Delheim Edelspatz 2020

The Delheim Edelspatz will always have a special place for me, as this is the wine I kept in my cupboard for many years for the celebration of our engagement. This new vintage of the Edelspatz is even stronger and bolder than before. You would not expect anything different from a winemaker who worked in Sauternes that is world-famous for their sweet and botrytis-style sweet wines.

Although noble rot wines were released the past few years, this vintage is certainly a highlight. In your glass, you have a gold coloured wine with a medium thick viscosity and a green-yellow rim. Typical botrytis characteristics are evident on the nose, including the honey, dried peaches and savoury notes. The wine enters the palate with a soft, pastry-like entry, quickly developing into a kaleidoscope of honey, yellow flowers, lime, cooked pears, dried apricots and marmalade. A lengthy finish testifies of the complexity of this wine.

This wine has the potential to age for a good few decades, but it is also perfect to drink now. It should be served cool and will probably be best on its own as a dessert wine. It has the potential to pair well with a large variety of desserts as well. The Riesling grapes were sourced from a block that was planted in 1985 and is now 35 years old. This wine is certainly among the top dessert wines that you can find in South Africa.

Producer: Delheim

Variety: Weisser Riesling 100%

Vintage: 2020

Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Roelof Lotriet

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 12%

RS: 161g/l

Average price: R380

Rating: 97/100