Monthly Archives: October 2012
Platter’s Guide 2013 Puts The Romance Back Into Wine With Its Focus On “Backstories”
It is said that every bottle of wine has a tale to tell, be it of a long-held wine dream turned into reality, an ailing vineyard nursed back to health, a crumbling cellar restored to former glory, or a visitor falling under the spell of the winelands. In its latest (2013) edition, due mid-November, the nation’s original and still favourite wine adviser, Platter’s Guide, tells the stories behind South Africa’s cellars, people and brands, and thereby places the romance of wine – ¬often missing from the picture – back into the foreground.
“Today much attention is focused on the nuts and bolts of wine, but rather less on the mystery, excitement and allure,” says Andrew McDowall, publisher of Platter’s Guide. “With our emphasis this edition on ‘backstories’, Platter’s is looking to showcase the passion, dreams, challenges and successes which not only form the backdrop to the wines featured in the guide, but also make South Africa one of the most fascinating and dynamic areas in the world of wine.
“The ‘backstories’ theme extends to the 2013 edition’s full-colour Photo Gallery, which has been re-imagined and superbly photographed by a young up-and-coming Capetonian, Teddy Sambu, mentored by local photographer and artist Athol Moult via the Imara Lightwarrior initiative. Teddy’s highly creative images cover both well-established producers like Sadie Family, Teddy Hall and Luddite, as well as newer names such as Ladera Artisan Wines, Amistad Wine Company and Osbloed Wines. The portraits are absolutely delightful, and the perfect visual expression of the ‘backstories’ idea.”
Platter’s 33rd edition, launched yesterday (30 October 2012), features well over 900 South African wine producers, merchants and brands, including 54 new ones, and over 7,300 locally produced wines.
The guide’s wine descriptions and star ratings, compiled in association with a team of leading wine experts, make it easy to find the right wine for any occasion, while the good-value indicators highlight those bottlings which are especially budget friendly across all quality levels.
Published in hardcopy and a variety of digital formats, Platter’s 2013 also packs extensive information on where to go and what to do in wine country. Dining, accommodation and cellardoor tasting options are covered in detail, along with many winery amenities, attractions and activities. GPS coordinates, easy-to-use maps and quick look-up tables provide invaluable help for visitors planning their own wineland rambles, while listings of specialised wine tour operators offer a variety of alternatives for those searching for a guided experience.
Fully updated notes on the major winegrowing regions, grape varieties, winemaking styles, winetasting terms, and the major wine competitions and awards, as well as listings of fine-wine stockists, wine shippers and wine educators country-wide complete the wide-ranging Platter’s offering.
The insightful and thought-provoking Foreword is by London-based Lynne Sherriff, qualified winemaker, award-winning wine consultant and Master of Wine.
A highlight of any new edition is the 5 star line-up – the exceptional bottlings which emerge from a second round of tasting with the judges’ highest rating on the Platter’s scale of 0 – 5 stars (“Somewhat less than ordinary” to “Superlative. A South African classic”). This edition a record 62 wines made the five star cut, with, remarkably, one producer (Cape Chamonix) garnering four 5 star ratings, three cellars (Fairview, Mullineux Family and Nederburg) each amassing three 5 stars, and a further six wineries (Boschendal, Fleur du Cap, Jordan, Raka, Sadie Family and Tokara) each raking in two 5 stars.
Twelve wineries received 5 star ratings for the first time, namely AA Badenhorst Family, Alheit, Bon Courage, Cederberg, Dalla Cia, David, Fryer’s Cove, Keets, Mvemve Raats, Nitida, Saronsberg and Von Ortloff. (The full list of five star wines appears below.)
Of the 5 star awarded wines, the red and white which receive the most votes from the judging panel are named Platter’s Wines of the Year. This time the Red Wine Of The Year is Mullineux Family Syrah 2010 (Wine of Origin Swartland), described in the guide as “an icon in the making”, whilst the White Wine Of The Year is Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011 (Wine of Origin Elgin), a botrytised riesling dessert wine noted as “a thing of beauty”.
In an ongoing focus on value for money, Platter’s identifies a number of entry-level wines which are exceptionally drinkable and well priced. The best of these, like the 5 star candidates, go into a second round of “blind” tasting (without sight of the label) to select the Superquaffer of the Year. For the first time since 2007, the ultra-easy sipper of the year is a red wine – Melck’s Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 by Muratie Estate (Wine of Origin Western Cape), noted in the guide as “a model of lively drinkability”, showing “a curvaceous smoothness”.
The names of the 11 other top quaffers appear in the new guide under the heading “Wines of the Year” along with the 62 five stars, 98 Highly Recommended wines (which missed five stars but are nonetheless extremely fine and collectable in their own right), and 134 reds and whites showing particular potential for cellaring (these ageworthy wines appear under the banner ‘Buy Now, Drink Later’).
Platter’s prestigious Winery of the Year award is the editor’s personal selection after considering a variety of criteria, the aim being to showcase a producer who epitomises the best of South African winegrowing today. “The award is influenced by the results of the 5 star tasting,” says editor Philip van Zyl, “and Cape Chamonix’s ever-improving performance, culminating in an exceptional four maximum ratings (out of five nominations) this edition, made them the obvious choice for 2013 Winery of the Year. On behalf of the guide, I’d like to congratulate cellarmaster Gottfried Mocke, owner Chris Hellinger and the team on an outstanding achievement.”
Platter’s 2013 print version is available from the second half of November at selected bookstores and retailers country-wide. The recommended retail price is R169.95. The book can also be ordered online from Platter’s website (www.wineonaplatter.com), Kalahari.com (www.kalahari.com) and SA Wines Online (www.sawinesonline.co.uk). The web-based version of the guide is available from today (30 October) at www.wineonaplatter.com, with Apps for Apple and Android devices, in conjunction with Wine-Oh!, available for download from www.wine-oh.info in the next few weeks.
Selection of numbered photographs with captions below:
1 Platter’s 2013 SA Wine Guide pack shot
2 Andrew McDowall, Platter’s publisher, with Gottfried Mocke and Emul Ross of Cape Chamonix, winner of Platter’s Winery of the Year Award, and Philip van Zyl, Platter’s editor
3 Francois Conradie (Superquaffer of the Year Award for the Melck’s Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from Muratie Estate)
Gottfried Mocke and Emul Ross (Winery of the Year Award for Cape Chamonix), Andries Burger (White Wine of the Year Award for Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011, and Andrea and Chris Mullineux (Red Wine of the Year Award for the Mullineux Family Syrah 2010)
4 Andries Burger of Paul Cluver, winner of the White Wine of the Year Award for the Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011, with Philip van Zyl, Platter’s editor
5 Andrea and Chris Mullineux of Mullineux Family Wines, winner of the Red Wine of the Year Award for the Mullineux Family Syrah 2010
6 Philip van Zyl, Platter’s editor, with Francois Conradie of Muratie Estate, winner of Platter’s Superquaffer of the Year Award for the Melck’s Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
7 Platter’s 2013 White Wine of the Year – Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011
8 Platter’s 2013 Red Wine of the Year – Mullineux Family Syrah 2010
9 Platter’s 2013 Superquaffer of the Year – Muratie Estate’s Melck’s Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
10 Michael Fridjhon (MC at the Platter’s launch), Philip van Zyl (Platter’s editor) and Andrew McDowall (Platter’s publisher)
11 Platter’s 2013 SA Wine Guide (styled picture)
12 Andrew McDowall, Platter’s publisher
13 Philip van Zyl, Platter’s editor
14 Group 1: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for Méthode Cap Classique, Dessert Wines Unfortified and Port
Front (left to right):
Jacques Bruwer (Bon Courage), Anthony de Jager (Fairview), Chris and Andrea Mullineux (Mullineux Family Wines)
Back (left to right):
Christiaan Visser (Villiera), Christoff de Wet (Fleur du Cap), Andries Burger (Paul Cluver), Wim Truter (Nederburg), Boets Nel (De Krans)
15 Group 2: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Front (left to right):
Lizelle Gerber (Boschendal), Emul Ross (Cape Chamonix), Miles Mossop (Tokara)
Back (left to right):
Gary Jordan (Jordan Wines), Hannes Storm (Hamilton Russell), Gottfried Mocke (Cape Chamonix), Erika Obermeyer (Graham Beck), Wynand Hamman (Fryer’s Cove)
16 Group 3: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for Chenin Blanc
Front (left to right):
Sebastian Beaumont (Beaumont Wines), Suzaan Alheit (Alheit Cartology), Eben Sadie (Sadie Family Wines), Anthony de Jager (Spice Route)
Back (left to right):
Johann Fourie (KWV), Marelise Jansen van Rensburg (Beaumont Wines), Chris Alheit (Alheit Cartology), Ginny Povall (Botanica), Carl van der Merwe (DeMorgenzon)
17 Group 4: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for White Blends
Front (left to right):
RJ Botha (Nitida), Wim Truter (Nederburg), Gottfried Mocke (Cape Chamonix), Emul Ross (Cape Chamonix)
Middle (Left to right):
Adi Badenhorst (AA Badenhorst Family Wines), Nadia Sadie (David Aristargos), Stephanie Betts (Fairview), Mia Pengilly (Flagstone)
Back (left to right):
Duncan Savage (Cape Point Vineyards), David Sadie (David Aristargos), Donovan Rall (Rall Wines), Miles Mossop (Tokara &
18 Group 5: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage and Pinot Noir
Front (left to right):
Nic van Aarde (Warwick), Gottfried Mocke (Cape Chamonix), Emul Ross (Cape Chamonix), Gordon Newton Johnson (Newton Johnson Family Vineyards)
Back (left to right):
Josef Dreyer (Raka), Evi and Georg Schlichtmann (Von Ortloff), Morné Vrey (Delaire Graff), Abrie Beeslaar (Kanonkop), Nadia Newton Johnson (Newton Johnson Family Vineyards)
19 Group 6: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for Shiraz/Syrah
Front (left to right):
Alex Nel (Cederberg Wines), Josef Dreyer (Raka), Chris and Andrea Mullineux (Mullineux Family Wines), Thinus Krüger (Boschendal)
Back (left to right):
Tamarin Turck (Cederberg Wines), Nora Sperling Thiel (Delheim), Adele Dunbar (Fairview), Debbie Thompson (Simonsig), Rebecca Tanner (Fable), Dewaldt Heyns (Saronsberg)
20 Group 7: Platter’s 5 Star Winners for Red Blends
Front (left to right):
Anthony van Schalkwyk (Ken Forrester Wines), Christoff de Wet (Fleur du Cap) Eben Sadie (Sadie Family Wines)
Back (left to right):
Nico van der Merwe (Nico van der Merwe Wines), George Dalla Cia (Dalla Cia Wines), Chris Keet (Keets Wines), Edmund Terblanche (La Motte), Bruwer Raats (Mvemve Raats Wines)
The five star wines for 2013 are:
Cabernet Franc
• Raka 2009
• Von Ortloff Quintessence 2008
• Warwick 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon
• Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve 2009 Pinotage
• Cape Chamonix Greywacke 2010
• Kanonkop 2010
Pinot Noir
• Cape Chamonix Reserve 2011
• Newton Johnson Family Vineyards 2011
Shiraz/Syrah
• Boschendal Cecil John Reserve 2010
• Cederberg CWG Auction Reserve Teen die Hoog 2010
• Delheim Vera Cruz 2009
• Fable Bobbejaan 2010
• Fairview Jakkalsfontein 2009
• Mullineux Family Schist 2010
• Mullineux Family Syrah 2010 (Red Wine of the Year)
• Raka Biography 2010
• Saronsberg 2010
• Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2010
Red Blends
• Dalla Cia Wine & Spirit Company Giorgio 2007
• Fleur de Cap Lazlo 2008
• Keets First Verse 2010
• Ken Forrester The Gypsy 2009
• La Motte Pierneef Shiraz-Viognier 2010
• Mvemve Raats MR De Compostella 2009
• Nico van der Merwe Mas Nicolas Cape 2007
• Sadie Family Columella 2010
Chardonnay
• Boschendal Reserve 2011
• Cape Chamonix Reserve 2011
• Hamilton Russell 2011
• Jordan CWG Auction Reserve 2011
• Jordan Nine Yards 2011
Chenin Blanc
• Alheit Cartology 2011
• Beaumont Hope Marguerite 2011
• Botanica 2011
• DeMorgenzon Reserve 2010
• Jean Daneel Signature 2011
• KWV Cathedral Cellar 2011
• Sadie Family Skurfberg 2011
• Spice Route 2011
Sauvignon Blanc
• Fryer’s Cove 2011
• Graham Beck Pheasant’s Run 2012
• Tokara Walker Bay 2012
White Blends
• AA Badenhorst Family 2010
• Cape Chamonix Reserve 2011
• Cape Point CWG Auction Reserve 2011
• David Aristargos 2011
• Fairview Nurok 2011
• Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve 2010
• Miles Mossop Saskia 2011
• Nederburg Ingenuity 2011
• Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon Private Bin D252 2012
• Nitida Coronata Integration 2011
• Rall 2011
• Tokara Director’s Reserve 2011
Méthode Cap Classique
• Bon Courage Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve 2008
• Villiera Monro Brut 2007
Dessert Wine Unfortified
• Fairview La Beryl Blanc 2011
• Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2011
• Mullineux Family Straw Wine 2011
• Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest 2011
• Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011 (White Wine of the Year)
Port
• De Krans The Last Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010
Nederburg Maintains Platter Five-Star Momentum
To date every vintage of Nederburg’s flagship blend Ingenuity White has earned a five-star rating in the Platter’s South African Wine Guide. The 2011 vintage featured in the 2013 edition, is the fifth in succession to do so. It joins two other five-star Nederburg wines in the latest guide.
They are the 2011 Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest, the fourth consecutive vintage of the internationally acclaimed dessert wine to garner five stars, and the 2012 Private Bin D252, a partially barrel-fermented blend of Sauvignon blanc and Semillon, sourced from vineyards in Darling and Durbanville.
Private Bin wines are sold exclusively on the Nederburg Auction.
Like all its predecessors since the 2007 maiden vintage, the 2011 Ingenuity White is dominated by Sauvignon blanc. The other varietals to feature in the current eight-way blend are Semillon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Viognier, Gewürztraminer and Verdelho. Also partially wood-fermented, its appeal, says cellar master Razvan Macici, is that “it combines a creamy texture with a steely spine and a bounty of fruit and even floral characters. It’s such an interesting wine as it changes with every sip, revealing new layers. It’s also very food-friendly and a versatile partner to a range of dishes.”
He says that as far as he is aware, the blend includes more varietals than any other white made locally. “We try to be as innovative as possible with Ingenuity wines.”
Earlier this spring, Nederburg won an International Wine & Spirit Competition trophy for another of its Private Bin wines, the 2010 D234 Sauvignon Blanc, judged the best Sauvignon Blanc produced in the Southern Hemisphere. The cache of gold outstanding and gold medals at this event included a gold for the 2011 Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest.
Nederburg was also one of the top Veritas performers at the SA National Wine Show, won a trio of trophies at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London and three double golds at the 2012 Five Nations Wine Challenge.
Villiera MONRO BRUT 2007 Scores A Hat Trick – JOHN PLATTER 5 STAR Making It 3 In The Past Week
Villiera’s flagship Cap Classique, Monro Brut 2007, received a John Platter 5 Star rating in the 2013 John Platter Wine Guide launched at a ceremony on 30 October 2012. We are very proud of the fact that this is the fourth 5-Star to be awarded to Villiera Cap Classique. This year around 7000 wines were tasted by a panel of wine experts. To qualify for 5 stars, a short list of truly exceptional wines begins to emerge; these are entered into a second round of tasting. Following a third blind tasting, the highest scoring wines are given a 5-star rating (less that 1% of the total wines entered).
Just 5 days ago the Monro Brut was judged the top sparkling wine in the 2012 Five Nations Challenge Competition in Australia, bringing home the Trophy for the best bottle fermented sparkling wine AND the trophy for Best Wine On Show.
Monro is a family name given to Villiera’s flagship red blend and flagship Cap Classique. The Villiera Monro Brut 2007 is a full rich blend of the classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier. It shows great complexity and a classic yeasty character due to prolonged maturation on the lees (for over 4 years).
For more information on Villiera Wines see: www.villiera.com
For more information on the John Platter 5 Stars see: http://www.wineonaplatter.com
5 Stars For De Krans The Last (Cape Vintage Reserve) Port 2010
The De Krans The Last Cape Vintage Reserve Port 2010 was awarded a 5-star rating in the latest edition of the authoritative and internationally recognized 2013 Platter’s South African Wine Guide, due for release in November. This is the eight consecutive year that De Krans has been awarded a 5-star rating for its port wines.
This was the only 5-star rating awarded this year to a port/fortified wine. Sixty-two wines were awarded the prestigious rating out of more than 7 300 wines rated in this year’s guide.
What makes this award so much more significant is that the 2010 will be the last Cape Vintage Reserve with the word ‘Port’ on the label as this was bottled and labelled towards the end of last year just prior to the deadline of 31 December 2012 agreed by our government and the EU on using the word ‘Port’.
2010 proved to be an excellent year, potentially one of the great years of the De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve Port. Brothers and winemaking team, Boets and Stroebel Nel, were able to bottle a handful of magnums of this vintage which they believe will become sought after collector’s items.
This flagship port is best described as having a vibrant plum colour, with dense aromas of prune, spice and toba
cco, and has the potential to mature for a further 20 to 30 years. A fleshy, chewy mouthful of flavours, showing tannic grip, concentrated red fruit nuances, and a firm structure ensuring considerable longevity. Retailing for approximately R250 per bottle, savour this premium port on its own, or serve with stronger cheeses.
This 5-star rating follows in the footsteps of the De Krans Espresso awarded the RX South Africa Trophy for the Most Innovative Wine in 2012, at the 2012 Michelangelo International Wine Awards, as well as De Krans winning the South African Champion Port at this year’s SA Young Wine Show, reaffirming De Krans’ position as one of South Africa’s premier port producers.
‘We are thrilled by this latest recognition for our Last Port, which further establishes us as one of the front runners within the port industry in South Africa,” says Boets Nel.
For more information on these or any other ports and wines in the De Krans range, feel free to visit their website at www.dekrans.co.za, or contact Helet Viljoen or Bessie Barnardo at the farm on 044 213 3314 or dekrans@mweb.co.za.
Influential Food And Wine Lovers Group Awards Durbanville Hills Wines
Durbanville Hills Winery has added another accolade to its string of recent international awards with a special plaque from the influential food and wine lovers group Chaîne des Rôtisseurs awarded to The Eatery at Durbanville Hills.
A blazon or brass plaque is awarded to a chef or dining establishment that maintains a superb level of cuisine, service and hospitality, as required by the standards of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs internationally, and on recommendation of its local committee.
DH cellar master, Martin Moore, outgoing Bailli of Chaîne’s Bailliage du Cap, Allison Rutowitz, and DH MD, Albert Gerber (LR)
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international society devoted to choice dining and the camaraderie of the table, and promotes the art of fine cuisine amongst both amateur and professional gastronomes. It selects the best venues for its events and rewards these with a plaque of recognition.
Allison Rutowitz, outgoing Bailli of the Chaîne’s Bailliage du Cap, presented the plaque to Durbanville Hills MD Albert Gerber at a special function.
The Eatery may display its brass plaque at the establishment and on menus to indicate excellence in food and service, as long as it remains a member in good standing.
In addition to a number of prestigious awards received in the last few months Durbanville Hills Chardonnay 2010 recently scored a five star rating at the UK’s first wine and food matching competition, judged by some of the world’s best sommeliers, where wines were blind-tasted to determine which paired best with foods.
Trophy Victory For KWV The Mentors At Five Nations Challenge
KWV wines re-enforced their world-class ranking this weekend when they out-shone some of the best from the world’s southern hemisphere new world wine producers. The Paarl-based producer’s wines brought home a trophy and double gold medal in this year’s Five Nations Wine Challenge, announced on Friday.
The event is the only wine show in the world where the wines are evaluated exclusively by invitation from the judges, pitting the best against the best. The judges scored 540 wines South Africa, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia. Wines from South Africa were selected by renowned wine judge Michael Fridjohn.
The Mentors wine range from KWV once again ascended the winner’s podium on the international stage. The Mentors Grenache blanc 2011 was the champion wine to beat out its competitors in the stakes for silverware, bringing home one of the four trophies awarded to South African wines. It was named class champion in the category for white varietals. Sharing the accolades was another KWV participant, The Mentors Chardonnay 2011, which won Double Gold.
According to KWV chief winemaker Richard Rowe, the recognition highlights the Mentors wine style as sitting with the best the southern hemisphere has to offer. “They are awarded points in their classes as being fresh, elegant and stylish with concentration.
“The Grenache blanc continues to perform well, and is an inspiration to the varietal evolution in the Western Cape,” he says. “Grenache blanc has so much potential and is a variety we are actively encouraging our growers to plant, particularly in the Paarl region. It is a variety that is fresh, holds its acid particularly well, and tends to produce a style that has less body than Chardonnay, making it a wine that can be enjoyed in a multitude of situations.”
The KWV The Mentors Grenache blanc 2011 was made from small parcels of selected grapes. During the production process, only some portions of the wine were matured in wood as a way of preserving clean fruit flavours and minerality while adding richness and complexity.
The result was a wine of international appeal that delivers aromas of orange peel, mandarin and Granny Smith apples along with rich palate flavours of white peach, mineral, lime and spice.
The results of the Five Nations Wine Challenge were made at a gala function hosted at the Four Seasons luxury hotel in Sydney, Australia. It was attended by dignitaries from the various participating nations, including the Consul General of Argentina.
Groote Post Adds Sparkle To Their Crop With Diamond Award For Groote Post Merlot 2011
Groote Post’s is only Merlot to win Winemakers Choice Diamond Award at 2012 Show
Nick Pentz, co-owner of Groote Post, is particularly excited with this award. Speaking after the Awards ceremony he said, “I’m extremely proud of our dedicated winemaking team, guided by our winemaker, Lukas Wentzel, for this achievement. I want to emphasise that it was a panel of winemakers that gave our Merlot the thumbs up. I feel that this is a significant honour as Merlot has always been considered a challenging wine to make in the Cape. It is most satisfying that our peer group, who fully appreciate the complexities of making Merlot, awarded the Groote Post Merlot 2011 the only Diamond Award for this tricky cultivar.”
The Groote Post Merlot 2011
The Groote Post Merlot 2011 has hints of smoked beef and mint on the nose and an explosion of blackberries, plum and chocolate on the palate.
The merlot vineyards from which the grapes were harvested are between 12 and 16 years old. Recently supplementary irrigation became available, which helps de-stress the vines in the heat and dryness of late summer. One of the main challenges in making quality merlot is to eliminate the green flavours, which arise from uneven ripening. To minimise this, canopy management; careful bunch selection; and berry sorting, are critical in guiding the wine, ultimately, into bottle. All three elements have been honed over the lifetime of the vines. The grapes for the 2011 vintage were harvested fairly ripe at 24° – 26°B with an average yield of 8 tons per hectare.
Before going into barrel, a final wine selection ensured that the highest quality merlot ended up in the bottle. Wood maturation took place in French oak barrels – 30% new, 50% second-fill, and 20% older barrels.
The Groote Post Merlot 2011 is widely available nationally at leading retailers and restaurants and retails for approximately R97.
1 Groote Post Merlot 2011
2 Groote Post Pinot Noir Reserve 2009
3 Groote Post Shiraz 2011
4 Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Groote Post has had a very satisfying crop of wine awards this year:
• The Groote Post Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 was the only Pinot Noir that won Gold at the 2012 Veritas Awards (no Double Golds were awarded).
• The Groote Post Shiraz 2011 won a Gold Medal at the 2012 Michelangelo International Wine Awards.
• Groote Post also received significant recognition for their 2012 Sauvignon Blanc:
o A Top 10 placement at the 2012 FNB Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc Awards (their 4th Top 10 placement in 6 years, and a
o Gold Medal at the 2012 Michelangelo International Wine Awards.
A visit to Groote Post
Groote Post, the beautiful, historic Cape West Coast farm, with a rustic, rural atmosphere, undulating hills, vast open spaces and warm country hospitality, is only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. In addition to a wide range of award-winning wines, summer picnics and cheese platters, a superb culinary offering at Hilda’s Kitchen and Farm Drives through the 2 000-hectare Game Camp, Groote Post also offers a jungle gym and rolling lawns where children can play, spectacular views of the Atlantic coast and Table Mountain, nature walks and bird-watching. Being part of the famous West Coast spring flower route and a member of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, Groote Post also holds much appeal for environmentalists.
Opening Hours and Bookings
| Winetasting and wine sales | Open Monday – Friday: 08h00 -17h00
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10h00 – 15h00 |
| Cheese platters | Available at the tasting centre |
| Hilda’s Kitchen | Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday. Bookings essential.
Phone 022 492 2825 or call Shaun McLaughlin on 083 325 4148. |
| Picnics | Bookings essential |
| Farm/Game Drives | Monday to Sunday starting at 10h00. Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance. Cost: R100 per adult and R50 for children under 12. Minimum number 6 and maximum number 10. |
| Groote Post closed | Easter Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. |
| Contact | Tel: 022 492 2825 · Email: wine@grootepost.co.za www.grootepost.co.za |
| How to get there | Darling Hills Road. From Cape Town follow the R27, the West Coast Road, towards Langebaan. Turn right onto the Darling Hills Road, opposite Grotto Bay turnoff. After 10 km turn right to the Groote Post Cellar. Alternatively, take the R307 out of Darling towards Cape Town and turn off at the Darling Hills Road. After 7km turn left to the Groote Post Cellar. |
| GPS Coordinates | 18° 24’ 38” E: 33° 28’ 58” S |
Fleur Du Cap Wins Trophy And Double Gold At Five Nations Wine Challenge
Fleur du Cap has triumphed at the 2012 Five Nations Wine Challenge in Sydney, Australia bringing home a Trophy for the much lauded 2010 Noble Late Harvest and Double Gold for the flagship red, Laszlo 2006.
Undeniably one of South Africa’s top dessert wines, the Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2010 won the Trophy for the best non-fortified dessert wine. The same wine also clinched Double Gold at the Five Nations Wine Challenge in 2011.
The Wine Challenge between Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa reviewed 550 wines this year, selected by a panel of five judges, one from each country, under the chairmanship of respected South African wine commentator, Michael Fridjhon.
Showing extraordinary consistency, Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest is the only wine to have achieved 5-star ratings for five consecutive vintages in Platter’s South African Wine Guide. The 2010 vintage, a blend of Chenin Blanc (84%), Semillon (11%) and a dash of Muscat (5%) is an exceptional noble, displaying intense Botrytis notes together with beautiful dried peach and apricot flavours.
Made only in exceptional vintages, Fleur du Cap Laszlo 2006 is a fitting tribute to Dr Julius Laszlo, one of South Africa’s true wine pioneers and innovative Cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder in the 1980′s. This big, bold and gutsy blend comprising 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 18% Shiraz, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec is the culmination of extensive barrel selection and blending trials.
“2012 has been an exceptional year for Fleur du Cap’s white and red wines illustrating our team’s commitment to create excellent wines. Bringing home awards when competing against the top wines in the world is simply the best reward for our team work,” says Andrea Freeborough, Cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder, who is supported by winemakers Pieter Badenhorst and Justin Corrans.
Access to the best vineyards and meticulous grape selection by viticulturist Bennie Liebenberg has also contributed to Fleur du Cap’s success.
Noble Desiderius Pongrácz Wins Double Gold In Five Nations Challenge
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003, the prestige cuvée of South Africa’s leading Méthode Cap Classique range, has seized the moment with Double Gold in the 2012 Five Nations Wine Challenge in Sydney, Australia.
This accolade follows the noble flagship’s Double Gold triumph at the 2012 Veritas Awards as well as winning the trophy as the best bottle fermented sparkling wine at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Challenge (IWSC) in London.
“It’s been a fantastic year for Desiderius and the 2003 vintage was clearly something quite extraordinary. We make Desiderius only in exceptional years and we look forward to our new 2008 vintage that will be released shortly,” says elated winemaker Elunda Basson.
The 2012 Five Nations Wine Challenge included 550 wines judged across 16 classes from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. Esteemed South African wine writer Michael Fridjhon, the 2012 Louis Roederer International Wine Columnist of the Year, chaired the panel of five judges, one from each country.
Inspired by Hungarian nobleman Desiderius Pongrácz, the graceful signature Méthode Cap Classique is an elegant blend of the classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Set apart by its distinctive fluted bottle, Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 has a rich complexity and classic yeasty character imparted over time during prolonged maturation on the lees for over 7 years. As the wine matures it tends to develop wonderful creamy, nutty characteristics on the nose and a full bodied texture which lasts for ages on the palate.
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 is available at selected boutique wine stores at around R235.
Fleur Du Cap Lazlo 2006 – A Gift Of Ultra Sophistication This Festive Season
Celebrate the finer things in life with the elegant Laszlo 2006 gift box, available exclusively at Makro. Crafted by the Fleur du Cap winemaking team at Die Bergkelder as a tribute to a South African wine icon – this is the perfect gift over the festive season.
The opulent Laszlo 2006 is a rich, powerful blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 18% Shiraz, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. This signature red commemorates the life’s work of Dr Julius Laszlo, the innovative, visionary and Cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder who almost single-handedly catapulted South African winemaking into the international league in the 1980’s.
Laszlo 2006 has an incredible deep plum colour with a bouquet of rich, complex layers of black cherries, cassis and fruit cake and subtle nuances of pencil shavings and mint chocolate. These alluring flavours follow through onto the palate and are complemented with well integrated tobacco flavours balanced with cedar spice. Firm tannins enable this wine to develop further over time.
Available exclusively at Makro stores nationwide, the Lazlo 2006 gift pack sells for R229,95.
For more information visit www.fleurducap.co.za, fleurducap.tumblr.com or join the Fleur du Cap Facebook community.
The Gods Must Be Crazy To Be Screened At Le Bonheur
Let go and laugh your way into the weekend with a film inspired by the diverse cultural landscape of South Africa and the humour the locals are known for. The Le Bonheur wine estate is adding a local spin to its Film Fridays line-up with one of the country’s most popular films.
Sip on a glass of your favourite Le Bonheur wine and enjoy the intriguing storyline of the 1980s comedy film, The Gods Must Be Crazy. From a plot to save the world from, an unusual love affair between a bumbling scientist and a school teacher to a band of guerrillas on the run, the film to be shown on Friday, November 30, promises to be a hit as it has been for the past few decades. It was written and directed by Jamie Uys and features well-known South African actors such as Sandra Prinsloo and Marius Weyers.
Le Bonheur’s Film Fridays starts at 18:30 and includes the film, dinner and Le Bonheur wine at a cost of R125 per person, or R45 for the film and wine only. The dinner on November 30 will include a variety of typical South African dishes such as wasgoedbondeltjies (minced meat snacks), lewer in netvet (liver wrapped in caul), souskluitjies (stewed dumplings) as well as sweet potato dumplings drizzled with ginger syrup.
Booking is essential. For more information and online bookings go to http://www.cinemuse.co.za/2010/01/venue-le-bonheur.html or contact Ilana Strydom on 021 883 8988 or imlacock@distell.co.za.
Rock With Valiant Swart At Neethlingshof’s First Malbec Festival
Swap your lazy Sunday night for an evening of blood-pumping and hip-swinging tunes with local music icon Valiant Swart at Neethlingshof’s very first Malbec Festival on November 11.
Known for his Afrikaans rock ‘n roll hits and cowboy-like charm, Valiant is sure to captivate the audience every moment he’s on stage. Having compiled more than 100 original songs and 14 albums over the past 20 years, Valiant is well known as a top-class entertainer.
Make the most of the festival’s “unpretentious food, wine and artist” theme and start the night with a complimentary tasting of Malbec straight from the barrel. A festival pass also gets you a free glass of Neethlingshof Malbec 2011 and delicious bunny chow with a choice of curried mince, creamy chicken and mushrooms or stewed vegetables. Make sure you get there early for the best spot with a view of the stage.
Blankets and chairs will be available for hire, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Neethlingshof wines, soft drinks and hot beverages will be on sale. For more information contact Ilana Strydom on 021 883 8988 or send an e-mail to imlacock@distell.co.za.
Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012.
Time: Gates open at 16:30 while the performance starts at 18:00.
Venue: Neethlingshof estate situated on the M12 between Kuilsriver and Stellenbosch.
Cost: Standard tickets cost R110 and include a festival pass, filled vetkoek, glass of Neethlingshof Malbec 2011 as well as the barrel tasting.
VIP tickets cost R150 and include a festival pass, filled vetkoek, glass of Neethlingshof Malbec 2011, the barrel tasting, terrace seating plus additional snacks.
Tickets for children under the age of 12 cost R40 and include a festival pass, filled vetkoek, and juice.
