The Bothey, an interesting wine project from South Africa
Website: https://www.bothey.co.za/wine/
Katja Leinberger and Marcel Hartman own a luxury accommodation call The Bothey, and they also have a range of wines under the same name. But rather than going for rather ordinary private lable wines, they’ve worked with the right people, sourcing amazing grapes from top regions and making some quite special bottles. I tried three of them and was really impressed.
The Bothey ‘Harmony’ Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2025 Coastal Region, South Africa
Bush vines planted in the 1970s and 1980s. Used oak. Textured, fine and delicate with a slight salinity. Such texture here with lovely weight, and real precision. Quite special. 94/100
The Bothey ‘Close Ties’ Chardonnay 2025 Elgin, South Africa
12% alcohol. Raised in a 1000 litre foudre. Taut and linear with crystalline citrus fruit and some pear richness. Very linear with a slight saltiness and a bit of struck match reduction. Such finesse and purity. 94/100
The Bothey Royal Bow Grenache Noir 2024 Piekenierskloof, South Africa
13% alcohol. 60% whole cluster, then aged in concrete and foudre. Fresh, supple, floral and elegant with nice linear cherry and raspberry fruit. This shows amazing purity and elegance, as well as finesse. Nice crunchy structure holds everything together. 95/100
