Thorne & Daughters’ Rocking Horse is the ‘poster child for new-wave white blends’. It’s been a top performer for more than a decade, and the 98-point 2024 is ‘a wine of presence’, says Christian Eedes. Taking its aesthetic from white Burgundy, rather than the Rhône, this multi-variety blend offers immense value at R370.
In 2025, the Cat’s Cradle sees the inclusion of an old vine Swartland vineyard, making it the greatest release in recent years. Eedes agrees, scoring it 97 points. ‘Intricate and detailed, yet equally immediate in its pleasure’, it continues to be the most limited of the set.
Old vine Sémillon creates some of the most incredible and age-worthy wines in SA, and the 96-point Paper Kite 2025 is among the greatest expressions of this variety. From a vineyard planted in 1963, expect notes of soft citrus, thatch, spice and vibrant, delineated fruit.
The unique Snakes and Ladders is a favourite at Brice & Burnett and the 2025 is superb. Powerful, poised and flavourful with a dry finish, the wine has a firm palate that speaks clearly of its origin in the Citrusdal Mountains.
The 95-point Tin Soldier is 100% Sémillon Gris in 2025. Showing reined-in orange wine characteristics, this graceful release offers impressive fruit concentration, freshness and a hint of tannic bite. A ‘wine of considerable charm’, agrees Eedes.
Tasting Notes:
Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse 2024
‘Sourced from sites across the Western Cape. 28% Roussanne, 23% Chenin Blanc, 23% Chardonnay, 19% Semillon, 7% Clairette Blanche. The aromatics are complex and compelling, moving from flinty reduction to beeswax, flowers and herbs, then all manner of fruit – citrus, apple, stone fruit, mango and pineapple. The palate is dense and layered, with punchy acidity and impressive length. A wine of presence, combining poise with texture. Alc: 13.62%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100 | Serious
Thorne & Daughters Cat’s Cradle 2025
‘Grapes sourced from two Paardeberg vineyards on granite soils and a third site west of Malmesbury on iron. The nose opens with a subtle yeasty note before unfolding into layers of citrus, peach, potpourri, dried hay and herbs. The palate is pure and finely etched, carried by lively acidity and a pithy finish that stops short of austerity. Intricate and detailed, yet equally immediate in its pleasure. Alc: 13.62%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Classic
Thorne & Daughters Paper Kite 2025
‘From a Swartland vineyard planted in 1963, matured for nine months in barrel, 25% new. The nose shows notes of lemon, orange and peach alongside straw, flinty reduction and a subtle yeasty quality. The palate combines remarkable fruit purity, managing intensity without excess weight. Bright acidity provides focus while the finish is dry and persistent. Vivid, sappy and impeccably composed. Alc: 13.45%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 | Classic
Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders 2025
‘Grapes from Citrusdal Mountain. Exotic aromatics of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and a hint of herbs. Super-concentrated, rich and smooth but equally carries a big acidity, the finish dry. As ever, makes a big impression. Alc: 13.85%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100 | Distinctive
Thorne & Daughters Tin Soldier 2025
‘From Swartland Semillon Gris, half the grapes spending approximately a week on skins. The nose is particularly expressive with notes of nectarine, orange peel, purple grape soda and a subtle potpourri nuance. The palate shows impressive fruit concentration and a creamy texture, balanced by well-integrated acidity. Some gentle phenolic grip lends shape and persistence to an otherwise juicy, rounded wine of considerable charm. Alc: 12.1%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Delicious
