Anysbos Disdit is one of South Africa’s best wines, and the 2024 is Johan and Sue Heyns’ greatest triumph yet. It was an excellent vintage for powerful, textured whites, and this 98-point Chenin-dominated blend – with Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne – seduces you with incredible balance.
Their Tesame 2023 is ‘the business!’ enthuses Greg Sherwood MW. Boasting 98 points from Platter’s, it was named Best in Category for the second year in a row and promises a long life ahead. Predominantly Grenache, complemented by Syrah and Cinsault, the wine is light-footed yet intense, showing juicy red and dark fruit, a touch of citrus and fine, powdery tannins. It’s refreshing, supple and highly drinkable.
‘Bot River is now established among the top Syrah regions in South Africa,’ says Tim Atkin, and the Stokalleen Shiraz 2023 is very close to Johan’s heart. Only produced in exceptional vintages, this elegant red is one of the most distinctive expressions of Shiraz from Bot River. Expect floral and red-and-black berry aromatics, with enticing spice and vibrant acidity. If Johan had his way, he’d keep this one for himself!
Johan Heyns is 76 years young and, even after some health setbacks, continues to give this joyous project his all. Produced along with winemaker Marelise Niemann, these small-volume wines are a snapshot of their remarkable terroir.
Tasting Notes:
‘57% Chenin Blanc, 20% Roussanne, 13% Marsanne and 10% Grenache Blanc. Matured for 10 months in old oak. Flowers, herbs, white, green and yellow fruit plus a hint of flinty reduction on the nose. The palate displays great fruit concentration as well as plenty of drive, the finish bone-dry. This is a wine of poise, precision and hidden power, combining depth with intricacy. Alc: 13%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100
‘Beautifully crafted blend from estate’s shale soils, 2023 stays with majority (56%) grenache noir, plus shiraz & dab cinsaut, 20% wholebunch, blended after 16 months in oak; unfined, as all. Gentle handling shines through in precise, zippy, lightly creamy flavours of sour cherry, raspberry, hibiscus & touch of spice. Drinks wonderfully now, with promise of ageing long & well.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5* (98/100)
‘Bot River is now established among the top Syrah regions in South Africa. This comes from a single parcel of dry-farmed bush vines that was planted in 2014. Savoury, spicy and intense, it has enticing 30% whole bunches, racy acidity and red cherry and bramble fruit flavours. The wood adds a patina of sweetness.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 93/100
