Geographica Wines is a premium wine project by acclaimed winemaker Chris Williams (Foundry Wines), focusing on site-specific, terroir-driven wines from exceptional Stellenbosch vineyards, like old-vine Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, often using traditional clay vessels (dolia) for maturation to express unique vineyard character and place, offering intense, balanced wines. 

Hand picked and chilled overnight, 30% whole bunch and 70% crushed. First 50% of ferment uninoculated, then neutral yeast inoculation at 10 balling. Pigeage and occasional remontage. The still-fermenting wine was then transferred to seasoned 300-litre oak barrels and terracotta dolia to complete fermentation and malolactic fermentation. After racking the wine was matured, 80% in seasoned French oak casks and 20% in clay for 13 months before bottling. 

Tasting Notes: Intense youthful purple robe with gradation to vivacious ruby rim. The nose has lifted floral perfumed dark fruit, incense, exotic spice and a herbal, garigue aroma. Still brooding and closed, the nose promises extensive maturation potential. On the palate the wine is lively and energetic with plum, berry and blackcurrant flavours bolstered by a very fine linear tannic structure, crystalline acidity and a crushed mineral coating. The palate is textured and long, with lacy and intricate tannins with an elegant and restrained power.

Named in honour of 19^th century American naturalist and author Henry David Thoreau. Grapes from the western slopes of Klapmuts. 20% whole-bunch fermentation. Fermented and matured for 16 months, 80% in French oak and 20% in terracotta. The nose shows cranberry, cherry, cassis and rose plus a subtle and attractive grassy quality. The palate has good weight and texture – succulent fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. At 13.75% aclohol, it’s pretty much pitch perfect – neither under- or overdone. CE’s rating: 94/10.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.75% | TA 5.9g/l | pH 3.45 | RS 1.8g/l