Capensis Wines is a boutique winery situated in the scenic Banhoek Valley. Nestled in the foothills of the Simonsberg mountains, this idyllic setting provides the perfect environment for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Capensis, meaning “from the Cape,” is a leader in bringing South Africa to the forefront as a world-class Chardonnay producer. Also the label artfully demonstrates the connection to the South African tradition by combining four characteristic symbols of the country, including the Protea.
The Capensis estate vineyard, Fijnbosch, was named after the Dutch settlers’ term for the natural vegetation in the area—meaning “fine bush” or “fine woods.”
Founded in 2014 by Barbara Banke, the owner of Jackson Family Wines, Capensis Wines is dedicated to crafting world-class Chardonnay that showcases the diversity and complexity from their 3 Chardonnays – Capensis Silene, Capensis & Capensis Fijnbosch.
Capensis Wines sources its grapes from a number of carefully selected vineyards, each of which brings its own unique character and flavour profile to the wine. The winery’s winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention, which allows the grapes to express their natural flavours and aromas.
If you’re a fan of Chardonnay, then Capensis is definitely a must visit. It is without a doubt the quintessential pinnacle of New World Chardonnay.
Winemaker, Graham Weerts, got internship to work in America for Jackson Family Wines. Jackson Family Wines own about 48 wine farms all over the world. Capensis originally started as a project, eventually turned into wanting to make the best Chardonnay from South Africa, Graham Weerts aims to create a terroir-expressive Chardonnay that honours the greatness of South Africa.
The Jackson Family acquired Fijnbosch Vineyard in 2014 and 2015 was their first vintage. The farm in total is about 50 hectares of which 9 hectares is planted with only the very best Chardonnay.
Wines of Origin for Capensis is Western Cape and therefore unique and specialised sites are sourced for their Chardonnays. Barrydale, Robertson, Kaaimansgat, Fijnbosch Vineyards and Nooitgedacht are sites where the grapes are sourced from. All of these sites are so diverse with different soils that adds layers of complexity in the wines.
Capensis Silene 2021
Majority of this Chardonnay comes from the Fijnbosch Vineyard as well as Nooitgedacht vineyards and a little bit from Bottelary Road in Stellenbosch. Graham Weerts wanted to capture Stellenbosch terroir-driven Chardonnay. This wine spent time in new oak barrels as well as ceramic. The ceramic touches the wine which livens up the wine with freshness. This wine provides inviting aromas of citrus which follows through onto the palate with rich minerals that drives a saline finish, light on its feet yet dense and long.
Silene is a flower that grows from the West Coast to the East Coast which is a white flower that is also featured on the label. This flower only blooms at night and is very fragrant.
Capensis Chardonnay 2018
2018 is their current vintage and this wine can still age for another 10 years that will gain complexity over time. Pure citrus and rich minerality drive this focused, elegant Chardonnay.
The label on the bottle features a Springbok, King Protea and a Marula Tree with the shape of the label in the form of a Zulu Shield.
Capensis Fijnbosch 2015
Winemaker took 2 blocks of the farm with one half in 100% new oak and other half in 2nd. It boasts the highest planted vines in the Stellenbosch District. 2015 on this wine was their first vintage and only limited quantities were made. Best blocks get picked. A complex wine that ensure depth, finesse, and quality with intense aromas of orange and minerality that carries through to a rich palate with a long lingering finish.
For those dreary days of inclement weather, there’s a cozy fireplace in the tasting room waiting to warm you up during the chilly Cape Town rainy season.
Wine tastings are by appointment and all reservations require a minimum of 48 hours advance notice.
Categories: Capensis Wines
