2021 Brookdale Estate Sixteen Field Blend

18 points - Jancis Robinson
91 points - Decanter

The Sixteen is comprised of 16 varietals, interplanted as bush vines without rhyme or reason, exploring the naturally occurring microclimates and profile of a wine that is a true South African field blend. 16 white varietals were planted as bush vines on decomposed shale and granite. The fruit was pre-cooled and whole-bunch pressed before spontaneous fermentation and partial malolactic fermentation. The wine was barrelfermented, aged in old 500L French oak barrels for 1 year prior to bottling and spent 4 months in bottle
before release.

The first chapter in our field blend story. Like a meadow in spring, the wine is aromatically diverse
laced with white flowers, heather, orange blossom, and hints of jasmine, then bright green apples, pear
and an undertone of nutty apricot kernel. Subtle, balanced with a soft, enveloping texture, the palate
offers concentrated, minerally stone fruits evolving to nectarines and ripe citrus. This depth is cut with
a juicy, mouth-watering acidity before a pithy finish.