2023 Craven Wines Cinsault

100% organic Cinsault from a dry-farmed, bush vine block three miles from the ocean. The fruit was hand-harvested and fully destemmed then placed into concrete tanks. Gentle pumpovers and light punch downs are performed 1- 2 times a day throughout fermentation, and the resulting wine was pressed after a week back to concrete tanks for maturation. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with nothing added during the winemaking process apart from a dash of sulfur. 12% alcohol. 750 cases made. This has a delicate cranberry and pomegranate bouquet with a bit of a rhubarb and bay leaf emerging with air.  The transparency and delineation of aromas and flavors is really special.  It offers red berries, black currants, rooibos tea, and a touch of white pepper and a saline element.  It finishes with chalky-edged tannins that linger.

91 points, Vinous Media. "The 2023 Cinsault comes from a parcel in the Rustenhof farm shared with Scions of Sinai. This was destemmed and spent eight to ten days on the skins. It has a pretty nose that’s quite energetic and delineated, expressing white-tipped strawberry, maraschino cherry and just a hint of candy floss. The palate is very well balanced with a Grenache-like flashiness on the mid-palate and fine acidity. Crisp, focused and linear in style, it concludes with a peppery finish. Very fine."

91 points, The Wine Mag. "Destemmed to capture as much acidity as possible. Fermented and matured for six months in concrete tanks. The nose entices with subtle notes of cherry, plum, fynbos, tea leaf and violets. The palate is light-bodied with zippy acidity and powdery tannins. Elegant and understated with a nice energy about it." - Christian Eedes