Swartland White Wine 'Aristargos'

Score

96

Score

94

Score

16.5+

Score

94

"#42 Top 100 Wines of South Africa; An attractive nose of green apples, pears, lemon leaf and chamomile. Medium-bodied with lovely density and weight. Textural and focused with a rounded feel and fresh citrus and peach fruit. Subtle and nuanced with wonderful length. A real delight. Sustainable. Drink or hold."

Score

16.5

"This reminds of starfruit, and maybe jackfruit † quite esoteric; tropical but not not too ripe. There's creaminess and toasty character here, and a long, oatmeal-type finish. (RH) 13%"

Score

95

Score

91

Score

93+

"Starting with a broad and waxy nose of elegant yellow apples, sweet citrus and plum blossom, the 2021 Aristargos is delightful and intricate in the glass. Medium-bodied, the mouthfeel is enticing with the flavors of Meyer lemon and spiced white tea, while displaying a dusty mineral tension that evolves over the long, spicy and complex finish. It,s a brilliantly layered wine that will remain food-friendly for years to come."

Score

92

"David and Nadia Sadie blend this wine from 19 different vineyards, including some old-vine sites. It,s a Cape blend with Rhnish flair (half chenin blanc with ten percent or less of eight other varieties). The marsanne and roussanne seem to contribute a waxy texture that makes the fruit feel more restrained. The result is a crowd-pleasing white focused on texture first rather than its gentle herb, hay and lemon flavors. "