2023 Lelie van Saron 'Jade' Red Blend Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Winemaker Notes: Jade is the latest range to join Natasha Williams’ Lelie van Saron label. This new project represents Natasha’s evolution as a winemaker, as she builds her identity in the South African wine industry. The name is meant as an homage to Natasha’s late cousin of the same name who was taken tragically during the pandemic. Jade, the element, conveys purity, harmony, and balance, and it has a luminous quality “like the heaven and stars – a connection between heaven and earth.” A portion of the profits of this range are donated to help provide mentorship to girls in her hometown.

This Syrah-based blend comes primarily from vines planted between fields of indigenous fynbos in close proximity to the ocean (about 4-8 km as the crow flies) in the Walker Bay subregion of the Cape South Coast. The blending components, Cinsault and Grenache (new this vintage), come from the Swartland. Natasha felt the kinship of these Rhône varieties added a bit more depth of flavor.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Tim Atkin - "Based on Syrah, this unusual blend is completed by 10% Petite Sirah, 7% Cinsault and 1% Grenache, mixing components from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the Swartland and Wellington. Firm and meaty, it has subtle oak, plum and redcurrant flavours and a tangy finish."