Summer Selection | Mixed 12 pack 2024

A most unusual blend of Chenin Blanc (75%) and Chardonnay (25%). Somehow it just works, the Chardonnay gives the Chenin a softer edge and the subtle skin contact gives the wine great structure. Harry is a fictional character and a local vineyard worker. Like other locals, Harry dries his laundry on the farm fences, brightening the Swartland with colorful clothes.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za: "Pale orange in colour. The nose is rather neutral but subtle notes of pear, lemon and orange plus some smoky reduction can be detected. Light bodied with bright acidity and a finish that is pithy in texture and salty in flavour. Well balanced. 92/100."

Chenin Blanc 42%, Roussanne 25%, Viognier 20%, Alvarinho 13%.

A unique blend made up of all the white varieties planted on Joostenberg Estate. Named after former Joostenberg matriarch and gardener extraordinaire, Gillian (née Fairhead) Myburgh.

From vines ranging between 5 and 34 years old. Grapes were hand-picked early in the morning and whole bunch pressed. The wine underwent spontaneous fermentation and maturation in clay amphora(51%), with the rest in seasoned oak barrels(26%) and concrete eggs(23%). The wine was matured on the lees for 10 months.

Platter’s 2025 5-Star, and Pinot Noir of the Year

Walker Bay

Phenomenal for the price.

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
“Previously from Elgin, this vintage incorporates grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge as well as the wider Walker Bay area. Some 10 – 20% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation in 25% new oak. Black cherry, violets and spice on the nose while the palate is balanced – good fruit expression and bright acidity before some light tannic grip on the finish. Really well judged.”

This wine is impossibly fun to drink. Beautiful pale pink with fresh berries and mineral lift on the nose. The palate is full of energy and tension without being aggressive. The fruit weight at the low alcohol is impressive.

The 2021 Force Semillon was one of our favourite wines of 2023, and the new vintage 2022 isn't far behind. More skin contact this vintage (25%) means it has slightly more weight, which isn't a bad thing. Margarita-like lime and salty cut.

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.

The first wine named Break A Leg was from Van Loggerenberg Wine's maiden vintage 2016. Lukas ripped his knee apart in an accident just prior to this first solo harvest. He had already borrowed heavily to get the money together for the first vintage of Van Loggerenberg Wines, so his good friend David Sadie (of David & Nadia fame) suggested that Lukas make a rosé-styled wine to help with the hospital bills, and Break A Leg was born.

Christian Eedes: “Subtle aromatics of red cherry, apple, orange and spice. The palate is juicy and fresh – there's a slight impression of sweetness upfront but the finish is gently savoury. Very open and engaging.“

This is our Pinotage – 1968 planted (54 year old) bushvine vineyard, grown on Langkloof Farm using organic practices by Scholtz Rossouw. Made again by Jurgen Gouws (of Intellego).We absolutely adore northern Italian reds here at Ex Animo. Pinotage, weirdly enough, when made without massive extraction and from quality fruit, can remind us of a crunchy Dolcetto d'Alba. Enjoy.

While it looks like a very dark rosé, this wine is a very light red. If white wine is a clean shaven face, and red wine is a full beard this wine is a moustache.

W.O. Swartland | 48% Cinsaut, 35% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre
Abbotsdale & Paardeberg | Alluvial & Granite
Planted in early 2000s | Dry farm bush vines
North and east facing slopes
The Cinsaut was whole bunch fermented for 4 days. The Syrah and Mourvedre were direct pressed and aged in barrel for 5 months. The wine was blended after 5 months and another 2 weeks in stainless steel before bottled.
Alc: 12.5%
Christian Eedes: "Pale red in colour. Cherry, strawberry, red apple, candyfloss and fynbos on the nose. The palate is fruit and fresh, the finish slightly salty."

A favourite of ours: the skin-fermented Craven Pinot Gris. Copper-coloured, uber-aromatic, super-refreshing and straight-up delicious.

This continues to be the Cravens' most iconic wine. As the vineyard ages the wine continues to become more exotic, floral and aromatic. The winemaking techniques have been refined over time in order to exhibit increased weight and texture on the palate with no loss of freshness or vitality.

"From a Polkadraai Hills vineyard. Six days of skin contact (slightly less than usual) before maturation lasting seven months in concrete tank. Pale red in colour. Rose, musk, spice, raspberry and orange on the nose while the palate has more grunt than usual without being inelegant – dense and pleasantly creamy in texture, bright acidity lending verve, the finish gently savoury. 93/100." Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Made by John Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters.

Hand picked from 25-year-old dryland bush vines on Malmesbury shale, heavy clay content, decomposed shale and decomposed granite soils. Harvesting took place from the middle of February to the end of February. 70% destemmed, 30% whole bunch and naturally fermented in open top fermenters. The wine was matured in a combination of Stainless steel and French oak for 10 months.

A youthful punch of raspberry and blackberry fruits on the nose with a delightfully spicy touch and subtle hints of earthiness. The bright fruit combines well with the crisp acidity and continues on the harmonious and medium-weighted palate. A youthful and delicious wine.