Journey’s End, one of South Africa’s most sustainable and experimental wineries that is owned by the Gabb family, is revamping its range of wines to give clear differentiation between its three series – Tales, V and Precision – while maintaining a consistent theme across the family of wines.

The new-look Tales Series are the first wines being released. The new labels on these four wines are designed to tell the story behind each wine:

Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is named after the ‘Weerstasie Kloon’ (Weather Station clone) in Stellenbosch where the SB11 Sauvignon Blanc clone was first propagated in the 1920s before a resurgence in the late 1970s. A complex wine, there’s melon and grapefruit on a bed of apple and pear, with a seam of freshness giving vitality and extending the flavours. Reflecting the vintage, this shows perfectly ripe fruit, full flavours and a round finish. Full of character and delicious.

Haystack Chardonnay 2018 is named after the age-old practice of planting wheat between the rows of vines, which encourages all the aphids and flies to land on the crop instead of the vines. The team also has a pair of eagle owls on the farm who are the pest controllers at Journey’s End, keeping the vineyards free of rodents. This wine pays homage to the environment. Oak and fruit are perfectly matched, each having its say without dominating; citrus peel and melon enriched by a subtle, savoury biscuit overlay. The limey acidity seamed through the fruit flavours gives food-friendly freshness and promises a few years’ ageing potentials.

The Huntsman – Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier 2017 is named after the original kennels the Gabb family found on their farm dating back to 1822, and where the Journey’s End winery now stands. It shows the expected hedgerow fruit, scrub, dried herbs and white pepper which comes from these varieties, along with an evenly balanced oak structure. Full-bodied and smoothly luscious, it is ready to drink, the freshness adding lift and vibrancy to the dark fruit and liquorice richness.

Pastor’s Blend – Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2018 pays homage to the Reverend from the local village of Sir Lowry’s Pass who regularly delivers Sunday communion at the foot of the Journey’s End vineyard. Journey’s End has embarked on a number of community support and development programmes with the local pastors – see additional information below. Juicy plums and brambleberries, a savoury spice dusting from the oak, some dried herbs, giving it versatility for a range of food dishes. An elegant, harmonious wine for earlier drinking rather than long cellaring.

All four of the Tales Series wines are available nationally retailing between R89 and R99 at selected retail outlets and wine merchants from between R178 and R190.

Find out more on their website here…