There is something particularly satisfying about a wine collection that rewards curiosity. Holden Manz’s newly released Reserve Collection does exactly that, bringing together a selection of wines that showcase the character of their vineyards, the individuality of each vintage and a winemaking approach where patience is very much part of the process.
From the elegant Semillon Reserve 2023, made from 25-year-old Franschhoek vines and produced in just 1,041 bottles, to the Chenin Blanc Reserve 2023, sourced from bush vines planted in 1982 and certified by the Old Vine Project, the collection begins with wines that are as much about provenance as they are about flavour. The Chenin is layered and expressive, with kumquat, quince and citrus flowers giving way to fresh ginger and pineapple on a long, powerful finish.
The Chardonnay Reserve 2023 offers a richer expression, with extended lees contact, natural fermentation and French oak creating a beautifully textured wine balancing brioche, almond and ripe citrus with fine acidity.
The reds bring another dimension. The Merlot Reserve 2023 is full-bodied and velvety, while the Cabernet Franc Reserve 2023 combines cassis and dark berries with savoury, mineral complexity. Both have been given significant time in French oak and are intended to develop further with bottle age.
At the pinnacle sit Elysium 2022, a rare co-fermentation of Merlot and Syrah, and the pre-release Big G 2022, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Both are wines of structure, depth and considerable ageing potential.
Together, the collection is a reminder that great wine is rarely about rushing the process. It is about place, precision, patience – and knowing when a wine is ready to be shared.