How Much? R70;
Where? Reyneke Wines, Polkadraai, Stellenboschkloof 27 (0)21 881 3517;
Why? “Humble” is not an adjective you hear a winemaker often apply to themselves or their products, yet the Boere Buddha of Biodynamism, Johan Reyneke, calls this rustic blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc “a humble wine. A wine for the farm workers who are the cornerstone of our business.” Hence the name.

The Boere Buddha and his Disciples

A biodynamic wine which starts from organic farming methods and moves from the sustainable to self-sufficient. A principled wine made according to four touchstones: the aforementioned self-sufficiency; “Eastern philosophical principles of respect for life”; use of herbs such as yarrow and stinging nettles via teas and sprays for pest control and farming according to natural cycles and rhythms. “We borrow heavily from the old wisdom of how people used to farm” says Johan “no enzymes, no addition of tartaric acid.”

“When our cows break out from their corral, I always walk upwind to find them. Cows know they must walk upwind as when plants get chomped they release pheromones to warn their neighbours and produce tannin to become bitter and unpalatable. Cows walk upwind to outwit plants.” If such beautiful insights blow up your skirt, a case of Cornerstone needs space in your cellar.

Rating? ****

*****: Gautama Buddha
****: Mahatma Gandhi
***: Mother Theresa
**: St. Francis of Assisi
*: Uriah Heep