2025 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 12.5%
Residual Sugar 1.25 g/L
pH 3.44
Total Acidity 6.18 g/L
Calories (estimated) 105 kcal / glass
150ml glass105 kcal
750ml bottle525 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Tempranillo, Malbec, Grenache, Merlot, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Barbera
Shiraz35%
Tempranillo20%
Malbec13%
Grenache10%
Merlot9%
Cinsaut7%
Mourvèdre4%
Sangiovese1%
Barbera1%
Drinking Window 0 - 3 years from production
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Lees Aging 4 months
Production Details Made in the traditional Provence style of winemaking, 'Blanc de Noir'. This is a winemaking style where red wine grapes are used in the production of the wine, with skin contact intentionally limited to only a three-hour period. Thereafter, the winemaking follows a more traditional white wine process. The skin contact occurs solely in the press, where the grapes are left on the stems in a process called whole bunch pressing. Whole bunch pressing is a gentle method utilised to create a soft and delicate feel to the wine, and it also minimises skin contact, which gives the Blanc de Noir its very attractive colour. Whole bunch pressing can impart a subtle herbal and spicy character to the wine, complementing the vibrant fruit notes from the Mediterranean varietals. This nuanced interplay of flavours and aromas creates a wine that is not only refreshing but also complex and engaging. Ideal weather and a slightly later harvest in 2025 set the stage for a standout vintage across the Helderberg region. Mild summer conditions, cool evenings, and extended hang time contributed to excellent flavour development, balanced acidity, and refined tannins - hallmarks of a season that reflects both vineyard resilience and winemaking precision.
Tasting Notes
white peach, rose water, fresh strawberry, apricot, mineral
Food Pairing pork, poultry, rich fish (such as salmon or tuna), vegetarian dishes
Vintages
2024 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.5%
Residual Sugar 1.18 g/L
pH 3.52
Total Acidity 5.14 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Malbec, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Merlot, Cinsault, Sangiovese, Grenache
Shiraz32%
Malbec22%
Tempranillo19%
Mourvedre12%
Merlot8%
Cinsault5%
Sangiovese1%
Grenache1%
Drinking Window 0 - 3 years from production
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Lees Aging 4 months
Production Details Made in the traditional Provence style of winemaking, 'Blanc de Noir'. This is a winemaking style where red wine grapes are used in the production of the wine, with skin contact intentionally limited to only a three-hour period. Thereafter, the winemaking follows a more traditional white wine process. The skin contact occurs solely in the press, where the grapes are left on the stems in a process called whole bunch pressing. Whole bunch pressing is a gentle method utilised to create a soft and delicate feel to the wine, and it also minimises skin contact, which gives the Blanc de Noir its very attractive colour. Whole bunch pressing can impart a subtle herbal and spicy character to the wine, complementing the vibrant fruit notes from the Mediterranean varietals. This nuanced interplay of flavours and aromas creates a wine that is not only refreshing but also complex and engaging.
Tasting Notes
Nose: white peach, rose water
Palate: strawberry, white peach, apricot, saline undertone, mineral
Food Pairing pork, poultry, rich fish (such as salmon or tuna), vegetarian dishes
2023 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.5%
Residual Sugar 2.4 g/L
pH 3.35
Total Acidity 6.4 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Tempranillo, Malbec, Shiraz, Cinsaut, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Sangiovese, Grenache
Tempranillo33%
Malbec19%
Shiraz19%
Cinsaut9%
Mourvedre9%
Petit Verdot5%
Merlot3%
Sangiovese2%
Grenache1%
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Lees Aging 4 months
Production Details Made in the traditional Provence Style of winemaking, 'Blanc de Noir'. This is a winemaking style where red wine grapes are used in the production of this wine, the skin contact is intentionally kept very limited for only a three-hour period. Thereafter the winemaking follows a more traditional white wine journey. The skin contact occurs solely in the press where the grapes are left on the stems in a process called whole bunch pressing. Whole bunch pressing is a gentle process and is utilised to create a soft and delicate feel to the wine, it also minimises skin contact which gives the Blanc de Noir a very attractive colour.
Tasting Notes
Nose: delicate peach, fresh cherry, white floral, citrus blossom
Palate: fresh apricot, young nectarine, guava flavours, minerality
2022 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.9%
Residual Sugar 2.3 g/L
pH 3.28
Total Acidity 4.9 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mourvedre, Malbec, Cinsaut, Tempranillo, Sangiovese
Shiraz
Mourvedre
Malbec
Cinsaut
Tempranillo
Sangiovese
Region Stellenbosch
Sites Mostly Waterford Estate vineyards with some vineyards in the Stellenbosch region.
Lees Aging 6 months
Production Details Made in a traditional 'Blanc De Noir' style, white wine made from red grapes. Aged on fine lees for 6 months. Production: 9,000 cases.
Tasting Notes
Nose: apricot, fresh cherry, white floral, citrus blossom, fresh oregano
Palate: naartjie, apricot, young nectarine
2021 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.8%
Residual Sugar 2.9 g/L
pH 3.4
Total Acidity 5.8 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mourvedre, Malbec, Cinsaut, Tempranillo, Sangiovese
Shiraz
Mourvedre
Malbec
Cinsaut
Tempranillo
Sangiovese
Region Stellenbosch
Lees Aging 6 months
Production Details Made in a traditional 'Blanc de noir' style, white wine made from red grapes. Good winter rains which hint at the return to normality after the drought. The season started well with favourable growing conditions which produced impressive crop. Wines are showing very well with good acidities and a wonderful fruit expressions from the moderate to cool ripening period.
Tasting Notes
delicate apricot, fresh cherry, white floral, citrus blossom, fresh oregano, naartjie, young nectarine
2020 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.5%
Residual Sugar 1.9 g/L
pH 3.4
Total Acidity 5.9 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Cinsaut, Sangiovese
Shiraz
Mourvèdre
Tempranillo
Cinsaut
Sangiovese
Region Stellenbosch
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Production Details A wine produced by whole bunch pressing various red grape varietals, thus giving the wine a lovely transparent pink colour. The aroma is minerally driven with delicate raspberry fruit undertones. The natural acidity from the different Mediterranean varietals add a lovely soft texture to the wine and provides for a crisp and delicate finish. Aging in Stainless Steel.
Tasting Notes
Nose: raspberry
Food Pairing Pork, Rich Fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), Vegetarian, Poultry
2019 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.9%
Residual Sugar 1.2 g/L
pH 3.15
Total Acidity 6.9 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Cinsaut, Sangiovese
Shiraz
Mourvedre
Tempranillo
Cinsaut
Sangiovese
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Production Details A wine produced by whole bunch pressing various red grape varietals, thus giving the wine a lovely transparent pink colour. The aroma is minerally driven with delicate raspberry fruit undertones. The natural acidity from the different Mediterranean varietals add a lovely soft texture to the wine and provides for a crisp and delicate finish. The perfect wine to be enjoyed alongside summer dishes. The red grapes used to produce the Rose-Mary are always picked early in the season and this year was no exception. But the season was incredibly dry, and not particularly hot, which meant that the grapes achieved ripeness at lower sugar levels. As a result, the wine is cleaner and fresher than previous vintages. The drought is still playing a huge role on the vintage, a dry and warm winter hindering the dormancy period which is vital for even growth and survival, Chardonnay being most affected resulting in only a 50% yield this vintage. Across the board we experienced an average of 30% drop in yield. Berries at harvest time were tiny and highly concentrated in flavour, and due to relatively cool and dry summer weather, the wines also ended up with low alcohols and softer acidities.
Food Pairing pork, salmon, tuna, vegetarian, poultry
2018 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.8%
Residual Sugar 1.1 g/L
pH 3.15
Total Acidity 6.9 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mouvedre, Tempranillo, Grenache
Shiraz
Mouvedre
Tempranillo
Grenache
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Production Details A wine produced by whole bunch pressing various red grape varietals, this giving the wine a lovely transparent pink colour. The aroma is minerally driven with delicate raspberry fruit undertones. The natural acidity from the different Mediterranean varietals add a lovely soft texture to the wine and provides for a crisp and delicate finish. The perfect low alcohol wine to be enjoyed alongside summer dishes. The red grapes used to produce the Rose-Mary are always picked early in the season and this year was no exception. But the season was incredibly dry, and not particularly hot, which meant that the grapes achieved ripeness at lower sugar levels. As a result, the wine is cleaner and fresher than previous vintages. A vintage which will be remembered for drought and heat. Luckily for Waterford's location on the Helderberg mountain and the near proximity to the ocean, the vineyards could cool down over night. The lack of water resulted in light bunches with tiny berries, great for red wine colour and flavor.
Food Pairing pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), vegetarian, poultry
2017 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.45%
Residual Sugar 1.3 g/L
pH 3.32
Total Acidity 4.3 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Grenache
Shiraz
Mourvèdre
Tempranillo
Grenache
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Production Details A wine produced by whole bunch pressing various red grape varietals, resulting in a lovely transparent pink colour. The aroma is minerally driven with delicate raspberry fruit undertones. The natural acidity from the different Mediterranean varietals adds a lovely soft texture with a crisp and delicate finish. The perfect low alcohol wine to be enjoyed alongside summer dishes. 3rd year of extreme drought, this very noticeable in the natural vegetation and low dam levels. Low winter rains, followed by near perfect growing conditions, moderate temperatures and lack of heat waves during harvest. Vineyards remained very healthy and produced lovely bunches, smaller than usual giving concentration. Wines are extremely classical in style, with tight tannin structures and lovely acidities. Reds are going to be great talking points in the future.
Tasting Notes
minerally driven, delicate raspberry fruit undertones, lovely soft texture, crisp finish, delicate finish
Food Pairing summer dishes
2016 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.2%
Residual Sugar 1.7 g/L
pH 3.32
Total Acidity 4.8 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Malbec
Shiraz
Merlot
Tempranillo
Sangiovese
Malbec
Region Stellenbosch
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Production Details A wine produced by whole bunch pressing various grape varietals giving the wine a lovely transparent pink colour. The aroma is minerally driven with delicate raspberry fruit undertones. The natural acidity from the different Mediterranean varietals adds a lovely soft texture to the wine which provides a crisp and delicate finish. The perfect low alcohol wine to be enjoyed alongside summer dishes. A vintage which will be remembered for drought and heat. Luckily for Waterford's location on the Helderberg mountain and the near proximity to the ocean, the vineyards could cool down over night. The lack of water resulted in light weighted bunches with tiny berries, great for red wine colour and flavour. The heat also resulted in wines being lower in acidity. Red wines performed exceptionally well.
2015 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.8%
Residual Sugar 2.7 g/L
pH 3.14
Total Acidity 7.1 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Malbec
Shiraz
Merlot
Tempranillo
Sangiovese
Malbec
Region Stellenbosch
Production Details A wine produced by whole bunch pressing various grape varietals giving the wine a lovely transparent pink colour. The aroma is minerally driven with delicate raspberry fruit undertones. The natural acidity from the different Mediterranean varietals adds a lovely soft texture to the wine which provides a crisp and delicate finish. The perfect low alcohol wine to be enjoyed at the beginning of any meal. A vintage which will be remembered for drought and heat. Luckily for Waterford’s location on the Helderberg mountain and the near proximity to the ocean, the vineyards could cool down over night. The lack of water resulted in light weighted bunches with tiny berries, great for red wine colour and flavour. The heat also resulted in wines being lower in acidity. Red wines performed exceptionally well.
2014 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.95%
Residual Sugar 1.6 g/L
pH 3.1
Total Acidity 6.8 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Merlot, Grenache, Tempranillo, Malbec
Shiraz
Merlot
Grenache
Tempranillo
Malbec
Region Stellenbosch
Production Details Good long winter, but late rains and cold delaying pruning. Great windless conditions experienced for flowering resulted in a high yield vintage. February temperatures were extremely hot pushing ripening and this made for a quick harvest. Highest recorded tonnages for Waterford Estate. Whites challenging but the red wines have impressed.
Tasting Notes
Nose: fresh raspberry, apricot fruit
Palate: tangy, dry finish
2013 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.43%
Residual Sugar 1.9 g/L
pH 3.24
Total Acidity 5.98 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Malbec, Grenache, Merlot
Shiraz
Mourvèdre
Malbec
Grenache
Merlot
Region Stellenbosch
Production Details A long and cold winter, 35% more rain than usual. An excellent growing season until storm winds hit late October (up to 118km/hr) causing excessive damage in the vineyards, crop losses of up to 60%. Odd showers during second half of harvest giving reds a longer hang time. Outstanding white wines, in particular Chardonnay. Red wines came out with lovely soft textures and richness.
Tasting Notes
Nose: minerally driven, raspberry fruit undertones
Palate: elegant, tangy textured mouthfeel
2012 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.3%
Residual Sugar 2.6 g/L
pH 3.29
Total Acidity 6.2 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Sangiovese, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Merlot, Barbera
Sangiovese
Grenache
Mourvèdre
Merlot
Barbera
Region Stellenbosch
Production Details A slight increase in the pink colour and intensity compared to 2011. Great winter with sufficiently cold and wet conditions. Spring brought moderate warmth initiating good even growth but late cultivars such as Cabernet Sauvignon received rain during flowering causing bad fruit set resulting in a 45% lower crop. Reds wines stood out in the vintage as being expressive and classical with lower alcohols.
Tasting Notes
Palate: tangy textured mouthfeel, dry finish, low alcohol content
2011 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.0%
Residual Sugar 3 g/L
pH 3.2
Total Acidity 6.5 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties 5 Varietal Blend
5 Varietal Blend
Region Stellenbosch
Production Details An excellent cold winter but with less than ideal rainfall. The growing season started off rather fast with the warmer conditions and drier soils. Lack of wind and rain during flowering produced an excellent crop for the vintage. The growing season was hot and dry up until the end of harvest. Whites are rich with hints of oiliness and reds are soft textured with ripe fruit notes.
Tasting Notes
pear drops, flint, mouth coating texture, depth flavours, fresh acidity, low alcohol level
2010 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 10.5%
Residual Sugar 4 g/L
pH 3.1
Total Acidity 7.4 g/L
Calories (estimated) 90 kcal / glass
150ml glass90 kcal
750ml bottle450 kcal
Grape Varieties 5 Varietal Blend
5 Varietal Blend
Region Stellenbosch
Tasting Notes
Nose: pale onion colour skin colour, chalk, red cherry aromas
Palate: fresh, crisp defined acidity, low alcohol, residual sugar, crisp mineral finish
2009 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 11.0%
Residual Sugar 4 g/L
pH 3.1
Total Acidity 8.5 g/L
Calories (estimated) 95 kcal / glass
150ml glass95 kcal
750ml bottle475 kcal
Grape Varieties Grenache, Sangiovese, Merlot, Shiraz, Barbera, Mourvedre, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Grenache
Sangiovese
Merlot
Shiraz
Barbera
Mourvedre
Malbec
Petit Verdot
Region Stellenbosch
Production Details Salmon coloured white wine made from red grapes. Spicy flavours as well as a very fresh, crispy and fruity. A dry, low alcohol wine making it an ideal pre-dinner and summer lunch time wine. Slightly riper finish than previous vintages allowing for a slightly sweeter palate.
Producer Information
Website
Address
Upper Blaauwklippen Rd, Helderberg Rural, Stellenbosch, 7600
Phone
+27 (0)21 880 5300
Cellarmaster
Mark le Roux