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Winery of the Week: Late Bloomer Boutique Winery

Per the branding, Stephan Kruger was tardily out of the blocks but with great satisfaction and gusto, having always wanted to make wine. Opportunity called in 2016 while in Johannesburg, and he crafted the first wines in a literal garage. He's since relocated and upgraded, to a small converted brewery in Gordon's Bay, sourcing grapes widely and nimble enough to try something new or different. Tastings are among the barrels and tanks, so visitors should expect more than the usual noises off if sampling during season.


Late Bloomer Boutique Winery Fanie's Fusion 2020

(86 pts)

Late Bloomer Boutique Winery range
Category: Red blends, other

3-way split of cab, merlot & shiraz, different oaking here, only 14 months. Smoky cigarbox tones on 2020, with berry-plummy fruit holding its own in perfume & flavour. Streamlined texture, silky finish, tannins amenable for current drinking. WO Coastal. More 

Wine tasted by Christine Rudman & Cathy van Zyl.


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Late Bloomer Boutique Winery Hiraeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

(85 pts)

Late Bloomer Boutique Winery range
Category: Cabernet sauvignon

Oaking as majority of reds, 18 months with French & American chips inserted into older barrels, giving 2021 from Stellenbosch a pronounced savoury element to its nose & palate. Plummy fruit helps drinkability but tannins are dry on finish, need time. More 

Wine tasted by Christine Rudman & Cathy van Zyl.


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