2022 SONWATER Swartland White Van Niekerk Vintners, Lea & Sandeman

SONWATER

2022 Swartland White Van Niekerk Vintners

IN STOCK
Grapes Chenin Blanc, Clairette
Colour White
Origin South Africa, Bot River
ABV 12.5%

Albert and Anmar's Sonwater (literally 'Sun Water') is inspired by the famous 1960’s 'Lieberstein' blend, made with Chenin Blanc (90%) and Clairette Blanche (10%). In those days Lieberstein was the biggest selling White Wine from the cape. This newly revived version is however, not like the slightly sweet bygone one. The 2022 boasts gorgeously juicy brightness and real zestiness to the fruit. Beautifully textured feel and wonderful intensity, that comes from the ancient old vineyards. On the nose, notes of white pear and lemon meringue entice you in, followed by a clean and long citrus cut and sleekly textured long finish. L&S (Oct 2023)

*Case price discount: Mix any 12 bottles of wine (or 9 litre equivalent) or 6 bottles of Champagne, Spirits, Sweet Wine or Fortified (4.5 litres) to get the discounted 'case price' for each bottle.

90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Clairette (from Worcester). Barrel-aged for 10 months. A nose of ripe orchard fruit lifted by a lemon-rind character. And a touch of lees/oak adding complexity. Good generosity, though this is quite zippy overall, and with a pithy, almost spicy finish, and a lick of vanilla. Drinking range: 2024 - 2026 Rating: 16 Oliver Coleman, www.JancisRobinson.com (Nov 2024)

Inspired by the famous 1960’s ‘Lieberstein’ blend, made with Chenin Blanc (90%) and Clairette Blanche (10%). Whole-bunch pressed and aged in French oak for ten months on the lees. Rather more transparent than I was expecting but a good wine – it’s just that there are so many cheaper alternatives that are rather good … (JR) 12.5% Drinking range: 2024 - 2029 Rating: 16.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Oct 2024)

The 2022 Sonwater, 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Clairette, is whole bunch pressed and matured in used French oak for ten months on the gross lees. It has a slightly honeyed bouquet, well-defined, with touches of aniseed and fennel emerging with time. The palate is taut on the entry with a waxy texture, a pithy white blend. There’s a touch of nuttiness/smokiness towards the finish, perhaps emanating from the Clairette. This is well worth seeking out. Drinking range: 2023 - 2036 Rating: 92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Nov 2023)

Van Niekerk Vintners

VNV was born in the heart of the beautiful Overberg in 2019, a perfect setting to pay tribute to Albert's family history. The Van Niekerks have been farming in the area for generations and this new chapter has been started by Albert and Anmar who continue the tradition as a husband and wife winemaking team.

Albert van Niekerk is assistant winemaker to Peter-Allan Finlayson of Crystallum and John Seccombe of Thorne & Daughters, last year he married Anmar, who is the Gabriëlskloof assistant winemaker, and the two now work together in producing wines under this label.

In the late 1600s a prosperous farmer, Cornelis van Niekerk and eight others took a stance against the Cape’s corrupt governor by refusing to sell their wine to the dishonest regime. Instead, they sold directly to passing ships at a much fairer price. This landed them in a Mauritian jail where Cornelis eventually passed away - unjustly branded as one of “The 9 Rebellious Vrijboeren”. It is from this family history that young Albert Van Niekerk derives the name of their gorgeously attractive red 'Rebellie'.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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