Katja Leinberger and Marcel Hartman, owners of the luxury accommodation The Bothey, have developed a wine range under the same name. Rather than producing conventional private-label wines, they have partnered with skilled winemakers and sourced grapes from notable South African regions. Three bottles stood out in a recent tasting.
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The Bothey “Harmony” Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2025, Coastal Region — Made from bush vines planted in the 1970s and 1980s and matured in used oak. Fine, delicate and textured, with a gentle saline note, lovely weight and precise definition. 94/100
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The Bothey “Close Ties” Chardonnay 2025, Elgin — At 12% alcohol, this wine was raised in a 1,000-litre foudre. Taut and linear, it combines crystalline citrus with pear richness, a subtle saltiness and a hint of struck-match reduction. Its finesse and purity are striking. 94/100
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The Bothey Royal Bow Grenache Noir 2024, Piekenierskloof — At 13% alcohol, the wine was made with 60% whole clusters and aged in concrete and foudre. Fresh, supple and floral, it offers elegant cherry and raspberry fruit, remarkable purity and a crunchy structure. 95/100