Aristargos, Swartland, 2024
A beautifully complex Cape White blend that this year benefits from just over 10% Colombard for the first time. In a warm year such as 2024, Colombard brings acidity and supports a little skin contact for added structure. Ripe, spicy and texturally satisfying, the 2024 Aristargos is yellow fruited, with notes of citrus, ginger and caraway, held together with a fine grip, accentuated by 20% of the blend being aged in concrete. 49% Chenin Blanc, the rest a mix of Semillon, Colombard, Roussanne, Clairette Blanche, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. All components are vinified and aged separately, bottled after 11 months.
critic reviews
The David & Nadia 2024 Swartland Aristargos is a 24-component white blend anchored by Chenin Blanc with smaller portions of Semillon, Colombard, Roussanne, Clairette Blanche, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc, drawn from bush vines and trellised parcels across the Paardeberg. Viognier and Verdelho were excluded this year due to mildew disease pressure. Fermentations are natural and dry, with 20% matured in concrete and the remainder in older 300-liter barrels, while portions of Semillon and Colombard see brief skin contact. The oldest Semillon vines date to 1960, lending gravitas and quiet power. Swartlands warm evenings and persistent winds dry the land, concentrating fruit while preserving tension in this beautifully layered wine.
The 2024 Aristargos is a Chenin-led blend with some skin contact on the Colombard, 20% matured in cube and egg concrete vats. It has a vibrant nose with white fruit, beeswax and light lanolin scents. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity, bright citrus fruit marrying with pithy pear and lanolin notes towards the finish. Just a great Aristargos.