Saurwein Mixed Vintage Case

Chi means “life force” and is a blend of two Riesling vineyards, one from the cold Elgin WO and the other from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus.

"For the first time, 40% of grapes were sourced from Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in addition to 60% from Elgin as has been the case in the past. Hints of jasmine, pear, lime and green apple on the nose. Good fruit concentration, driving acidity and a pithy finish. Lovely balance and vibrancy without being too insubstantial."
Christian, Winemag.co.za 93/100.

Elgin & Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley WOs

Chi means "life force" and Chi stands for CHIUTA (an African rain god). The Saurwein Chi Riesling is a floral and fruity style of off-dry Riesling made from grapes sourced from the following cooler climate regions of South Africa: 60% Casey's Ridge Vineyard in Elgin, grown on loamy and rocky red slate soils (Riesling clone WR1 10F; planted 2011); 20% Dal Farm, Elgin, grown on alternating rocky, red slate (Riesling clone 110; planted 2007); 20% De Bos Farm, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley grown on decomposed Bokkeveld Shale and Sandstone (Riesling clones 110 & 239 AB; planted 2011).

2025 was a dream vintage: long, cool ripening resulting in the desired yellow grapes and immense aromatics. Keywords for this vintage: fresh, fruity, textured - delicious!

Grapes were hand-picked, cooled, hand-sorted, destemmed and pressed oxidatively. Spontaneous fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, which lasted about 5 weeks until optimal residual sugar balance was achieved at about 13,5 g/ I.

Alc: 11 % | RS: 13.3 g/l | pH: 3.1 | TA: 6.7 g/l

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:

Floral perfume, pear, peach, apple and spice on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight and a seductive sweetness, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury.

Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge WO

Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region, a beautiful and peaceful place close to Jessica's heart. W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Dark cherry, earth and spice. The palate has impressive structure – good fruit density, fresh acidity and firm but not coarse tannins, the finish deeply savoury.
Christian, Winemag.co.za 94/100.

Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge WO

PLACE OF THE GODS FARM, WALKER BAY

Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region (Heaven and Earth), a beautiful and peaceful place close to my heart. May this wine carry

forward the peace that its place of creation inspires.

This dryland vineyard is situated just 12 km from the sea and lies at 300 m above sea level, in what can be described as perfect Pinot Noir terroir! The soils are granite origin with a significant portion of clay in the subsoil. The clones are 115 and 667, planted in 2006.

15 barrels produced.

Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:

Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive.

95/100.

Elandskloof WO

KAAIMANSGAT VINEYARD, VILLIERSDORP

Nom stands for nombulelo (gratitude in “Xhosa”) and Nomkhubulwane (a forgotten African goddess of agriculture). Situated at 700m altitude, the vineyard is a place where gratitude is instilled and tales appear. This extreme vineyard site has a shale origin with a significant portion of granite in the topsoil and clay throughout. I believe this gives breadth and power to the Nom. It lies at 700 m above sea level and is surrounded by tall mountains, making for a unique terroir ideal for the optimal ripening for Pinot Noir, in this case clones 115, 667 & 777. The vineyard was planted in 2008.

18 barrels produced.

Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, cold-soaked, leading to spontaneous fermentation. The tannins are optimal after a relatively long post-fermentation maceration and then aging in 228-liter French oak barrels (new and older) for 10 months.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za:

Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity.