Fryer’s Cove new releases

Vineyards for the far-flung West Coast venture that is Fryer’s Cove were first planted by winemaker Wynand Hamman along with father-in-law Ponk van Zyl and brother-in-law Jan in 1999, and their brave decision was vindicated when the 2005 vintage of the Sauvignon Blanc rated 5 Stars by Wine magazine in that same year.

Last year, producer-wholesaler DGB acquired the operation and Liza Goodwin, previously of Meerendal, was installed as winemaker, the Van Zyls are still involved in tending the vineyards. Fryer’s Cove is a new tier of wines, made from bought-in grapes and sitting between the premium Bamboes Bay wines and the more affordable Doringbay.  

Fryer’s Cove Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R139
62% stainless steel fermented and 38% in older barrels, maturation lasting four months. A little reduction before peach, nectarine, melon and some vanilla on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with a nice roundness and well-integrated acidity.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Fryer’s Cove Grenache Cinsault 2021
Price: R149
90% Grenache and 10% Cinsault, all unoaked. Very expressive aromatics with a hint of flinty reduction preceding cherry, raspberry, musk and fynbos while the palate has good depth of fruit, bright acidity and powdery tannins. Lovely texture and balance.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Fryer’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (R139 per bottle) rated 91 points in the Prescient Sauvignon Blanc Report 2021 earlier this year.