B Vintners is a collaboration between cousins Gavin Bruwer and Bruwer Raats. They describe it as a ‘vine exploration company’, and the aim is to tell the story of the heritage of the South African wine industry, and looking at sourcing grapes from some of the most interesting vineyards in the Cape. The prime focus is on vineyard sites in Stellenbosch, which is a particularly good thing as Stellenbosch has been a bit overshadowed by newer or trendier regions of late. These wines are just so interesting, and B Vintners is another welcome player in the dynamic South African wine scene.

B Vintners D’Alexandria 2015 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch
This is from a small neglected 31 year old block of Muscat in the Helderberg. 1200 bottles were made in 2014 and they sold out very quickly. This is very aromatic and fresh with a terpenic, grapey nose. The palate is lively, grapey and pure with a fine spiciness and some citrus pith notes. 88/100

B Vintners Haarlem to Hope 2014 Stellenbosch, South Africa
A blend of Chenin and Semillon with a tiny dash of Muscat. Complex, fine, spicy and ripe with fine pear and white peach fruit. Notes of ginger and lemongrass, too. So pure, complex and expressive with lovely detail. Avoids tartness. 94/100

B Vintners Chardonnay 2014 Stellenbosch, South Africa
12.5% alcohol. 10 year old vineyard with rocky sandstone soils. Very fine, fresh and mineral with nice spiciness. Lovely pear and white peach fruit, showing superb balance and finesse. 92/100

B Vintners Liberté 2014 Stellenbosch, South Africa
This is Pinotage from an ocean-facing granite-soiled vineyard in the Bottelary Hills. Lovely floral black cherry and plum fruit nose. Fresh, elegant red cherry and plum palate with nice grip and real elegance. So fine and expressive with raspberries and cherries. 93/100

B Vintners Pinot Noir 2014 Stellenbosch, South Africa
From west of Strand on the foothills of the Helderberg close to the ocean, this is a 2 hectare block of bush vines, exposed to the south easterlies. Juicy, spicy raspberry fruit with nice grippy tannins and fresh berry fruits. Lovely spice and perfume with lotes of potential for development. 93/100

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