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Winery of the Week: Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape

After acquiring the Duikersdrift farm in Tulbagh in 2017, Trevor and Caroline Carnaby tapped the expertise of Dirk Swanepoel to nurture the tiny 2006 shiraz vineyard and craft an own-label wine in the nearby Swanepoel Wines cellar (formerly Oude Compagnies Post). Harvest 2020 was followed by a larger crop, allowing for a blend and a fortified, and from 2022 chenin was brought in from Citrusdal. The wines are sold at the on-site restaurant, and lodges and restaurants in Limpopo province.


Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz 2021

(86 pts)

Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape range
Category: Red blends, other

Same 67/33 proportions for both vintages tasted. 2021 good depth of blue & black fruit & ripe-fruit finish, lighter (12.5% alc vs 14%) than 2022 (3.5 stars, 85 pts), which has fresh leafy top note, less fruit-sweetness but some warmth. More 

Wine tasted by Penny Setti & Cathy van Zyl.


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Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape Cape Ruby 2021

(85 pts)

Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape range
Category: Port-style, red

From shiraz, generous Xmas cake fruit & spice, as per this port style, notes of almond & green walnut on both vintages tasted. 2021 fierier heart (20% alc vs 18.5%), not sugary thanks to good grip of tannin. 2022 younger & thus firmer, less obviously sweet. More 

Wine tasted by Penny Setti & Cathy van Zyl.


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Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape Chenin Blanc 2022

(87 pts)

Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape range
Category: Chenin blanc wooded, dry

From old mountain bushvines, natural older-barrel ferment/6 months on fine lees with regular stirring. 2022 quietly impressive, subtle scents & flavours & a body that’s streamlined but not austere (14% alc), thrilling acid for food pairing. WO W Cape. More 

Wine tasted by Penny Setti & Cathy van Zyl.


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Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape Syrah 2021

(83 pts)

Duikersdrift Winelands Country Escape range
Category: Shiraz/syrah

Red & black fruit seasoned with pepper, 2022 (4 stars, 86 pts) attractively lean & tight, auguring well for development. Also-tasted 2021 more open & expressive, tannins more resolved. Both 10 months in older barrels, as all unless noted. More 

Wine tasted by Penny Setti & Cathy van Zyl.


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