The Kogelberg biosphere is a natural habitat for small wildlife and the beautiful Cape Eagle Owl with its prominent ear tuffs is a favourite among the feathered inhabitants. A perfect expression of the soil type, these wines are made for everyday enjoyment.
HORNY OWL:
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Tasting Notes: The nose is surprisingly intense. It has citrus blossom top notes underlain with a fruit cocktail of tinned apples, guavas and grapefruit.
The taste is also unexpectedly rich for a Sauvignon blanc. The entry is very juicy. The tinned peaches and guavas are still present but now joined by yellow peaches in their syrup.
The mouthfeel is smooth and long, showing acidic strength without edginess.
This is a fine example of an Elgin Sauvignon blanc where the climate is cool enough to let Sauvignon blanc ripen fully, retaining the delicate aromatics and escaping the grassy greenness that many unripe versions hide behind. This complete ripening, and bottling under screwcap, will allow this wine to age well for the next 3 to 5 years
HORNY OWL:
CHARDONNAY SUR LIE
Tasting Notes: This refined Chardonnay delights with bright citrus peel, juicy peach, and pear aromas, elevated by subtle hints of crushed almonds and creamy cashew. A lively acidity brings freshness and focus, balanced beautifully by a creamy, lees-derived texture. Clean, soft, and savoury on the finish, it’s an elegant and refreshing expression of Chardonnay, perfect for any occasion.
Viniculture: The 2025 vintage from Lothian Vineyards’ 6 blocks of Chardonnay was hand harvested at optimal ripeness. The fruit was whole bunch pressed, with a period of skin contact. Fermentation was done in stainless steel with ambient yeast. The wine was left on the lees for 8 months, with periodic stirring to improve mouthfeel and protect it. Prior to bottling, the wine was lightly filtered to preserve its integrity.
HORNY OWL:
PINOT NOIR
Tasting Notes:
The wine embarks on its journey with an inviting array of red fruit flavours. Strawberries and vibrant cherries take centre stage, bringing an immediate burst of freshness. But what elevates this Pinot Noir is the underpinning of its lively acidity. As you explore further, the wine’s mid-palate weight becomes apparent, adding an unexpected and delightful dimension to the experience.
The fruity start unfolds into a more serious and contemplative phase, marked by subtle hints of forest floor, damp earth, and savoury spices. This contrast of a lively, fruity start, balanced mid-palate weight, and the serious, earthy, savoury finish, showcases the wine’s impeccable structure. This Pinot Noir is a testament to the art of winemaking, offering a harmonious narrative that dances on the palate, leaving a lasting impression of balance and refinement.
HORNY OWL:
SHIRAZ
Tasting Notes: Good dark rich colour typical for Shiraz. The nose is dark and earthy with hints of black pepper and wet scrub. The mid-palate shows a sweet texture of dark chocolate. The finish is quite savoury and dry with hints of dried orange and a black berry style fruit tapenade. This wine shows a great balance of all its elements. This wine is surprisingly sophisticated at this price point and will reward the discerning drinker with its fragrance, balance and length.
Viniculture: Hand harvested from a low-yielding Shiraz block. Open fermentation utilising both ambient and cultured yeasts, manual pigeage and matured for 11 months in French oak barrique. The Horny Owl is bottled unfiltered to preserve its integrity and flavour, making it a hoot to drink.