allowing the juice to settle for 48 hours, it was transferred to a combination of new French oak barrels, older French oak and ceramic pots for fermentation. For added complexity, the wine was matured on the lees for 12 months in French oak (20% new barrels). Prior to bottling, the wine was matured for 12 months on the lees.
“Grapes from Stellenbosch, Barrydale, Kaaimansgat and Robertson. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 20% new. Less than 20% MLF. The nose shows pear, peach and citrus, an attractive note of vanilla and a hint of struck-match reduction. Dense fruit, bright acidity and a savoury finish – tightly wound with more clarity and poise than the maiden 2022 vintage released last year. Alc: 12.88%.”
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za: 92/100.
R720.00Add to basket
Beeslaar Pinotage 2023
Handpicked grapes were destemmed, sorted, and fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 28C. The skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place for 20 months in 225L French oak barrels (50% new and 50% 2nd fill).
“Matured for 20 months A compelling and complex nose of red and black berries, floral perfume, dried herbs, liquorice, vanilla and oak spice. The palate is full but equally shows excellent composure – pure fruit, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. Structured and detailed, this is a very strong vintage of this wine. Alc: 14.5%.”
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za: 96/100.
R1,150.00Read more
Beeslaar 'The Sacrament' Cape Bordeaux Blend 2022
60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 20% Merlot / 20% Cabernet Franc
The hand-harvested grapes were destemmed, carefully sorted, partially crushed, and fermented in open-top fermenters. The cap was gently punched down every six hours over a period of six days for optimal colour extraction. The wine was then matured in 100% new 225L French oak barrels for 19 months, undergoing two rackings during this time.
“60% Cabernet Sauvignon from Helderberg, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot both from Banghoek vineyards. 30% whole-berry fermentation with a view to making the wine accessible earlier. Matured for 19 months in barrel, 100% new. Enticing aromatics of red and black berries, violets, a certain leafiness and pencil shavings. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine, supple tannins. Juicy on entry, the finish long and dry. Elegant and understated. Alc: 14.5%.”
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za: 93/100.
READ MORE ABOUT BEESLAAR HERE