2023 Olifantsberg Grenache Noir

Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town, in the heart of the South African Breedekloof wine region, lies Olifantsberg Family Vineyards. This small, five-hectare winery has been owned by the Dutch Leeuwerik family since 2003. The Olifantsberg vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Brandwacht Mountains. Thanks to the high altitude and the almost constant wind, there is a cool microclimate. Ideal conditions for the production of top-quality grapes! Work in the vineyard is carried out with respect for nature. The vines are organically fertilized, and yields in the vineyard are deliberately kept low. All this with the aim of harvesting optimally ripe, healthy, and concentrated grapes of high quality. After the manual harvest, these grapes are taken to the newly built vinification cellar. Here too, winemaker Elizma Visser lets nature do its work. After crushing the grapes, a traditional skin maceration follows, and the grapes are fermented. Subsequently, they are aged in oak barrels on their own lees, of which approximately one-third is renewed annually. As a result, the Olifantsberg wines are perfectly balanced, with beautiful, very well-dosed oak in aroma and taste.

The Olifantsberg Grenache Noir is a fine South African Grenache. In the glass, it has a bright, light red color reminiscent of Pinot Noir. Open and attractive with red fruit such as red cherry, strawberry, a hint of raspberry, and ripe red berries, with a touch of spice. On the palate, the Grenache Noir is supple, soft, and juicy, with plenty of fruit, fine spiciness, and soft tannins. This wine is best enjoyed slightly chilled (15 degrees).

Winelife *** (highest rating):
Want to taste pure Grenache? Here it is in all its full glory. So with all its warmth, ripe red fruit, just enough spiciness, and mild acidity for a juicy finish.

I love Food & Wine:
I fell for this delicious Grenache from South Africa. This is pure Grenache, in all its full, refined glory. So, with warmth, ripe red fruit, just enough spiciness, and mild acidity for a juicy finish. Enjoy a glass on its own first, and then pair it with roasted vegetables, pan-fried white fish, or poultry. It comes from the slate soils in Breedekloof, from the slopes of the Brandwacht mountain range.

90 points – Tim Atkin 2018
91 points – WineMag.co.za 2019