Trizanne Barnard’s 2023s are of the most exciting releases this year. Headlining her winemaking prowess is the benchmark Sondagskloof White and Elim Syrah. These wines continue to impress, showing great typicity of place. They’re limited as always so dig in while you can.
The Sondagskloof White 2023 is a unique expression of Sauvignon Blanc with its hallmark finish that is persistent, textured and seemingly weightless. Adding increased complexity and detail, the genius of using 50% skin contact is a game-changing winemaking technique. We have no doubt this will age gracefully for at least a decade.
If you’re a Syrah nut, like we are, this is the one for you. The Elim Syrah captures Trizanne’s technical ability and terroir savvy. With an excellent track record vintage after vintage, this wine encapsulates the particular saline and windswept character of Elim.
Adding to the excitement is the barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc: Elim Blanc Fumé – a chalky, persistent expression. This is a special bottling, not released every year. The Benede-Duiwenhoksrivier Chardonnay 2023 is another gem, bone-dry and linear with orange blossom, green mango, and a nougat-like core.
For those who enjoy exploring new territories, Trizanne’s Pinot Noir 2023 is a fresh and bright revelation, filled with crushed roses and raspberry coulis. Let’s not forget the wild child of the lineup, the Barbera 2023 – vibrant, spicy, and absolutely perfect alongside any tomato-based dish.
Tasting Notes:
Trizanne Signature Wines Sondagskloof White 2023
‘From Sauvignon Blanc. 50% given skin contact for approximately three weeks before maturation lasting 10 months in new 500-litre French oak barrels, 50% fermented in older barrels. The nose shows elderflower, blackcurrant and orange plus touches of flinty reduction and leesy complexity. Excellent weight and texture, the finish extremely long – all the interest of “orange” wine, all the precision of top-end conventional wine. Alc: 11.78%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100
Trizanne Signature Wines Elim Syrah 2023
‘100% destemmed. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 20% new. Smoky reduction before dark berries, fynbos, a strong note of black pepper and a touch of vanilla on the nose. The palate possesses weightless intensity – great fruit clarity, lemon-like acidity and powdery tannins. Poised and precise. Alc: 12.51%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
Trizanne Signature Wines Elim Blanc Fumé 2023
‘Made instead of the Reserve Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend as the Sauvignon Blanc in this vintage was deemed good enough to stand on its own. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 20% new. Exotic aromatics of pear, peach, grapefruit and granadilla plus gravel road dustiness and dried herbs while the palate displays sweet, sappy fruit to go with tangy acidity, some piquant bite to the finish. Alc: 12.57%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100
Trizanne Signature Wines Benede-Duivenshokrivier Chardonnay 2023
‘Grapes harvested three weeks earlier than usual and the wine did not go through malolactic fermentation. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 20% new. A top note of orchard blossom before pear and lime, fresh nuts and a brush of vanilla. The palate is light-bodied but not attenuated (alcohol is 12.7% and RS is 4g/l) – well-delineated fruit, fresh acidity and a pithy finish.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
Trizanne Signature Wines Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Pinot Noir 2023
‘Grapes from two vineyards directly opposite each other but in different demarcations! Alc: 12.79%. Fully destemmed and matured for 10 months in barrel, 20% new. Red cherry, plum, rose and a hint of fresh herbs on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with lots of fleshy fruit, fresh acidity and tannins that are soft and silky. Clean and well balanced.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 91/100
Trizanne Signature Wines Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Barbera 2023
‘The nose shows red and black berries, flowers, herbs and spice. The palate is simultaneously dense and taut – concentrated fruit, invigorating acidity and firm but not coarse tannins, an umami-like quality to the finish. Alcohol is 13.89% and TA is 7.2g/l. Crazy cool!’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
