Cellars-Hohenort
BUSINESS DAY, Wanted
01 Sep 2008
12
1 of 4 French TOAST
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Chateau de Saran 1,1 •e£T" I, The chance to taste a new Meet & Chandon vtage champagne •*-"' — ahead of the pack, in the historic cellars of Epernay — is,' something Naomi LaH
Subject: BUSINESS DAY, Wanted~01 Sep 2008~p14
Cellars-Hohenort
BUSINESS DAY, Wanted
01 Sep 2008
14
2 of 4 i
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one of the fest and most evocative wines is centred. In Champagne, Moet & Chandon is a dominant force, both in the size of its Maison (1 louse) and in the brand's global position. Located on more than 1 000 hectares of terroir, it has the largest ...
A.V.E. 263mm X 303mm = R 42,905.17
Subject: BUSINESS DAY, Wanted~01 Sep 2008~p16
Cellars-Hohenort
BUSINESS DAY, Wanted
01 Sep 2008
16
3 of 4 resulting blend is 43% Pinot Meunier, 29% Pinot Noir and 28% Chardonnay.
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Below the Maison Moet & Chandon, the temperature drops as we descend to the cellars. The passages are more like tunnels, long with archways and a curved roof. Years of sediment and slime, nurtured by the damp, have settled on the walls. Locked, ar...
A.V.E. 262mm X 144mm = R 20,295.17
Subject: BUSINESS DAY, Wanted~01 Sep 2008~p17
Cellars-Hohenort
BUSINESS DAY, Wanted
01 Sep 2008
17
4 of 4 for invited guests. Celebrities, presidents, prime ministers, supermodels, even the late Qu
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The glamourous Grand Vintage 2003 dinner setting the 2 500 pickers returned in September, the normal harvesting period, only to find it was all over. It was a nerve-racking time. "To extract the best from a harvest ... never make early decisions,"...
A.V.E. 265mm X 150mm = R 21,425.67
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Trophy Wine Show 2008 - The Judges
ON THE JURY
International and local tasters who judged the various classes at the 2008 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.
SHOW CHAIRMAN:
Michael Fridjhon (South Africa)Chairman of the judges at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.
Author, co-author and contributor to a number of wine books including ICONS (SA), The Global Wine Encyclopaedia, The Oxford Companion to Wine and Platter's (SA). Recipient of the Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite Agricole (France). Panel chairman for the WINE magazine Shiraz and Chenin Blanc Challenges (SA) and judge at numerous other competitions including the International Wine and Spirit Competition (UK), the Australian National Wine Show, the Tri-Nations Challenge as well as benchmark tastings in France, the United States, Chile and South Africa. He was the first international co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge (2007). Visiting Professor at the UCT Graduate School of Business.
INTERNATIONAL JUDGES:
Sam Harrop MW (UK)
Trained as a winemaker in his native New Zealand. Early career included stints at Villa Maria's wineries in Auckland, Blenheim and Hawkes Bay, followed by a spell at Littorai Wines in California, where he developed a special interest in natural and biodynamic winemaking. In 1997 he moved to the United Kingdom where he was employed as wine buyer for influential retailer Marks & Spencer, working closely with producers throughout the world's key wine regions. In 2004 he started his own consultancy and now works with a number of wineries in Portugal, the Loire Valley, Southern France and Spain. Active member of the Institute of Masters of Wine mentoring program. One of five chairmen of the International Wine Challenge, responsible for the logging and analysis of faults (including closure related problems) at the competition. Judging portfolio extends to the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, the Vin de Pays and Spanish Top 100 competitions.
Joël Payne
(German based)Editor of Meininger's Wine Business International and chief editor and publisher of the Gault Millau German Wine Guide over the past 15 years. Contributor to the Capital, Alles-Über-Wein, Vinum and Weinwelt over the past 20 years and, more recently, Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Also writes for Decanter and The World of Fine Wine and is President of the International Circle of Wine Writers (FIJEV). Three times winner of the best sommelier award in Germany, a member of the Grand Jury Européen and has judged at several shows including Concours Mondial, Mundus Vini, Wines for Asia and the Japan Wine Challenge.
Anthony Rose (UK)Wine columnist for The Independent and contributor to Decanter, Wine & Spirit and The World of Fine Wine. Contributor to the auction and investment sections in Jancis Robinson's Oxford Companion to Wine, to Tom Stevenson's Wine Report and to WINE (h.f.ullmann publishing, 3rd edition). Teaches at the Leiths School of Food and Wine, and has judged in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, California, Japan and France. Chairman of the Decanter World Wine Awards Argentina panel and the Decanter Wine Retailer Awards panel, co-chairman of the Sake International Challenge in Tokyo. Winner of the Glenfiddich Wine Writer of the Year Award (2000 and 2005) and the Prix du Champagne Lanson Black Label Award (2000 and 2002). Judge at the inaugural Trophy Wine Show in 2002.
SOUTH AFRICAN JUDGES:
Christian Eedes
Editor of WINE magazine and author of Gulp!, the weekly WINE magazine webletter, Joined the magazine as a journalist in 2002, having graduated with a B.A. Honours degree in Philosophy from Stellenbosch University. In 2005, completed a small-scale winemaking course as well as a wine evaluation course under the auspices of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. In 2007 obtained Certificate of Competence at the inaugural WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy. Regular judge at WINE magazine panel tastings. Associate judge at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in 2005 and 2006, judge in 2007.
Gary Jordan
Owner-winemaker of Jordan Winery, having trained as a geologist before pursuing his interest in winemaking to America where he and wife Kathy graduated from the Masters programme at the University of California (Davis). After a further year spent working in California, they returned to the family farm in Stellenboschkloof where Gary has been responsible for the development of the magnificent 146ha property overlooking Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch. His passion to grow top quality fruit has produced wines displaying the ripe, concentrated and fruity accessibility of New World examples while retaining the complex elegance of Classic styles. Judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2007.
Angela Lloyd
Freelance wine writer, associate editor of the Grape website, co-author of The South African Wine Cellar Book, contributor to Platter's (since 1987), Wines of the World (Dorling Kindersley) and Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guide and About Wine (Delmar Learning). Judged at the Sydney International 100, Vinitaly's Consurso Enologico Internacional and at various tastings in South Africa, including the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Awards and the SAA Winelist Selections. A member of the Trophy Wine Show judging panel since its inception.
James Pietersen
Former wine buyer for the Vineyard Connection and now partner in a luxury travel business. A University of Stellenbosch graduate, currently following the Cape Wine Masters Program. A WINE magazine panel taster (since 2006) and a contributor to Platter's. Achieved Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2007. Associate judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2007.
Cathy van Zyl MW
South Africa's only resident Master of Wine. Freelance wine writer, co-publisher of the Grape website and contributor to Platter's as well as The Wine Report 2007 (Dorling Kindersley). Judge at Vinitaly's Consurso Enologico Internacional and the Sydney International Wine Competition. Associate judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2003 and judge since 2004.
Chris Williams
Cellarmaster and technical director at Meerlust Estate since 2004 and owner-winemaker for The Foundry Wines since 2001. Graduated from the University of Cape Town and Elsenburg College of Agriculture. Past assistant winemaker at Château Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, Bordeaux, and previously employed at Klein Constantia, False Bay Wines and Delaire. Currently a UK Master of Wine student. Judge at the Trophy Wine Show since 2006.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES:
The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show draws upon several of South Africa's new-generation winemakers, all of whom have appropriate tasting experience. They are provided with the opportunity of working in a rigorous show-judging environment and learning from the international and local tasters to whom they are seconded. Associate judges work in the tasting room with the main panel and are invited to participate in the discussion, however their scores are not included in the final tally.
Eric Botha
Wine specialist for Woolworths. Has also worked as a sommelier in Burgundy on an exchange programme. Achieved the Certificate of Competence from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008 and is a current Cape Wine Academy Diploma student.
Miguel Chan
Sommelier and beverage manager at the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Constantia. Represented South Africa in 2007 at the inaugural Under 32 Concours Internationales des Jeunes Sommeliers world final in Frankfurt, Germany (finished 4th). Employment history includes stints at the Royal Palm and The Oberoi Hotel in Mauritius. Achieved Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008.
Ginette de Fleuriot CWM
Cape Wine Master and wine buyer for winesense. Began wine career in Germany managing a specialist wine retail store in Cologne, then focused on wine education and training for sommeliers and the wine trade before returning to South Africa in 2006. A lecturer for the Cape Wine Academy and a regular WINE magazine tasting panel member, having also served on the 2008 SAA Winelist Selection panel. Contributor to Platter's (2007 and 2008 editions) and whilst in Europe worked as a wine judge and freelance journalist for publications including Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland and Selection Wine Magazine. Achieved Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008.
Tariro Masayiti
Zimbabwean born, graduated with a BSc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Zimbabwe and went on to complete a BSc. Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) at the University of Stellenbosch before joining Distell. After two vintages with The Bergkelder (Fleur du Cap), appointed white wine maker at Nederburg. Served as wine judge at several competitions: Veritas, Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, SAA and the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Khuselo Mputa
Born in Stellenbosch and educated in East London and Cape Town. Holds a City and Guilds Advanced Food & Beverage Diploma as well as a National Diploma in Hotel Operations and Management. After practical training, worked at various Michelin-star restaurants in London until returning to South Africa. In 2007 he joined Belthazar Restaurant and Wine Bar as sommelier and in 2008 graduated from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy with a Certificate of Competence.
Roland Peens
After an Economics degree from the University of Stellenbosch, he has worked in wine retail, import/export and marketing, and as a sommelier in SA and London. UK Master of Wine student. Shareholder and manager of Wine Cellar, a Cape Town firm which imports, cellars and brokers fine wines. Judges for WINE magazine and Platter's. Achieved the Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008.
François Rautenbach
Heads up the Premier Wine program for Singita Private Game Reserve, sourcing and supplying wines for the Singita properties in Southern and East Africa. Achieved a Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008. Twice runner-up in the Cape Wine Academy Cap Classique Tasting Competition.
International and local tasters who judged the various classes at the 2008 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.
SHOW CHAIRMAN:
Michael Fridjhon (South Africa)Chairman of the judges at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.
Author, co-author and contributor to a number of wine books including ICONS (SA), The Global Wine Encyclopaedia, The Oxford Companion to Wine and Platter's (SA). Recipient of the Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite Agricole (France). Panel chairman for the WINE magazine Shiraz and Chenin Blanc Challenges (SA) and judge at numerous other competitions including the International Wine and Spirit Competition (UK), the Australian National Wine Show, the Tri-Nations Challenge as well as benchmark tastings in France, the United States, Chile and South Africa. He was the first international co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge (2007). Visiting Professor at the UCT Graduate School of Business.
INTERNATIONAL JUDGES:
Sam Harrop MW (UK)
Trained as a winemaker in his native New Zealand. Early career included stints at Villa Maria's wineries in Auckland, Blenheim and Hawkes Bay, followed by a spell at Littorai Wines in California, where he developed a special interest in natural and biodynamic winemaking. In 1997 he moved to the United Kingdom where he was employed as wine buyer for influential retailer Marks & Spencer, working closely with producers throughout the world's key wine regions. In 2004 he started his own consultancy and now works with a number of wineries in Portugal, the Loire Valley, Southern France and Spain. Active member of the Institute of Masters of Wine mentoring program. One of five chairmen of the International Wine Challenge, responsible for the logging and analysis of faults (including closure related problems) at the competition. Judging portfolio extends to the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, the Vin de Pays and Spanish Top 100 competitions.
Joël Payne
(German based)Editor of Meininger's Wine Business International and chief editor and publisher of the Gault Millau German Wine Guide over the past 15 years. Contributor to the Capital, Alles-Über-Wein, Vinum and Weinwelt over the past 20 years and, more recently, Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. Also writes for Decanter and The World of Fine Wine and is President of the International Circle of Wine Writers (FIJEV). Three times winner of the best sommelier award in Germany, a member of the Grand Jury Européen and has judged at several shows including Concours Mondial, Mundus Vini, Wines for Asia and the Japan Wine Challenge.
Anthony Rose (UK)Wine columnist for The Independent and contributor to Decanter, Wine & Spirit and The World of Fine Wine. Contributor to the auction and investment sections in Jancis Robinson's Oxford Companion to Wine, to Tom Stevenson's Wine Report and to WINE (h.f.ullmann publishing, 3rd edition). Teaches at the Leiths School of Food and Wine, and has judged in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, California, Japan and France. Chairman of the Decanter World Wine Awards Argentina panel and the Decanter Wine Retailer Awards panel, co-chairman of the Sake International Challenge in Tokyo. Winner of the Glenfiddich Wine Writer of the Year Award (2000 and 2005) and the Prix du Champagne Lanson Black Label Award (2000 and 2002). Judge at the inaugural Trophy Wine Show in 2002.
SOUTH AFRICAN JUDGES:
Christian Eedes
Editor of WINE magazine and author of Gulp!, the weekly WINE magazine webletter, Joined the magazine as a journalist in 2002, having graduated with a B.A. Honours degree in Philosophy from Stellenbosch University. In 2005, completed a small-scale winemaking course as well as a wine evaluation course under the auspices of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University. In 2007 obtained Certificate of Competence at the inaugural WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy. Regular judge at WINE magazine panel tastings. Associate judge at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in 2005 and 2006, judge in 2007.
Gary Jordan
Owner-winemaker of Jordan Winery, having trained as a geologist before pursuing his interest in winemaking to America where he and wife Kathy graduated from the Masters programme at the University of California (Davis). After a further year spent working in California, they returned to the family farm in Stellenboschkloof where Gary has been responsible for the development of the magnificent 146ha property overlooking Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch. His passion to grow top quality fruit has produced wines displaying the ripe, concentrated and fruity accessibility of New World examples while retaining the complex elegance of Classic styles. Judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2007.
Angela Lloyd
Freelance wine writer, associate editor of the Grape website, co-author of The South African Wine Cellar Book, contributor to Platter's (since 1987), Wines of the World (Dorling Kindersley) and Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guide and About Wine (Delmar Learning). Judged at the Sydney International 100, Vinitaly's Consurso Enologico Internacional and at various tastings in South Africa, including the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Awards and the SAA Winelist Selections. A member of the Trophy Wine Show judging panel since its inception.
James Pietersen
Former wine buyer for the Vineyard Connection and now partner in a luxury travel business. A University of Stellenbosch graduate, currently following the Cape Wine Masters Program. A WINE magazine panel taster (since 2006) and a contributor to Platter's. Achieved Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2007. Associate judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2007.
Cathy van Zyl MW
South Africa's only resident Master of Wine. Freelance wine writer, co-publisher of the Grape website and contributor to Platter's as well as The Wine Report 2007 (Dorling Kindersley). Judge at Vinitaly's Consurso Enologico Internacional and the Sydney International Wine Competition. Associate judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2003 and judge since 2004.
Chris Williams
Cellarmaster and technical director at Meerlust Estate since 2004 and owner-winemaker for The Foundry Wines since 2001. Graduated from the University of Cape Town and Elsenburg College of Agriculture. Past assistant winemaker at Château Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, Bordeaux, and previously employed at Klein Constantia, False Bay Wines and Delaire. Currently a UK Master of Wine student. Judge at the Trophy Wine Show since 2006.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES:
The Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show draws upon several of South Africa's new-generation winemakers, all of whom have appropriate tasting experience. They are provided with the opportunity of working in a rigorous show-judging environment and learning from the international and local tasters to whom they are seconded. Associate judges work in the tasting room with the main panel and are invited to participate in the discussion, however their scores are not included in the final tally.
Eric Botha
Wine specialist for Woolworths. Has also worked as a sommelier in Burgundy on an exchange programme. Achieved the Certificate of Competence from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008 and is a current Cape Wine Academy Diploma student.
Miguel Chan
Sommelier and beverage manager at the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Constantia. Represented South Africa in 2007 at the inaugural Under 32 Concours Internationales des Jeunes Sommeliers world final in Frankfurt, Germany (finished 4th). Employment history includes stints at the Royal Palm and The Oberoi Hotel in Mauritius. Achieved Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008.
Ginette de Fleuriot CWM
Cape Wine Master and wine buyer for winesense. Began wine career in Germany managing a specialist wine retail store in Cologne, then focused on wine education and training for sommeliers and the wine trade before returning to South Africa in 2006. A lecturer for the Cape Wine Academy and a regular WINE magazine tasting panel member, having also served on the 2008 SAA Winelist Selection panel. Contributor to Platter's (2007 and 2008 editions) and whilst in Europe worked as a wine judge and freelance journalist for publications including Gault Millau WeinGuide Deutschland and Selection Wine Magazine. Achieved Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008.
Tariro Masayiti
Zimbabwean born, graduated with a BSc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Zimbabwe and went on to complete a BSc. Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) at the University of Stellenbosch before joining Distell. After two vintages with The Bergkelder (Fleur du Cap), appointed white wine maker at Nederburg. Served as wine judge at several competitions: Veritas, Diners Club Winemaker of the Year, SAA and the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Khuselo Mputa
Born in Stellenbosch and educated in East London and Cape Town. Holds a City and Guilds Advanced Food & Beverage Diploma as well as a National Diploma in Hotel Operations and Management. After practical training, worked at various Michelin-star restaurants in London until returning to South Africa. In 2007 he joined Belthazar Restaurant and Wine Bar as sommelier and in 2008 graduated from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy with a Certificate of Competence.
Roland Peens
After an Economics degree from the University of Stellenbosch, he has worked in wine retail, import/export and marketing, and as a sommelier in SA and London. UK Master of Wine student. Shareholder and manager of Wine Cellar, a Cape Town firm which imports, cellars and brokers fine wines. Judges for WINE magazine and Platter's. Achieved the Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008.
François Rautenbach
Heads up the Premier Wine program for Singita Private Game Reserve, sourcing and supplying wines for the Singita properties in Southern and East Africa. Achieved a Certificate of Competence with Distinction from the WINE magazine Michael Fridjhon Wine Tasting Academy in 2008. Twice runner-up in the Cape Wine Academy Cap Classique Tasting Competition.
Miguel Chan - Sommelier at The Cellars-Hohenort is the best in the country!
Miguel Chan - Sommelier at The Cellars-Hohenort is the best in the country!
Posted Jul 13, 2007
The steady composure that comes with self-confidence in the face of competitive situations can only happen when specialized knowledge is buttressed by passion and a love for the subject. Performing with such grace under pressure lead to success for Miguel Chan, sommelier and beverage manager at The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia who clinched the title as South Africa's first national Jeune Sommelier by the Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Chan will represent South Africa at the inaugeral International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition on September 7th in Frankfurt Germany during the German Grand Chapitre. It will be held concurrently with the Annual Jeunes Commis Rotisseurs Competition.
The new Jeune Sommeliers competition, which is open to sommeliers/ wine waiters between the ages of 21 - 32 years, holds special significance for wine professionalism and stands on equal footing with the Jeunes Commiss Competition.
"The seven candicates who entered the first national round were in for a hard time," says Monty Friendship, Echanson of the Chaine des Rotisseurs .
Their knowledge of international wines and spirits were put to the test in a gruelling three part evaluation - theory, service and blind tasting.
The theory portion is written and lasts for one hour, testing deep knowledge in all areas of wine, wine production, laws, viticulture and vinification as well as spirits, beers, ales, ciders, ports and sherry.
"South Africa is one of only ten countries who will take part in Germany later this year. This is a feather in our cap, as not even France, nor Italy will be taking part in this tough competition," reckons Friendship. Congratulations Miguel!
Posted Jul 13, 2007
The steady composure that comes with self-confidence in the face of competitive situations can only happen when specialized knowledge is buttressed by passion and a love for the subject. Performing with such grace under pressure lead to success for Miguel Chan, sommelier and beverage manager at The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia who clinched the title as South Africa's first national Jeune Sommelier by the Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Chan will represent South Africa at the inaugeral International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition on September 7th in Frankfurt Germany during the German Grand Chapitre. It will be held concurrently with the Annual Jeunes Commis Rotisseurs Competition.
The new Jeune Sommeliers competition, which is open to sommeliers/ wine waiters between the ages of 21 - 32 years, holds special significance for wine professionalism and stands on equal footing with the Jeunes Commiss Competition.
"The seven candicates who entered the first national round were in for a hard time," says Monty Friendship, Echanson of the Chaine des Rotisseurs .
Their knowledge of international wines and spirits were put to the test in a gruelling three part evaluation - theory, service and blind tasting.
The theory portion is written and lasts for one hour, testing deep knowledge in all areas of wine, wine production, laws, viticulture and vinification as well as spirits, beers, ales, ciders, ports and sherry.
"South Africa is one of only ten countries who will take part in Germany later this year. This is a feather in our cap, as not even France, nor Italy will be taking part in this tough competition," reckons Friendship. Congratulations Miguel!
In a country where the professional sommelier is a rare beast indeed,
GETAWAY
The Cellars-Hohenhort, Relais & Chateaux
A series reviewing places that deeply please the senses. By Christian Eedes.
However sprawling the gardens at the Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia, they are immaculately kept. The hotel is set against the slopes of Table Mountain and as you walk the grounds, you encounter a carefully cultivated herb garden, a colourful and abundant rose garden and even a politically correct indigenous garden.
Perhaps the most extraordinary of anything under cultivation are the eight camphor trees dating from 1690 that were bought in by the Dutch East India Company to decorate the supply road from Constantia to the Castle. It was a good thing that I walked down to see these trees at the bottom of the property not once but twice on the afternoon of my stay as, when it came to dinner, the staff at fine dining restaurant The Greenhouse were politely insistent that the brunette and I were to have the seven-course, R450-a-head gourmand menu.
Before our meal, we took up position in The Martini, the plush hotel bar that offers a range of 152 novelty martinis. As much to steel my nerves to face the impending bill I was sure to ring up as to whet my appetite, I had a Negroni, the well-known Italian cocktail consisting of gin, Campari and Martini Rosso. Once that was down the hatch, I felt much more the Latin lover…The Greenhouse is aptly named with floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows that have the effect of bringing some of the garden into the restaurant. Our table was immediately adjacent to a flood-lit oak tree thought to date from the mid 18th century. There can be few more dramatic backdrops to a meal anywhere. By this time hunger (and thirst) were starting to outweigh budgetary constraints. Enter Miguel Chan. In a country where the professional sommelier is a rare beast indeed, this hotel has a remarkable asset in this Mauritian-born and South African naturalised beverage manager-cum-irrepressible wine enthusiast. In ordering the gourmand menu, he was able to surprise and delight us with some unusual and inspired food-and-wine combinations. Who’s up for Semillon-Chardonnay-Vigonier De Grendel Winifred 2006 with pan-seared foie gras, rhubarb compote and black truffle jus?
The meal ended with a glass of Vin de Hohenort 2006 matched to a dark and white chocolate plate. In addition to everything else planted on the property is a tiny 0.6ha of Muscat de Frontignan that is now 17 years old. With the sweet wines of Constantia the stuff of legend, management couldn’t resist making their own version. The 2006 was a combination of late harvest and botyritis-infected grapes vinified at Stellenbosch farm Waterford. Total yield was less than a ton and in the end there were a mere 588 bottles. The wine is not available for purchase and is served only at management’s discretion – so ask nicely. The yet-to-be-released 2007 has even more sex appeal as romantic comedy movie star Meg Ryan helped pick the grapes…
More than replete, it was time for the brunette and me to enjoy the delights of our R5 900-a-night premier suite. Though the main Hohenort manor house and various other buildings all look very Country Living magazine from the outside, the interior of our suite is distinctly more edgy Wallpaper. The open-plan room is decorated in earth tones offset by snatches of bright pink and purple while furniture sees faux-antique table and chairs next to some very contemporary pieces. The bathroom is ultra-modern with a free-standing, big volume bath, his ’n hers basins and a large shower.
With the hour late, it was the comfy bed that interested me most. After the indulgences of dinner, I had no need for the pamper menu which offered bedtime treats such as hot chocolate, camomile tea or even a Jägermeister to settle the tum. Instead, I reflected that I probably needed yet another walk to the camphor trees the following morning as I buried my head in the down-filled pillows.
The Cellars-Hohenhort,Relais & Chareaux93 Brommersvlei RoadConstantiaTel: 021 794 2137www.collectionmcgrath.com
The Cellars-Hohenhort, Relais & Chateaux
A series reviewing places that deeply please the senses. By Christian Eedes.
However sprawling the gardens at the Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia, they are immaculately kept. The hotel is set against the slopes of Table Mountain and as you walk the grounds, you encounter a carefully cultivated herb garden, a colourful and abundant rose garden and even a politically correct indigenous garden.
Perhaps the most extraordinary of anything under cultivation are the eight camphor trees dating from 1690 that were bought in by the Dutch East India Company to decorate the supply road from Constantia to the Castle. It was a good thing that I walked down to see these trees at the bottom of the property not once but twice on the afternoon of my stay as, when it came to dinner, the staff at fine dining restaurant The Greenhouse were politely insistent that the brunette and I were to have the seven-course, R450-a-head gourmand menu.
Before our meal, we took up position in The Martini, the plush hotel bar that offers a range of 152 novelty martinis. As much to steel my nerves to face the impending bill I was sure to ring up as to whet my appetite, I had a Negroni, the well-known Italian cocktail consisting of gin, Campari and Martini Rosso. Once that was down the hatch, I felt much more the Latin lover…The Greenhouse is aptly named with floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows that have the effect of bringing some of the garden into the restaurant. Our table was immediately adjacent to a flood-lit oak tree thought to date from the mid 18th century. There can be few more dramatic backdrops to a meal anywhere. By this time hunger (and thirst) were starting to outweigh budgetary constraints. Enter Miguel Chan. In a country where the professional sommelier is a rare beast indeed, this hotel has a remarkable asset in this Mauritian-born and South African naturalised beverage manager-cum-irrepressible wine enthusiast. In ordering the gourmand menu, he was able to surprise and delight us with some unusual and inspired food-and-wine combinations. Who’s up for Semillon-Chardonnay-Vigonier De Grendel Winifred 2006 with pan-seared foie gras, rhubarb compote and black truffle jus?
The meal ended with a glass of Vin de Hohenort 2006 matched to a dark and white chocolate plate. In addition to everything else planted on the property is a tiny 0.6ha of Muscat de Frontignan that is now 17 years old. With the sweet wines of Constantia the stuff of legend, management couldn’t resist making their own version. The 2006 was a combination of late harvest and botyritis-infected grapes vinified at Stellenbosch farm Waterford. Total yield was less than a ton and in the end there were a mere 588 bottles. The wine is not available for purchase and is served only at management’s discretion – so ask nicely. The yet-to-be-released 2007 has even more sex appeal as romantic comedy movie star Meg Ryan helped pick the grapes…
More than replete, it was time for the brunette and me to enjoy the delights of our R5 900-a-night premier suite. Though the main Hohenort manor house and various other buildings all look very Country Living magazine from the outside, the interior of our suite is distinctly more edgy Wallpaper. The open-plan room is decorated in earth tones offset by snatches of bright pink and purple while furniture sees faux-antique table and chairs next to some very contemporary pieces. The bathroom is ultra-modern with a free-standing, big volume bath, his ’n hers basins and a large shower.
With the hour late, it was the comfy bed that interested me most. After the indulgences of dinner, I had no need for the pamper menu which offered bedtime treats such as hot chocolate, camomile tea or even a Jägermeister to settle the tum. Instead, I reflected that I probably needed yet another walk to the camphor trees the following morning as I buried my head in the down-filled pillows.
The Cellars-Hohenhort,Relais & Chareaux93 Brommersvlei RoadConstantiaTel: 021 794 2137www.collectionmcgrath.com
Aeternitas Syrah 2006 85+ Points
"Saturated cherry red, good clarity and brilliance. Intense red berries medley, complex, touch of smoke and light toast intermingle with white chocolate dust, fragrant, multilayered. Fresh, elegant, delicate tannins, very good savoury texture, salty minerality, juicy delicate fruit. Dry, very well poised, excellent oaking, touch bitterness, will dissipate with cellaring or food pairings, need time. From 2011 until 2016+
Score : 85+ / 100
Score : 85+ / 100
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