Here we really have two new kids releasing their first wine under their own label. Mick Craven is an Aussie and Jeanine Faure is a South African – but not any South African – she’s from the original Faure farm, Vergenoegd, just outside Somerset West, which has been in the Faure family since 1820.
After spending about seven years following harvests around the world, it was time to settle somewhere. Mick joined Adam Mason in the Mulderbosch cellar and Jeanine is in her second year of making wine at Dornier.
They decided to focus on making wine from Stellenbosch for their own label –a refreshing change since most of the young, upcoming winemakers are veering towards Swartland, Hemel-en-Aarde and even Elgin.
As little interference, and as few additions as possible, is their motto, and from 2014 they’re also doing 100% whole bunch pressing. The aim is to make wines based on structure and acid which in the end leads to lower alcohol by nature.
On the nose: it has an expressive, fragrant scent which shows off the fruit purity.
On the palate: the wine has a lovely fresh finish.
