Vintages New Release – September 13, 2025

THE NEW RELEASE COLLECTION

SOUTH AFRICA – WHITE WINE CONT’D

SOMMER ALTE REBEN GRÜNER VELTLINER 2023 DAC Leithaberg, Qualitätswein This wine is like taking a time machine back to how dry gruner veltliner was produced before the advent of modern cellar technology. The dominant character – in a positive sense – is celery root and yellow beets, but there’s also a touch of dried flowers. Medium-bodied, well-structured and crisp, in spite of moderate acidity. Long, chalky finish that pulls you back for more. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Score: 93 (Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com, Nov. 19, 2024) Light & Crisp 45357 (XD) 750 ml $27.95 2

SIMONSIG STARTING BLOCKS CHENIN BLANC 2024 WO Coastal Region

This easygoing unoaked Chenin comes from a third-generation family estate. It delivers zesty lemon and crisp green apple with lively acidity and a hint of honey. It will pair nicely with spanakopita or a veggie paella. Light & Crisp 45168 (XD) 750 ml $15.95 2

SOUTH AFRICA – RED WINE

CROATIA – RED WINE

WINERY OF GOOD HOPE MOUNTAINSIDE SYRAH 2024 WO Coastal Region

MEDITERANO PLAVAC MALI 2021 Hvar Island, South Dalmatia (Badel 1862)

This wine is sourced from two older, gravelly mountainside vineyards that overlook False Bay. Both enjoy the moderating benefits of cool ocean breezes, particularly the famous Cape Doctor prevailing wind. These sites encourage superb balance and finesse rather than power and ripeness. Look for lifted notes of rosemary and lavender, pepper spice, and sharply defined, delicately expressed fruit in this restrained, very drinkable wine. Full-bodied & Smooth 45166 (XD) 750 ml $16.95 2

Badel 1862 is one of the largest, most important producers of wine and spirits in Croatia. This is a characterful, authentic Plavac Mali variety grown on terraced sites on the island of Hvar off the Dalmatian coast. It has red fruit, savoury herbs, pepper and earth, with a lithe, lifted feel. Pair with roast meats, or roasted nuts and ripe cheeses. Full-bodied & Smooth 24657 (XD) 750 ml $18.95 1

FRANCE – WHITE WINE ALSACE WILLM GEWURZTRAMINER RESERVE 2022 AOC Alsace

AUSTRIA – WHITE WINE

ESTERHÁZY KLIMT GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 Qualitätswein

The Esterházy winery is rich in Austrian history, with notable figures such as Empress Maria Theresa and composer Joseph Haydn singing the praises of its enchanting wines. This artistically crafted Qualitätswein shows green reflections in the glass with an herbaceous, citric character on the palate. Aromatic & Flavourful 37559 (XD) 750 ml $15.95 2

A lively Gewurz with an aromatic mix of spice, fruit, and floral notes that fill the nose and palate. While it’s not as intense as some, it offers a pleasing balance and good length. There’s a refreshing quality here, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting, but it doesn’t go over board. Solid and satisfying. Best Buy. Score: 88 (Aleks Zecevic, Wine Enthusiast , May 1, 2025) Aromatic & Flavourful 269852 (D) 750 ml $19.95 2

44 VINTAGES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025