Wine Cellar’s Head of Sales and regular wine judge, Jolette Steyn-Prior’s latest line-up not only reaffirms her Sémillon mastery, but also reveals a thrilling new chapter with the debut of her Swartland Grenache: a bright, thoughtful red that proves The Vineyard Party is becoming one of the most exciting small labels to follow in South Africa.
The 2023 vintage is nothing short of impressive. Her range includes two Sémillons from Bot River, each with its own distinct personality. The Platter’s 5-star Daisy If You Do 2023 shows refined delicacy yet is ‘intensely flavoured’ (Platter’s). Gorgeous fine citrus, peach and herbal aromatics, with a lemon–macadamia richness coating the palate in the most restrained, elegant way.
Daisy’s more daring partner, I’m Your Huckleberry 2023, carries a sun-kissed, textural confidence. Fermented on skins for 18 days, it bursts with blood-orange pith, energetic acidity, fragrant spice, and sculpted tannin. Your perfect food-pairing partner this season!
An exciting new addition to the line-up is the Someday Baby 2024 Grenache – inspired by Jolette’s admiration for the Swartland. This is a bright, red-fruited Grenache filled with pomegranate and cranberry deluxe. The wine is neatly framed by herbal and soft pepper nuances and its vibrant acidity keeps it delicious and moreish.
There’s no better way to kick off the festive season than with these thoughtful, character-filled wines. You can place your order online.
Tasting Notes:
The Vineyard Party Daisy If You Do 2023
‘Perfectly poised Bot River semillon, 2023 treads path set by delicate yet intensely flavoured 2022. Macadamia creaminess, lemon-laced silk character tightening & lengthening the palate. Incredible impact for a wine so understated.’ – Platter’s 2025, 95/100
‘Wholebunch pressed. Matured 10 months in barrels of varying size. The nose is shy, in a good way, offering subtle peach, citrus and herbal notes. The palate is restrained but precise: concentrated fruit, bright acidity, gently savoury, tightly wound, and beautifully balanced.’ – Christian Eedes, 93/100
The Vineyard Party I’m Your Huckleberry 2023
‘From semillon, ex same Bot River farm, identical handling to its sibling except 50% fermented wholebunch, different personality. More emphatic tannins, energetic acidity, positive quince astringency, 2023 altogether more assertive than 2022 (93 pts) & Daisy of same vintage, no less satisfying or engaging.’ – Platter’s 2025, 94/100
’18 days of skin contact; maturation as above. The nose presents potpourri, herbs and spice, then peach, nectarine and yellow apple. The palate is slightly broader than its counterpart, moderate acidity, lightly savoury, with a finish that is firm but not overly grippy. Not overtly “orange” or geeky.’ – Christian Eedes, 94/100
The Vineyard Party Someday Baby 2024
‘From Paardeberg; one-third whole-bunch fermented, matured 10 months in old oak. The nose shows pomegranate, red cherry, fynbos and white pepper. Light on its feet but full of flavour, with surprisingly dense fruit at 12.5% alcohol, snappy acidity, nicely grippy tannins, and a bone-dry finish.’ – Christian Eedes, 94/100
