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Thistle & Weed

2024

‘Khakibos’

White Wine   |   Western Cape - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Much like the Verdelho grape, the Khakibos (Tagetes Minuta for those botanist/Latin speakers) is a newcomer to the foothills of Stellenbosch. Neither is native, though both were planted in the past quarter-century and are remarkably comfortable in the unique Cape climate. This weed is also used to repel bugs and mosquitoes! This is the sixth vintage of this exquisite wine, which has now further morphed into the vision Stephanie and Etienne had: an Iberian white blend made from drought-resistant Portuguese grapes. The 2024 season was a warm, early vintage for whites, but these special varieties stood up to the challenge and produced a beautiful wine.

The majority of this wine comes from the oldest Verdelho vineyard in South Africa, and there is a degree of density and complexity rarely seen with this variety. The vineyard is planted on the base slopes of the Helderberg mountain in sandy granitic soils. All of the grapes were handpicked and whole bunch pressed directly into used 228L French barriques, with only the free run juice used. Fermentation kicked off naturally, and the wine is matured on the gross and fine lees for nine months. It is unfined.

Stats

  • Grapes: 40% Verdelho - 20% Alvarinho - 20% Palomino - 20% Fernao Pires
  • Vineyard: Stellenbosch (Verdelho) - Wellington (Alvarinho) - Piekenierskloof (Palomino) - Worcester (Fernao Pires)
  • Vine Age: Average 27-years-old
  • Soil Type: Sandstone & granite
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native – whole bunch pressed into older French oak barrels
  • Aging: 9 months in neutral 228L French barriques
  • Alcohol: 13.5%
  • pH: 3.25
  • Total Acidity: 6 g/L
  • Total SO2: 42 ppm
  • Total Production: 117 cases
  • UPC: 781718456500
  • SRP: $24.99

Tasting Note

This expressive Portuguese-inspired white blend opens with notes of orange blossom, tangerine, and brioche nuances. It possesses a richly layered, citrus-driven palate that finishes with vibrant acidity and elegance.

Press & Reviews

Tim Atkin

94

"Jasmine and chamomile aromas steer you into a palate of pear, green apple and lime embellished by savoury oak and a racy, refreshing finish. 2025-29"

- Tim Atkin MW

The WineMag

92

"Pear, white peach, floral perfume and a touch of earthiness on the nose. The palate is lean with a sense of energy, the finish pithy. Not especially intense but, again, more about nuance."

- Christian Eedes

Vinous

90

"The 2024 Khakibos White is a multi-varietal blend, whole bunch pressed and matured in used [...] barrels. It has a fragrant, perfumed bouquet with white peach and nectarine scents, hints of honeysuckle emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip, a keen line of acidity, hints of grapefruit and white peaches, with a tender finish. This will be difficult to resist in its youth."

- Neal Martin
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Producer


Thistle & Weed

Region


Western Cape

Country


South Africa

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