It would be fun to take a bottle of Philip Couchman's charming blend to your winetasting club, present it blind and ask where it's from. The answer (spoiler alert): a small pocket on the west side of the Goukou River, ±12 km from resort town Stilbaai on the South Coast, on the 'particularly picturesque' Long Thin Farm acquired in 2021 by Australia-born Philip and wife Fiona. Also on-site is a well-equipped cellar, which will double as a tasting venue from the end of this year. Gunter Schultz of nearish-by Baiea is the winemaker and viticulturist, who may well find himself tending white varieties and pinot noir, as these are ideal for the site.
Long Thin Farm range
Category: Red blends, shiraz/syrah-based
There’s serious intent in fresh & elegant 2023 70/30 blend. Lightish 13% alc, floral & liquorice-spice notes supported by fine acidity, gentle savoury tannin squeeze from year older oak. Charming debut from an unheralded cool-climate site. More
Wine tasted by Angela Lloyd & Cathy van Zyl.
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