The
wines
of The
Foundry, Stellenbosch, South Africa
The
Foundry was established in 2000 (first vintage 2001) as a joint
venture between winemaker Chris Williams (right) and James
Ried. Chris is the winemaker at Meerlust (he started there in
2004), where the wines are now made. Chris says that he is allowed
to make a 1000 cases a year under his present contract; he’s
aware that his shelf-life at Meerlust is limited, and he wants to
step into something that is already viable when he leaves.
Is it profitable? It took him four years to recover the
money that went into it, and he now makes some pocket money from
it. ‘I don’t feel I have to make Meerlust in my own image’,
says Chris, ‘because I have this’.
For me, the Syrah is one of the standard bearers for
this variety in South Africa. It’s a serious wine. The Viognier
comes from Wellington, where the vineyards are rented and managed
by the Foundry. ‘I’m too poor to buy my own vineyards’, says
Chris.
The Foundry Viognier 2006
Very fresh, aromatic nose is quite perfumed, with flowery,
gently peachy fruit. The palate has a nice fresh texture with
rich, grapey, peachy fruit plus some good acidity and a bit of
vanilla. There is subtle oak influence. Sophisticated, with real
personality. 92/100
The Foundry Syrah 2003
Lovely refined fresh, dark fruits nose. Sophisticated with a
nice spicy character. The palate is tight with lovely dark fruits.
Ripe but with great definition and a nice minerally edge. 92/100
The Foundry Syrah 2004
’Personally, this is the style I prefer’, says Chris
Williams. Lovely dark fruits nose with fantastic freshness and
purity, along with a nice dark peppery character. The palate is
fresh and full with lovely elegant dark fruits and great
definition. 94/100
see
also: extended tasting note on The
Foundry Syrah; South African
wine
Wines tasted 10/07
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