The ‘New Baby’ white blend was first created in 2015 as a way to bring together the distinct personalities of Beaumont’s oldest white varietals on the farm. The 2022 vintage marks a blend change, drawing exclusively from three old-vine parcels: Chenin Blanc planted in 1974, Sauvignon Blanc planted in 1983, and Colombard planted in 1988 — with Semillon and Chardonnay absent for this vintage. Fruit comes entirely from Compagnes Drift Farm in Bot River, where vineyards are planted on ancient shale soils and benefit from maritime breezes off Walker Bay that promote slow, even ripening.

A taut, intensely expressive white blend, the 2022 New Baby shows a touch of flinty reduction on the nose alongside grapefruit and tangerine flavours. The palate is concentrated and zesty, with lemon and lime, some thatch and quince, and a mouthwatering, palate-cleansing finish. Aged 11 months in seasoned oak with 20% new wood, the fruit holds firmly centre stage with fine acidity driving the long, focused close.

Each variety is fermented separately and matured on the lees, with a portion of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation depending on the vintage. The barrel-matured blend is a small production of just over 3,000 bottles, ensuring each release uniquely expresses the character of Beaumont’s old-vine parcels.