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Saturday, March 30, 2013
Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2007 91+ Points
The 2007 vintage is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, showing a ruby red with slight purple rim.
Clean, high intensity, still youthful with blackberries, dark cherries and red plums, earthy with just the perfect oak influence.
Dry with moderate plus acidity, fresh high tannin lending a ripe grip, fruit follows through, lifted by the high alcohol of 14% abv, juicy and broad texture, creamy, need time, best from 2018+ until 2023+
2006 Groot Constantia Estate Gouverneurs Reserve 90 Points
Garnet hue with slight brown rim.
Clean, high intensity with ripe complex layers if dark red fruits, cassis liqueur, complex oaking.
Dry with moderate plus acidity, fresh and elegant, full ripe texture with moderate plus alcohol of 13.5% abv, excellent purity of fruit follows through, plush tannins, cedar wood complexity, vanilla, spicy pepper farewell, persistent. Now until 2020
Diamond Ridge Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc Malbec 2008 83 Points
Ruby red with garnet reflections and brown towards the rim, showing evolution.
Clean, reductive possibly due to the screwcap closure, lending a moderate intensity with some green peppery edge, slightly herbaceous with hints of pyrazine character, just ripe currant, cassis and plums, wet earth, spicy oak.
Dry with dash residual sugar, leafy edge follows through, delicately juicy, red fruits fading, fresh with moderate plus acidity yet this is a full bodied red with high alcohol of 14% abv, crunchy moderate tannins, good lenght. Drink now until 2014.
Diamond Ridge wines is exclusively available through Checkers at R 80/bottle
Santa Cristina Toscana IGT 2011 82 Points
A blend 60 % Sangiovese and 40% between Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah showing a ruby red with purple rim.
Clean, low intensity, initially highly reductive suppressing dark ripe plums and mulberries note, hints of dark cherries, but did opened up after 24 hours aeration! brush of earthy elements, neutral oak influence.
Dry with moderate plus acidity, fresh with savory note, hints of black olives, delicately juicy dark red fruits follows through, moderate tannins, good grip, moderate plus alcohol of 13.5% abv, medium bodied.
Will be the perfect glass / bottle with your weekly spaghetti Bolognaise.
Drink now until 2015
Available exclusively at Checkers at R 80/bottle.
For reference the first vintage of Santa Cristina was produced by Marquis Niccolò Antinori, father of Piero Antinori, in 1946.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Roodeberg heritage through images
Roodeberg South Africa's best known red blend, enjoying loyal worldwide supports was created by Dr Charles Niehaus in 1949, a proud heritage deeply entrenched in the wine history of South Africa, a rare attribute indeed.
Visitors registry at 1Roodeberg
Roodeberg Vintage Collection 1
Roodeberg Vintage Collection 2
Dr Charles Niehaus Founder of Roodeberg
A great South African red wine needs an equally fine cigar to complement it's appreciation, here Romeo & Julieta Cigars in the Roodeberg room.
Roodeberg lounge 1
Coat of arm
Hand crafted candle holder
Chandeliers from the Roodeberg room
Roodeberg labels evolution through times, here the modern labels
Roodeberg lounge 2 from a different angle
Typewriter use by Dr Charles Niehaus
Dr Charles Niehaus
Dr Charles Niehaus
Other Chandeliers in the room
Horloge in Roodeberg room
A great South African red wine needs an equally fine cigar to complement it's appreciation, here Romeo & Julieta Cigars in the Roodeberg room.
Roodeberg lounge 1
Coat of arm
Hand crafted candle holder
Chandeliers from the Roodeberg room
Roodeberg labels evolution through times, here the modern labels
Roodeberg lounge 2 from a different angle
Typewriter use by Dr Charles Niehaus
Dr Charles Niehaus
Dr Charles Niehaus
Other Chandeliers in the room
Horloge in Roodeberg room
ROODEBERG UNVEILS A NEW FAVOURITE
Iconic South African wine Roodeberg has revealed the next exciting step in its stylistic evolution with the unfurling of its latest vintage.
The 2011 vintage emerged from a challenging growing and harvest season. The grape quality in general however, was superb. The wine spent 12 months in oak, mainly French, before being bottled.
The blend comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder occupied chiefly by Shiraz, and Merlot. Delighting the senses, Roodeberg 2011 is an elegant and fresh red wine lush with aromas of raspberry, red cherry and mulberry, and just a touch of spice.
The palate is beautifully layered and smooth with well integrated, silky tannins and a lingering finish.
Roodeberg is the well-loved South African red wine from leading premium wine producer KWV. It has been a part of South Africa’s wine heritage since 1949, beloved on home soil as much as it is on tables in foreign continents too.
Yet, in spite of its historic pedigree, Roodeberg remains relevant and more popular than ever in a modern world. The reason, says KWV chief winemaker Richard Rowe, is the timeless guiding philosophy that sustains it.
“We are very mindful that we’re only temporary custodians of this brand; that it was placed in our hands by those who came before us and will be passed on to the next generation too. To us, the Roodeberg heritage is being built to last not for decades, but for centuries.”
To achieve this, KWV recognises the wine evolves to ensure enduring quality, stylistic relevance and value for money. As a premium export-driven wine, Roodeberg is equipped with the fundamentals of global players.
“Technology and techniques change and we’re careful to analyse international situations and conduct international benchmark tastings to keep on top of trends and flavours,” says Rowe.
The quest for quality begins in the vineyards. Says KWV chief viticulturist Marco Ventrella: “When it comes to Roodeberg we understand that we are working with a wine beloved for decades and our approach must be about consistency, focus and quality. Our growers are long term contracted. In fact, most of the vineyards were planted and planned specifically for Roodeberg.”
The viticulturists spend time in the vineyards with the growers and are joined by the winemakers during the ripening period to monitor and make harvesting decisions. “We leave nothing to chance. Our growers are our partners in the brand and the wine,” says Ventrella.
In the cellar, this has meant that through the application of modern winemaking techniques, the Roodeberg winemaking team relentlessly works at improving quality. This is a pursuit where the goal of over-delivery means every vintage has to be better than the previous one.
It is these partnerships that have seen Roodeberg grow to the prominence it enjoys today – an innovative wine brand that continues to surprise and delight.
Roodeberg is available from leading retailers of fine wines nationwide, RRSP: R69.95
KWV is one of the leading wine and spirits producers in South Africa. Its head office is located in Paarl, in the Western Cape – a top wine producing region. The company sources wines and grapes from the best and most sought-after viticultural regions in South Africa. KWV is known internationally for brands such as Roodeberg, KWV wines, Laborie, Golden Kaan, Cathedral Cellar, Café Culture, Wild African Cream and the KWV 3, 5, 10 and 20 Year Old brandies.
KWV is a founder member of the Industry Association for Responsible Use of Alcohol (ARA).
Champagne Charles de Cazanove Brut Rose NV 91+ Points
15% Chardonnay, 50 % Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 15% Côteaux Champenois red wine, showing a bright pale salmon hue.
Clean, delicate red berries, Pinot Noir complexity evident, mineral core with subtle touch of oak.
Properly Brut, linear and focus with high acidity, fine line, savory with saline note,textured, persistent, lots of character.
Exclusive to Checkers nationwide at R 220/bottle, best priced Champagne rose, currently in South Africa
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Roodeberg launches 1ROODEBERG, their exclusive members club
Roodeberg is a name known to wine lovers
around South Africa and the world, steeped in history and tradition and
synonymous with quality and exclusivity.
To celebrate its rich heritage; Roodeberg is proud to announce the
launch of 1ROODEBERG, their members-only brand room at the wine’s home in
Paarl.
1ROODEBERG provides the platform for this spirit, bringing the
story of the brand to life through a unique converging between old and new. In
the space that once served as KWV’s director’s reception hosting both dignitaries
and celebrities; velvet, leather and wooden textures reflect Roodeberg’s long
history of stature and elegance.
The impressive chandelier is constructed out
of antique light fittings from the original room, and decanters and historic
photographs of KWV personalities and key international stakeholders, line the
walls.
An innovative new interactive tablet application adds a
contemporary dimension to this experience, as visitors are taken on a virtual
journey through the history of Roodeberg. This digital experience continues
once our members are back in their own living rooms, as the digital platform
will keep them connected to the latest news, events and special offerings.
“1ROODEBERG is a place that its members will call home – whether it
be hosting friends for exclusive tastings of Roodeberg products only available
to the club, intimate dinners in the private dining room, or just a relaxed
evening with friends and a few cigars,” says De Bruyn Steenkamp, Roodeberg
Brand Director.
The club will be limited to 500 guests, each personally invited,
and this small group will represent the people that consider Roodeberg a part
of their personal heritage.
It is a space which allows us to embrace the finer things in life
–- celebrating timeless heritage in union with forward-thinking craftsmanship.
Cranswick South Eastern Australia Lakefield Chardonnay 2012 85 Points
Pale straw with green reflections.
Clean, moderate plus intensity, lemony burst, white peach,
pears, excellent purity of fruit, brush of oak.
Dry with dash residual sugar well offset by bright moderate
acidity, fresh, gentle texture with honeyed mid palate, juicy and elegant, with
moderate alcohol of 13% abv, table friendly, well made drink now until 2015.
R 60/bottle at Checkers nationwide
Will be perfect with a grilled gurnard SASSI green lists.
Diamond Ridge Gisborne Chardonnay 2010 83 Points
My first encounter with a
Gisborne Chardonnay was way back in 2001 and this example just brought back
memories, there is something specific with Gisborne Chardonnay, their airy
style, a certain lightness that may be confused as insipid, yet not the case at
all, in fact they are one of the most European of all New World Chardonnay, not
necessarily Burgundian type, but a confident austerity.
This Diamond Ridge is
another offering from Checkers as part of their international collection, nationwide
at R 70 a bottle this is a good if you like a “Chablis” style white.
Pale straw with bright
yellow green reflections, color shows slight evolution.
Clean, moderate
intensity, recognizable as a Gisborne Chardonnay, delicate citrus, stone fruits
and melon with subtle mineral quartz note, faintest brush of oak.
Feast of Shiraz & Charcuterie returns to Hartenberg Wine Estate
Saturday, 1 June 2013
Kick the cold weather
to the curb by revelling in some of South Africa’s finest Syrahs from leading cellars paired with an array of meaty
indulgencies at the annual Feast of Shiraz & Charcuterie at
Hartenberg Wine Estate on Saturday, 1 June 2013.
Carl Schultz,
celebrated winemaker at Hartenberg, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s oldest and leading producers of Shiraz for almost 40 years, has invited a select group of winemakers to
present their cellar gems at this indulgent day of Shiraz and Charcuterie. They will be joined by some of the best local
charcuterie masters, cheese makers and olive enthusiasts that will bring foods
to life to entice palates and complement this hardy varietal.
“Shiraz and charcuterie is a classic combination; the
robust flavours created when curing or smoking meat complements Shiraz superbly. This
festival is meant for everyone, whether you are a novice wanting to try something new or wine connoisseur on the
hunt for fresh discoveries,” says Carl, who celebrates his 20th harvest at Hartenberg this year and has played
an integral part in the estate’s Shiraz success story.
As the home of the
world’s No. 1 Shiraz, The Stork 2008 as declared by Syrah du Monde in 2012
there is no better place to experience this varietal first hand than at
Hartenberg Wine Estate.
The Feast of Shiraz
& Charcuterie @ Hartenberg takes place on Saturday, 1 June 2013 from 12h00
noon until 17h00. Tickets cost R180 per person, including a tasting glass and
are available online at www.webtickets.co.za. For more information, call Tel: (+27)84 207
3820, Email:info@dnaevents.co.za.
Hartenberg Estate is
situated on the Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch. (www.hartenbergestate.com)
Cranswick South Eastern Australia Lakefield Shiraz Cabernet 2011 88 Points
If you are
looking for a juicy red wine filled with personality and upfront, ripe dark
plums, mulberries and dark cherries, with a touch of smoky dark chocolate look
no further, at R 60/bottle from Checkers nationwide, this Australian blend of 90%Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon will do the job, very well.
Ruby red
with slight garnet rim.
Clean, ripe
dark red fruits medley, good purity of fruit, spicy oak.
Dry with
dash residual sugar well offset by moderate acidity, juicy with full and round
texture, savory, low tannins, plush, medium plus bodied with moderate alcohol
of 13% abv, table friendly, persistent length.
Will be
perfect with a mixed grill platter of Checkers Steakhouse Classic
Roodeberg Western Cape White 2012 87 Points
Tasted for the first time
yesterday at the launch of 1Roodeberg wine club at their headquarters in Paarl,
a Sauvignon Blanc driven blend made exclusively for export, but may be
available locally and exclusively for the members of 1Roodeberg, South Africa's coolest wine
club.
Pale white with green
tinge, grassy, gooseberries, tropical fruit note, delicately textured with
spicy and peppery nuance, juicy and fresh with vibrant acid, refreshing and
classy, table friendly, shared with friend, buy by the case loads!
South African winemakers and owners are the coolest on this planet
This is why South
African winemakers and owners are the coolest on this planet, click on the link
below to see what Jordan WineEstate of Stellenbosch did …http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj-byv-dyjw on the busiest day of 2013 harvest at
the end of last week!
Roodeberg Western Cape Rose 2012 89 Points
Tasted for the first time
yesterday at the launch of 1Roodeberg wine club at their headquarters in Paarl,
a Shiraz driven blend made exclusively for export, but may be available locally
and exclusively for the members of 1Roodeberg wine club.
South Africa has an ideal
climate to enjoy a focus and well made Rose anytime with or without food and with
or without friends! The perfect tipple at lunchtime over the week end for those
lucky enough not to work! Of course will be perfect anytime, after work, as an
aperitif, with tapas or just around a cozy fire place or a braai with friends,
yet not to forget item number one in a picnic basket, the options are endless,
let your imagination flow.
The Roodeberg Rose is a
clean, crisp and dry Rose, that is juicy and full flavored, fill with
personality, charming and table friendly, this is a top notch South African
Rose perfect for European spring and summertime, cheers
Waterkloof releases 2012 vintage of its famed dry rosé
Circumstance Cape Coral Mourvèdre the epitome of
elegance
Waterkloof Estate’s commitment to sustainable wine farming ethics, yields rosy results for this awe-inspiring cellar on the elevated outskirts of the Helderberg Winelands, which is evident in the latest 2012 vintage of its elegantly dry rosé – Cape Coral Mourvèdre – the blushing pride of the estate’s expressive Circumstance collection.
This internationally famed rosé with its pale coral hue, is made with serious intent and shows great harmony, with a decidedly more masculine character and persistence than one might expect from a pink drink.
The newly released Circumstance Cape Coral 2012 is a sophisticated rosé that is not overly fruity with a dry, yet firm character and delicate spicy nuances. Sensual red fruit, spice and some earthiness linger with great persistence, ending with a tight, dry finish, whilst the herbaceous flavours becoming more prominent as the wine ages.
The hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed Mourvèdre grapes used for this luminous rosé, stem from the Stellenbosch region, characterised by mild winters and long hot summers, with the vines planted in cool, deep red soils which provide adequate water for this late ripening variety.
Waterkloof follows time-honoured traditional winemaking techniques in its state-of-the-art gravitational cellar and in their pursuit of more individually styled wines, the team relied on natural, wild yeast fermentation which took five months to complete. The wine was left on the primary lees for another five months to add further complexity before bottling.
Its fruity yet drier taste makes the Circumstance Cape Coral 2012 a versatile wine from a drinking and food pairing point of view. It is quintessentially the chosen accompaniment for seafood indulgences such as sushi, crayfish and crab and also stands up well to mild curries and spicy Thai cuisine. Vegetarians will love it with light mushroom dishes such as a fresh herb and truffle infused tagliatelle.
Rosé aficionados can get the Circumstance Cape Coral 2012 – selling from R85 per bottle – at the Waterkloof cellar, selected wine outlets and leading fine dining restaurants.
For more information or wine orders contact Waterkloof Estate at Tel: 021 858 1292 or
visit Waterkloof Wines
Exclusive Clos Malverne wines now a virtual reality
‘Online cellar’
provides access to award-winning, handcrafted wines
Clos Malverne winemaker
Suzanne Coetzee
Family-owned Clos
Malverne Wine Estate, renowned for its repertoire of classic, handcrafted wines
stemming from the picturesque Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch, has spruced up
its online wine sales facility for all wine enthusiasts to gain access to its exclusive
cellar.
“If you want to
impress your friends at the dinner table with an elegant, handmade wine of
uncompromised quality which you cannot buy at any supermarket or wine outlet
then look no further than our convenient online wine shop where you can find an
exceptional range of award-winning wines at a click of a button and delivered
to your doorstep in no time,” shares Clos Malverne winemaker Suzanne
Coetzee, guardian of both the vines and the cellar since 2010.
Once dubbed the Cape’s
smallest red wine cellar, Clos Malverne has come a long way from its fledging
days in 1986 when the first wine was made under its own label – a mere 800
bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon. However, over the years owner Seymour Pritchard
has stayed true to a time-honoured winemaking tradition and today his cellar is
one of the few wineries that still uses traditional basket presses – a soft and
gentle way of extracting grape juices most commonly used in champagne
production. In addition the vines are hand cultivated, the grapes hand
harvested and open top fermentation tanks are used in the cellar.
“The basket press
demands dedication in time and labour but produces the softest wines with
delicate tannins, dominant, fragrant fruit nuances and longevity due to the
slow and gentle pressing. Every splendid drop of Clos Malverne wine is made
with dedicated care, craftsmanship and patience and we pride ourselves in
quality consistency. One should never be nervous to open a 10 year old bottle
of Clos Malverne,” adds Suzanne.
Clos Malverne is
primarily known for its classic flagship Cape Blends – the Auret, an age worthy
contribution of the outstanding qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and
Merlot and its Pinotage Reserve which boasts an impressive track record. It is
also making waves with its single best seller, Sauvignon Blanc, which sealed a
second consecutive victory for its 2011 vintage at the 2012 FNB Sauvignon Blanc
Top 10 competition.
All Clos Malverne
wines are exclusive to the cellar or high-class restaurants only, but with the
new virtual wine shop one can gain access to the entire range which is
available for online purchase. First time buyers get a 10% percent discount and
if one bags more than three cases of wine the door to door delivery is
complimentary (in South Africa).
Visitors can also buy
the wines directly from Clos Malverne’s tasting lounge and restaurant – in fact
one actually gets a discount on them if you buy after your dining experience.
With its stunning setting amidst the vineyards and breathtaking views of the
picturesque Devon Valley, The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne is the perfect retreat
to spend a soul-quenching afternoon under the trees, linger over lunch on the
wraparound glass balcony or simply to pamper the senses on chilly, rainy days.
To order your Clos
Malverne wines online click on http://closmalverne.co.za/shop or
contact the estate at Tel: (+27)21 865 2022 for
more information.
NOW OUDE MEESTER TAKES ON SAN FRANCISCO
After capturing the
Best Brandy title at the New York International Spirits Competition late last
year, luxury South African brandy producer, Oude Meester has returned from the
San Francisco International Spirits Competition with a trio of medals. The
most senior of the potstills in the range, the exclusive 18-year-old Souverein
won gold, while both the 12 Year Old Reserve, that took the trophy in New York
and Demant was awardedsilver.
"South African
brandy has established a powerful reputation in the UK and Europe but our
connoisseur offerings are still something of a novelty in the US. Since Oude
Meester's exposure to American trade and consumers last year in New York,
market response has been extremely encouraging. Connoisseurs are thrilled by
the sense of discovery and the levels of excellence they are encountering in a
specialty segment of the deluxe brandy market hitherto unknown to them,"
said global marketing spokesperson, Lee-Anne Lotz.
"Now we have had
another panel, this time from the West Coast, favourably assessing our entries.
Judges were drawn from amongst well-respected spirits buyers and consultants
representing high-end restaurants and hotels, mainstream outlets, as well as
spirits journalists. Their vote of confidence in Oude Meester suggests
very exciting market potential for the brand in the US, coast to coast."
The Oude Meester range
is inspired by Benjamin Franklin, famous US statesman and one of America’s
founding fathers, who also excelled as a scientist, inventor and musician.
For more on Oude
Meester, please go to www.oudemeester.co.za,
or www.facebook.com/oudemeesterbrandy.
Or follow the brand on twitter (@oudemeestersa).
RICH DU TOITSKLOOF RED FOR AUTUMN
Du Toitskloof Merlot
When the air turns
crisp and the leaves brown, most of us yearn for a fuller bodied red wine. Try
the newly released 2012 Du Toitskloof Merlot which will make Autumn seem not
quite so dreary.
The wine is aged for
10 months in French oak resulting in a light smokiness that complements the
ripe mulberry and mint flavours and hint of chocolate on the aftertaste. Enjoy
this rich wine with mushroom risotto, roast beef, steak or smoked fish.
The wine is available
from leading supermarkets and wine shops and retails for around R40
per bottle.
Enjoy singular Pongrácz chocolate pairing at Val de Vie Market
Sunday, 7 April, 10h00
– 15h00, The Market at Val de Vie
Seize the moment with
an exclusive pairing of Pongrácz and fine, handmade chocolates at The Market at
Val de Vie near Paarl on Sunday, 7 April.
Visitors will be
treated to a singular taste experience of three specially fashioned chocolates
custom-made to bring out the unique flavour profile of Pongrácz, Pongrácz Rosé
and the award winning signature Desiderius Pongrácz.
The taste experience
starts off with the flirtatious and lively Pongrácz Rosé and a delicate Rose
Geranium milk chocolate. The smooth cocoa and milk chocolate adds a hint of
sweetness and lifts the fresh berry notes of the seductive Cap Classique. The
romantic embrace of pure roses as the rose geranium flavour of the chocolate
infuses into the Rosé leaves a delightfully refreshing and lusciously
invigorating finish.
Next up, the crisp
Pongrácz stalwart is paired with a velvety Roasted Almond and Lime white
chocolate. The roasted almonds accentuate the biscuit and baked bread nuttiness
whilst the lime lifts the fresh citrus and zest of the Pongrácz. Savour the
full fruit and complexity of this delightful Cap Classique with all the
flavours in perfect harmony.
An irresistible Hot
Plum white chocolate is the alter ego of the luxurious prestige cuvée,
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003. The chocolate, with its full fruit on the nose and
warm, tingling cayenne pepper on the palate, embraces this charismatic
signature Cap Classique. A melding of flavours with great complexity, this
combination is a wonderful mouthful of smooth creaminess and an explosion of
tastes erupting in stages. The finish is divinely elegant and keeps the palate
yearning for more.
A Pongrácz and oyster
tasting will also be on offer at this not-to-be missed event.
The Pongrácz and
chocolate pairing costs R50 per person. The Market at Val de Vie, a fresh goods and craft market,
showcases some of the finest local produce from the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.
It provides the ideal platform for vendors to promote their wares and grow
their businesses, in a beautiful setting that is recognised as one of South
Africa’s top destinations.
The Market at Val de
Vie takes place from 10h00 to
15h00 on alternate weekends during April and May. The next market dates are: 7
April, 14 April, 19 May and 26 May 2013.
Visit www.valdevie.co.za.
For more on Pongrácz, visit www.pongracz.co.za, Facebook or follow
@Pongracz on Twitter.
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