Introducing Yardstick Wines!

Ex Animo’s first W.O. Constantia wine is a Sauvignon Blanc that is not overtly racy in style. Instead, it is a more structured and balanced wine. The wine has a distinct saline quality, subtle, briny, mineral-like character, with tropical notes is often associated with wines from the coastal region. These fruit-forward and linear notes combined with its well-integrated acidity, makes for a refreshing and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc. Artwork by Adam’s wife, Louise Mason.

This Chardonnay is a blend of two sites, creating a wine that is both familiar and exciting. The majority of the grapes are from Stellenbosch, providing a classic, creamy palate with lush notes of ripe yellow peach. This full-bodied characteristic is the wine’s backbone, giving the familiar quality that we expect from Chardonnay but with a tropical, fruity nose. Matured in both stainless steel and neutral 500L barrels.

A fantastic expression of Stellenbosch Pinot Noir, showing the region’s ability to produce wines with both elegance and character. From mature vines in Stellenbosch, the wine was made with a light touch. Just 5% whole clusters to add complexity and texture, with the rest of the grapes gently destemmed and fermented in stainless steel. The result is a captivating and elegant Pinot Noir. It is light in colour but has a surprising depth of flavour, it is well balanced and structured. On the nose, you’ll find classic, earthy notes of freshly tilled soil, black tea, and a savoury hint of cured meat. On the palate, the time spent in barrel has softened the tannins, leaving a fine, chalky texture.

From dry-farmed vines on the terraces of the Blouklip River in Stellenbosch. A small inclusion of whole clusters during fermentation adds complexity and structure. The wine spent about three weeks on its skins, allowing for optimal flavour and colour extraction. Matured for a year in older French oak barrels, the result is a wine that is generous and dense. This Syrah has a complex bouquet with spicy notes, olive tapenade, and juicy blue fruits. On the palate, it’s concentrated and full, with firm, grainy tannins and a long, intense finish.

Inspired by the ‘Left Bank’ of Bordeaux, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, the À Gauche red blend is a true expression of its Stellenbosch origins. The blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc was made from grapes grown on the Helderberg and Upper Blaauwklippen River Valley. On the nose, it is perfumed and quite giving, with cherry, blackcurrant, and cocoa powder on the nose. The palate has a tight tannin structure driven by the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is beautifully softened by the Merlot, while bright notes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot add layers of complexity.

Adam and Ex Animo have been speaking about a Stellenbosch Bordeaux Blend for a while, and it has finally come to fruition.

Very basic winemaking here, this wine is all about the sites. From very respectable sites in Bottelary and near Raithby. A mix of dark and ripe red berries with an underlying savoury element to the nose. A seamless integration of red fruits and a well balanced tannin structure with a long lingering finish.

Artwork by Adam’s wife, Louise Mason.

This curated 6-bottle collection includes one of each Yardstick wine, showcasing Adam’s skill across different cultivars and sites.

• ‘YS’ Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (Constantia WO): Ex Animo’s first Constantia wine. A structured, balanced Sauvignon Blanc with a distinct saline quality, subtle brine, and integrated acidity.
• ‘YS’ Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2024 (Stellenbosch WO): A blend focused on respectable Bottelary and Raithby sites. Expect a seamless integration of dark and ripe red fruits with an underlying savoury element.
• Yardstick Chardonnay 2023 (Stellenbosch WO): A blend of two sites resulting in a full-bodied, familiar classic with a creamy palate and lush notes of ripe yellow peach.
• Yardstick Pinot Noir 2023 (Stellenbosch WO): A truly elegant Stellenbosch expression from mature vines. Light in colour but surprisingly deep, with classic earthy notes, black tea, and a fine, chalky texture.
• Yardstick Syrah 2023 (Stellenbosch WO): From dry-farmed terraces, this Syrah is generous and dense. A complex bouquet features spicy notes, olive tapenade, and juicy blue fruits, backed by firm, grainy tannins.
• Yardstick ‘À Gauche’ 2023 (Stellenbosch WO): The premium ‘Left Bank’ inspired blend (Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant). Perfumed and quite giving on the nose with cherry and blackcurrant, balanced by a tight tannin structure that ensures age-worthiness.