Thorne & Daughters

Rocking Horse Cape White

9.276 ratings
9.215 pro ratings
Western Cape, South Africa
Roussanne, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces, Blue Cheese, Fruit Desserts, Vanilla & Caramel, Fruit & Berries, Exotic Spices, Salads & Greens, Pate, Potato, Tomato-Based, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pungent Cheese, Goat & Feta Cheese, Sweet Potato, Yuca, Taro, Baking Spices, Chili & Hot Spicy, Nuts & Seeds, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Quinoa, Sweet Potato, Fish, Veal
Top Notes For
Will Stanley

A fabulously unique wine is the 2020 Rocking Horse white blend from Thorne & Daughters, a blend of Semillon, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Chenin & Clairette. It has full bodied but fresh aromas, a medley of zesty and tropical fruits and a good deal of burnt butter. The palate is quite soft in acidity, no doubt from the high proportion of Semillon, but is a gorgeous balance of fruit, herbs, chamomile and elderflower, with a long finish. This was a superb match for chicken in a cream and Madeira sauce.

A fabulously unique wine is the 2020 Rocking Horse white blend from Thorne & Daughters, a blend of Semillon, Roussanne, Chardonnay, Chenin & Clairette. It has full bodied but fresh aromas, a medley of zesty and tropical fruits and a good deal of burnt butter. The palate is quite soft in acidity, no doubt from the high proportion of Semillon, but is a gorgeous balance of fruit, herbs, chamomile and elderflower, with a long finish. This was a superb match for chicken in a cream and Madeira sauce.

Oct 6th, 2023
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 2017 Thorne & Daughter Rocking Horse Cape White Blend is; 22% Roussanne, 22% Chenin, Semillon 17% & Chardonnay 17%.

The nose reveals; orange rind, lemon, lime, peach, apricot, marmalade notes, vanilla, light white spice, yellow flowers and lilies.

The body is round, full, thick with a layer of beeswax. Orange rind, lemon, lime, peach, apricot, marmalade notes, vanilla, light white spice, beautiful soft minerality, yellow flowers and lilies. The acidly is high but, beautiful. The finish is well balanced, rich, lush and ripe with just some light white spice on the long set.

Photos of; different side of the Gabrielskloof Cellar Door vines, tasting lounge, the drive through their vines as you enter their Cellar Door.

The 2017 Thorne & Daughter Rocking Horse Cape White Blend is; 22% Roussanne, 22% Chenin, Semillon 17% & Chardonnay 17%.

The nose reveals; orange rind, lemon, lime, peach, apricot, marmalade notes, vanilla, light white spice, yellow flowers and lilies.

The body is round, full, thick with a layer of beeswax. Orange rind, lemon, lime, peach, apricot, marmalade notes, vanilla, light white spice, beautiful soft minerality, yellow flowers and lilies. The acidly is high but, beautiful. The finish is well balanced, rich, lush and ripe with just some light white spice on the long set.

Photos of; different side of the Gabrielskloof Cellar Door vines, tasting lounge, the drive through their vines as you enter their Cellar Door.

May 16th, 2019
Matt Sterr

Absolutely delicious, naturally produced white from Semillon, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Clairette, Chenin Blanc & Viura.

Absolutely delicious, naturally produced white from Semillon, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Clairette, Chenin Blanc & Viura.

May 7th, 2019
Nik Darlington

Just stunning stuff

Just stunning stuff

1 person found it helpfulDec 27th, 2014
Ronald Heijden

Great new discovery from South Africa watch this house for the future. Still young but also very drinkable at the moment. A blend off Rousanne, bush vine Chardonnay, Semillon and bush vine Chenin Blanc. Whole bunch pressed, unfined, wild ferment and old oak barrels used. I like this style !

Great new discovery from South Africa watch this house for the future. Still young but also very drinkable at the moment. A blend off Rousanne, bush vine Chardonnay, Semillon and bush vine Chenin Blanc. Whole bunch pressed, unfined, wild ferment and old oak barrels used. I like this style !

Feb 1st, 2015
Louis Martin

Bright gold color, medium body, smooth and creamy, well balanced blend with slight buttery taste, goes wonderfully with seafood.

Bright gold color, medium body, smooth and creamy, well balanced blend with slight buttery taste, goes wonderfully with seafood.

Nov 4th, 2023
barak heller hayun

sa blend.
🙈 my best guess was french marsanne rousanne or a Spanish oaked white.
very spicy and a bit flower-y. big time 🍑-y .
great med + acidity. very harmonious.
excellent wine!

sa blend.
🙈 my best guess was french marsanne rousanne or a Spanish oaked white.
very spicy and a bit flower-y. big time 🍑-y .
great med + acidity. very harmonious.
excellent wine!

Mar 4th, 2023
Jennifer Memmolo

i love roussane

i love roussane

Feb 3rd, 2023
Galen Hasler

Big bodied complex stone fruits

Big bodied complex stone fruits

Jul 14th, 2022
Randy Fillingim

Absolutely delicious. this may be my first white that I have from South Africa. The southern Rhone blend was near perfection. acidity and fruit in harmony. I will definitely buy again -if I can find it

Absolutely delicious. this may be my first white that I have from South Africa. The southern Rhone blend was near perfection. acidity and fruit in harmony. I will definitely buy again -if I can find it

Jul 10th, 2022