Dear *|FNAME|*,

The Patatsfontein Steen 2022 is from a special place – a vineyard planted in 1984 in the Montagu Mountains at 600m above sea level. In a great vintage like this, it produces a magical wine. Herbal fynbos notes linger over fresh lemon, floral fragrance, and a taut, mineral palate, while macadamia nuts complement the slate-like verve for a lingering finish. It’s an absolute cracker.

Christian Eedes remarks on the ‘great clarity of fruit to go with punchy acidity … a vintage [that] does indeed show great transparency’. The vineyard is one of the great discoveries of the last decade, and this very limited 96-pointer will sell out in a flash.

The idea of a monopole – a finite vineyard site – epitomises wines’ capacity to serve as a snapshot of time. South Africa’s old vine journey of discovery has led to many great vineyards being elevated, but few are as special as this one. Reenen Borman’s skill has produced a wine of Burgundian refinement and true terroir magic.

Providing another glimpse of what the Karoo has to offer is the earlier-drinking Patatsfontein Wit Versnit 2022. From 30-year-old Colombard vines blended with 16-year-old Chenin, it shows beautiful fruit purity over a graceful, light palate. Only 12% alcohol with a refreshing, gently saline send-off.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Patatsfontein Steen 2022

‘The Patatsfontein vineyard is situated in the Keisie Valley outside the Karoo town of Montagu and winemaker Reenen Borman relates that 2022 was the first vintage since 2017 that there was no rain in the lead-up to harvest ensuring grapes of the highest quality. Whole-bunch pressed before being spontaneously fermented and matured for 10 months in older oak, the nose is particularly expressive with notes of pear, peach, citrus, some flinty reduction, fynbos and hay while the palate is pure and precise. With great clarity of fruit to go with punchy acidity, this vintage does indeed show great transparency, which is to say very much of its place (alc: 12.9%).’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 96/100

Patatsfontein Wit Versnit 2022

‘From a combination of 30-year-old Colombard and 16-year-old Chenin in Montagu, this wine always has a trademark salty backbone. 2022 opens with poised stone fruit, fresh cut pear and citrus spritz following to a juicy palate with notes of fresh apricot, peach and fynbos lift. With only 12% alcohol, it’s fresh and light to finish, with that subtle, savoury undertow, ending nicely dry.’ – James Pietersen, April 2023

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