The 2019 Snakes & Ladders consists of Sauvignon Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains. It has a potent bell pepper and gooseberry nose that maybe lacks the complexity of John Seccombe’s Chenins. The palate is well balanced with good weight. Bitter lemon, orange peel and light saline notes define the finish. This is a fine Sauvignon Blanc that should drink well for 3–6 years. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2021)
— 4 years ago
The nose reveals, lemon curd, lime, green apple, overripe pineapple, a salted caramel, beautiful soft minerals, chalk power and yellow flowers, lilies, spring flowers with greens.
The body is full and round. Honeysuckle, fruit blossoms, lemon curd, lime, green apple, overripe pineapple, a salted caramel, beautiful soft minerals, chalk power and yellow flowers, lilies, spring flowers with greens. The acidity is round. The lush finish thick, rich and well polished.
Photos of; the view from Gabrielskloof, a different shot with more decomposed granite soil, John Seccombe of Thorne and Daughters hosting our tasting with his Japanese importer and Gabrielskloof Estate vines. — 6 years ago
After Thorne shotfire barossa shiraz which was round, very oaky and lacking a bit of acid, I wanted another expression of the same varietal from the same region, but with more zing to it.
Boy this one is zingy!
The nose is showing blackberry, black pepper, a tiny soy sauce note along with an eucalyptus thing. This is very inviting and quite complex! The palate shows a massive acid drive, extremely powerful, but not overpowering at all. A big and bright blackberry note shines through and through, some width, some matter on the sides, a silky mouthfeel that turns into a great tannic wall in the rear with a strong grip and a drying effect that continues till the very end. The finish is all about blackberry and a reminiscence of that eucalyptus /mentholy note that could be felt on the nose. The finish is long and the after taste of blackberry keeps on for almost a minute. Great take on Australian Shiraz, without the artificial, sometimes overwhelming oak treatment. I like it very much. Two hands deserve a high five! — 5 months ago
Top chenin blanc with lots of «hope»! Great alternative to the more exclusive french wines from Rohne and Burgundy. — 4 years ago
Smooth and easy to drink! — 6 years ago
Another wine from Thorne-Clark. Very good blend. A strawberry, ripe plum, dark chocolate. With a pepper finish. — 3 years ago
John of Thorne and Daughters poured the wine order and felt Peter’s Crystallum Agnes Chardonnay work well as our 5th wine.
The nose is very delicate & soft. Green apple, lemon, lime, white peach, pineapple, beeswax, soft delicate minerals & chalkiness with yellow lilies and florals.
The body is full, round and a touch waxy. The fruits are understated. Green apple, lemon, lime, white peach, pineapple, beeswax, soft delicate minerals & chalkiness, white spice with yellow yellow florals & lilies. Amazing acidity. The finish is rich, ripe, round, well balanced and delicious.
Photos of; Gabrielskloof courtyard with pond, tasting lounge, our tasting area and Estate vines. — 6 years ago
Bruce Leboff
Nice. In situ. Best on the menu. A ripe young wine. A little out of balance - like the region. Nice on the patio. B’sorot tovot — 5 months ago