Reyneke's "First Class" New Releases | Stellenbosch First Growth
16 June 2025
Reyneke, classed as a 'First Growth' by Tim Atkin MW, has long been a favourite of ours at Bordeaux Index. Not only have they pioneered sustainable viticulture on the Cape and championed the Stellenbosch subzone of Polkadraai, but the wines always offer incredible value - even in the context of South Africa. We are delighted to offer their new range of varietal wines, along with a couple of library vintages.
"An impressive set of wines from Reyneke [...] This is one of the Cape’s standout producers with exemplary wines. " Neal Martin, Vinous
"Johan Reyneke grows some of the best grapes in South Africa [...] Everything in the winery’s range is first class." Tim Atkin MW, Decanter
Last week we had Johan Reyneke in the office to guide us through a more focused range they have just launched. As always, they're delicious, but there's an extra level of precision and saltiness here that really captures the cool coastal Polkadraai hills. We were particularly impressed by the Sauvignon Blanc - the new face of the Reserve White - which was wonderfully tense and mineral.
New Releases
2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Reyneke
GBP 108 per 6x75cl IB
18.5/20, Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com | "Planted in 1994, these Sauvignon Blanc grapes were whole bunch pressed, and spontaneous fermentation occurred in 300L oak barrels, followed by nine months ageing on lees in first-, second- and third-fill oak. A tiny amount of sulphur was added prior to bottling. This is a purposefully elegant and reserved style, and it sings of the Reyneke model. Dryer and seemingly more citrus-spiked than the previous Reserve style, this is a more linear wine that benefits from gentle oak handling. [...] This is a stunning evolution of this historic style, and it augments its potential without making the wine any richer or more imposing. This is one of the most sensitive and respectful reimagining of an epic wine I have tasted."
2024 Estate Chenin Blanc, Reyneke
GBP 126 per 6x75cl IB
19/20, Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com | "Coming from the oldest vineyards planted in 1974 and 1976, this wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation in 2500L foudre (1/3) and 500L amphora (2/3), then aged for 10 months. Clean, bright, and stunningly well-balanced, this is neither a full-bodied style nor one that is tropical or weighty. The intensity of the flavour is, however, remarkable as opposed to the power! Super-complex and elegant, this is a thrilling wine, and, again, it appears to be more sculptural and more refined than any Chenin before from this illustrious estate. It is also drinking already, which is baffling! That said, the acidity is stunning and discreet, and this will guard this wine for years to come."
2024 Estate Syrah, Reyneke
GBP 138 per 6x75cl IB
18+/20, Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com | "This wine features a 30% inclusion of whole bunches, fermented in a combination of open-topped concrete fermenters and submerged cap fermenters (a technique new to this vintage). It is then aged for 16 months in seasoned oak barrels, 2,500L foudre, and second-fill 400L barrels. The fruit is earthy and savoury, resulting in a much less exuberant style than expected, with authentic freshness and lift. Nothing seems overly fruity or sun-soaked, and the bass notes are refreshing, crisp and discreetly peppery. This is a more dynamic Syrah than many and one that will hit the bull’s eye for global Syrah lovers because it is so site-specific and accurate, and that makes it worth tracking down."
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2024 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Reyneke
GBP 138 per 6x75cl IB
18.5+/20, Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com | "The grapes are destemmed and fermented in open-topped concrete tanks. A gentle extraction is employed, with two light pump-overs performed daily. It is then matured for 18 months in first-fill 225L French oak barrels. The oak used here is sensational, and it is this carpentry that is very much part of this wine’s make-up! The barrels seem to embrace the fruit wholeheartedly, and this heightens the lusciousness of this wine. I think it will drink better in its youth, rather than relying on it for old bones, but either way, this is a thrilling essence of this grape, and once again, it is a true Reyneke wine. In terms of Cabernet flavour, this is a black cherry-themed wine, as opposed to a blackcurrant-themed one, and it has more lift and a more aerial feel about it, most likely due to the indelible Reyneke mantra."
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2024 Estate Cabernet Franc, Reyneke
GBP 138 per 6x75cl IB
Parcel price: GBP 124 per 6x75cl IB
18/20, Matthew Jukes, matthewjukes.com | "The grapes are destemmed, and subjected to a gentle extraction, with two light pump-overs per day. It is matured for 16 months in second- and third-fill 225l French oak barrels. This wine tastes precisely like it should if you said the words Cabernet Franc and Reyneke! The vitality and resonance are spectacular, and it seems melodic, comfortable in its own skin and gloriously ripe and fruit-driven without being too ‘creamy’. It reminds me of the timbre of the old ‘Reserve Red’, but a lighter and more modern interpretation. Incredible and evocative, this is a love letter to the Cabernet Franc variety, realised by this site and its gentle handling."
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