Tastings at Simonsig

Simonsig

A recent tasting at Simonsig in Stellenbosch with owner Johan Malan and Marketing and Sales manager Jacques Jordaan confirms the wine estate pedigree as one of South Africa's and Stellenbosch most consistent winery, with a strong focus on quality as well as overdelivering on  prices.

The pioneer of "Methode Champenoise" or Methode Cap Classique in South Africa are going from strenght to strenght, with the Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs tasted simply stunning and a great bargain at less than R 200 per bottle for the Cuvee Royale Brut,  Rand for Rand compare to some top Cava, Cremant, Franciacorta and other bottle fermented sparklers from around the world, it's hard to imagine this is possible, yet true!

The best of the white wines was the Chenin Blanc, a steal at it's current prices of less than R 40 per bottle and 10 times better than many other Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc at 5 times the price,  comparatively!

The age worthy reds, though some were high in alcohol (over 14%), they showed excellent purity of fruit as well as deft handling of oak,  the highlights of the tastings was the Tiara both the current release as well as a library bottle from 2000 vintage, testament and great to see a South African Bordeaux style inspired blends, holding it's fruit so delicately well at 12 years of age, yet with so much stamina for at least another 4 to 5 years, further development.

The Merindol Syrah, was the other red wine discovery, oh so St Joseph like! at half  the price!roughly comparatively, one of the best kept secret of South African Syrah.

A must visit winery on priority list of any visitors to South Africa, it's a place anchored in tradition with a deep heritage, yet have a modern feel in their wines, without being showy.


Here under my scores, individual notes to follow


2007 Simonsig Stellenbosch Cuvee Royale MCC Brut 90 points
2012 Simonsig Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 89+ Points
2012 Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc 85 Points
2012 Simonsig Stellenbosch Gewurztraminer 84+ Points
2011 Simonsig Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot “Adelberg” 77+ Points
2010 Simonsig Stellebosch Pinotage Red Hill 85+ Points
2009 Simonsig Stellenbosch Tiara 90+ Points
2000 Simonsig Stellenbosch Tiara 92 Points
2010 Simonsig Merindol Stellenbosch Syrah 90 Points