Thorne & Daughters

The Swartland of South Africa is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. The style of wine starting to emerge in the region, especially among white wines, is truly exciting: glycerally rich and structured, yet extremely focused and mineral soaked in aroma. Age worthy, complex, and elegantly defined, they are truly some of the most exciting wines in the world. The only issue is that the world has started to notice, and the most famous producers of the region such as Eben Sadie or Chris Alheit now regularly sell their wines for $100+. 

Enter John and Tasha Seccombe, founders of Thorne & Daughters, a micro-negociant that focuses on old vines and outstanding terroirs in the Swartland and satellite regions. They are producing wines that truly evoke the excitement of the region’s top producers at a fraction of the price. Two of their wines, namely the two that I am able to offer today, truly stand among the best being produced in the country. If you love the wines of the Swartland revolution, these wines need to be on your radar. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying the wines of the Swartland yet, but love white Burgundy or the great white wines of the Loire, then do yourself a favor and give these a try, you will NOT regret it. 

Thorne & Daughters Semillon Paper Kite 2019- $39.99

Tim Atkins, 95 Points: This exceptional white comes from a Semillon vineyard planted in 1963, where 5% of the vines are Semillon Gris. Whole bunch pressed, oxidatively handled and fermented and aged in old wood, it's focused, stony and pithy, despite going through full malolactic, with lime, lanolin and fresh dough notes and wonderful line and length. 2021-26

Thorne & Daughters Sauvignon Blanc Snakes & Ladders 2019- $39.99

Tim Atkins, 95 Points (White Wine Discovery of the Year): Yields were tiny in 2019 at only 2.2 tons per hectare, but this small parcel of Sauvignon Blanc on Basie van Lill's celebrated farm has produced a stunning first release. Previously sold to a co-operative, it has made something special in John Seccombe's hands. Tangy, reductive and saline, with notes of kelp and rock pools, some subtle wood and plenty of underlying extract. 2021-24