Some wines are made every year; others depend entirely on the whims of nature. Spier Noble Late Harvest is a rare release that came down to timing, patience and a little serendipity in the vineyard.
It’s not often Mother Nature catches us off guard in a good way – but when she does, magic happens. For a wine to earn the title ‘Noble Late Harvest’, something particular needs to take place.
Under a very specific set of conditions – cool, misty mornings followed by warm, dry afternoons – a natural phenomenon known as Botrytis Cinerea takes hold of ripe grapes. This process draws out moisture from the berries, concentrating sugars and flavours, and transforming each cluster into a little powerhouse of richness and elegance.
“It’s not something we can plan for,” explains Cellar Master Johan Jordaan. “It’s up to nature. Some years it simply doesn’t happen – but when it does, it gives us fruit of incredible character and purity.”
Only these golden, botrytised bunches were selectively handpicked, each one showing balance, finesse and intensity. The low yields – less than half of a typical harvest – reflect just how special this wine truly is.
The right mix
The 2024 season brought just the right mix of moisture and morning humidity to our Chenin Blanc vineyards, creating ideal conditions for what would become our Noble Late Harvest 2024. Chenin is perfectly suited to this style: its thick skins and naturally bright acidity help preserve freshness while allowing sweetness to concentrate.
After harvesting, the grapes spent time on their skins to deepen flavour before gentle pressing. The juice was then fermented in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels for 11 months, allowing layers of honeyed fruit and subtle spice to develop.
The result is a wine that glows pale gold in the glass, with a bouquet of apricot, honey, elderflower and lime. On the palate, ripe stone fruit and bright citrus shine through, while a lively thread of acidity keeps every sip poised and refreshing.
Why you’ll want to try Noble Harvest 2024
This is a wine that isn’t made every year. We wait for nature’s cue – and bottle the moment it comes. This limited release captures a rare stroke of luck in the vineyard, where perfect conditions gave rise to something golden, generous and beautifully balanced.
Those with a sweet tooth will be in their element. Noble Late Harvest is a dessert in a glass – lush, honeyed and oh-so-moreish. “This style of wine is about balance. You want sweetness, yes, but also energy and freshness – that’s what makes it sing,” explains Johan.
Serve it chilled as the finale to a meal, or alongside something equally decadent: crème brûlée, crêpes Suzette or a cheese platter featuring Gorgonzola, Gruyère and roasted nuts. For something closer to home, try it with baked milk tart and apricot-orange sorbet – the wine’s lively acidity cuts through creamy, spiced flavours with ease.
Patience has its rewards – over time, you’ll taste deeper notes of dried fig, almond and pecan. But honestly, it’s hard to resist opening it now.
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