The Producer
Zevenwacht Wine Estate sits proudly on the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, its name — meaning “Seven Expectations” in Dutch — befitting a property with over 300 years of Cape winemaking heritage. The Johnson family purchased the farm in 1992 and have since committed to realising its extraordinary potential. Winemaker Hagen Viljoen crafts wines of finely balanced elegance from two prime farming locations: the home vineyards on the maritime Polkadraai Hills property, and Zevenrivieren at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass overlooking the Banhoek Valley. Zevenwacht is a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, conserving 80 hectares of Renosterveld fynbos. The Tin Mine White has earned consistent acclaim — the 2022 vintage achieved Top 10 status in the Prescient Cape White Blends Report with 92 points, while the 2023 vintage earned a Trophy Wine Show Silver with 93 points.
Vintage & Terroir
The “Tin Mine” name honours a forgotten chapter of Stellenbosch history — tin was discovered on the Helderberg slopes where Zevenwacht stands in the early 1900s. The mine was short-lived, but the mineral-rich soils it left behind give these wines their distinctive structure. The 2023 vintage grapes come predominantly from Zevenwacht’s home vineyards on the Polkadraai Hills ward, with decomposed granite soils on south to south-west facing slopes at 200–350 metres altitude. A small parcel of Chenin Blanc is sourced from the Banghoek property. The maritime influence — cooling breezes from Table Bay and False Bay — moderates temperatures and allows for slow, complex flavour development in the white varieties.
In the Cellar
The five grape varieties were harvested at 22–23° Brix, depending on varietal and site. After pressing, 100% of the juice was settled and racked into first, second, third, and fourth-fill 500-litre French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine spent 10 months on its lees in barrel, building richness, mid-palate weight, and a creamy texture without allowing the oak to dominate. This extended post-fermentation lees contact is the key to the Tin Mine White’s distinctive mouthfeel and complexity — a wine that is 100% barrel fermented yet lets the fruit and terroir shine through.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Brilliant pale gold with subtle green highlights.
Nose: Complex and inviting, with aromas of quince, white pear, and citrus zest, layered with subtle oak spice and floral undertones.
Palate: Focused and beautifully balanced, with bright acidity offset by a creamy texture on the mid-palate. Flavours of ripe apricot, peach, and lime unfold with a subtle minerality from the granitic soils.
Finish: Long and savoury, with a refreshing citrus lift and lingering mineral thread.
Food Pairing
A versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with full-flavoured grilled linefish, sumptuous lobster and avocado salad, creamy chicken dishes, or a rich seafood pasta. Equally delightful alongside a mild Cape Malay curry or a platter of semi-hard cheeses. Serve at 10–12°C.
Technical Details
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Region | Stellenbosch (Polkadraai Hills / Banghoek) |
| Grape(s) | 55% Chenin Blanc, 17% Chardonnay, 13% Roussanne, 13% Sémillon, 2% Viognier |
| Alcohol | 13.67% |
| Residual Sugar | 1.7 g/l (Dry) |
| Oak | 10 months, 500L French oak (1st–4th fill) |
| Closure | Screwcap |
| Cellaring | Enjoy now or cellar for 3–5 years |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 bottles |
Our Guarantee
Every case of Zevenwacht Tin Mine White 2023 is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely delighted, get in touch and we’ll make it right — no fuss, no fine print, just great wine and happy customers.
