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Dear Wine Lovers!
With all of us slowly shaking off the holiday blues and getting use
to sitting in traffic jams and getting out of bed before the sun rises, the vineyards
are in full bloom and the 2010 harvest is just around the corner. This year will be a
watershed year for South Africa in general, with all the world's eyes on us
hosting the biggest sporting event in the world. However, 2010 will also be a
vintage keenly followed by wine authorities the world over, wondering to
themselves whether the stellar 2009 vintage can be followed up by another top
year for South African wine.
Early indications are that due to the wet weather experienced late in 2009,
downy mildew have reared its ugly head, but, luckily, this has largely been
dealt with by the Cape doctor (South-Eastern wind) coming to the rescue and
drying the vineyards. Also, the hot weather experience so far in January,
is not ideal for
the grapes, as sugar levels rise much quicker than what the grapes ripen, thus
shooting up alcohol levels and forcing winemakers to harvest earlier than ideal.
Luckily, South African winemakers know
all about these challenges and the promise of some truly great 2010 wines are
still very much possible. It is clear that the 2010 vintage will separate the
truly talented winemakers and magnificent viticultural sites from the mediocre
ones.
This month, in honour of the skill of the winemaker and his/her ability to
carefully select the correct "terroir", we are happy to introduce you to
some truly remarkable and individualistic wines, all with great potential, and
made by some of this country's most exciting cellar masters.
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New, unique, individual wines
from talented cellar masters.
Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2009
****
Star Platter 2010
R 71.00 per bottle
When looking at the names of the people behind this mouth-watering Sauvignon
Blanc, it's not surprising that it's generating a bit of a cult following in the
country. Wheaty Louw and his nephew, Thys Louw (from Diemersdal) are the
viticultural brains behind the lable of a farm, who used to only grow
award-winning quality fruit for other cellars. A small quantity is now bottled
under it's own lable and what quality indeed. Unmistakable Durbanville fruit,
with juicy fruit and zesty acidity. Great acid balance and already drinking
superbly. A Sauvignon that is going to sell out fast and which will become a
firm-favourite amongst discerning wine lovers across the country. Drink Now -
2 years
Trizanne Signature Wines White Blend 2008
Not Rated Yet
R 117.00 per bottle
Made by Trizanne Barnard, formerly winemaker at the premium property,
Anwilka in Stellenbosch. This is a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc,
sourced from the cool, Elim, climate. A beautifully balanced wine, with
lemon and tangerine evident backed up by great minerality, which is such a
feature from wine made from Elim grapes. The Semillon is barrel fermented in
older, used oak barrels, which gives the wine a great mouth feel and texture,
without being to over-the-top and oaky. Should be the ideal wine for a fish
braai in the summer. Great length and good ageing potential.
Drink Now - 5 years.
Badenhorst Secateurs Red 2008
*** Star Platter 2010
R 68.00 per bottle
Made by Adi Badenhorst, CWG-member
and former cellarmaster at the renowned Rustenberg Estate in Stellenbosch. A
7-way blend, with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon dominating and Merlot, Pinotage,
Carignan, Grenache and Cinsaut the backing partners. Never one to shy away from
breaking away from the norm, Adi has crafted a wine here with immense power and
longevity even though the price suggest an easy drinking quaffer. As the blend
suggests, this wine develops and changes all the way down the bottle, with loads
of fruit and some oaky, smokiness complimenting the long aftertaste.
Well-crafted wine with quirky packaging, sure to generate a debate or 2.
Drink Now- 3 years.
Louis Nel Cab/Merlot 2007
*** Star Platter 2010
R 101.50 per bottle
Louis, former cellarmaster at Warwick Estate and also member of the
prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), recently released his 2 maiden vintage
wines made from Stellenbosch fruit. His Cabernet/Merlot blend is powerful, yet
jam packed with fruit hinting towards great longevity with beautiful cassis and mint.
Apparently the reason behind his passion for wine is that on his first
birthday his mom used red wine to colour the icing of his cake. Since then his
passion for wine knows no limits, as his craftsmanship is unquestionable. His
Single Vineyard Auction Cabernet Sauvignon, was one of the stand-out wines at
the 2009 CWG-Auction, and this blend was made with the same passion and
commitment. Quality at this price doesn't come by every day. Only made in
limited quantities. Drink Now - 5 years
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Become a member of the unique
FlexiWine
Want to receive Top South African Wine on a
regular basis? Want to take advantage of special offers and limited releases?
Join our wine program with a difference -
FlexiWine.
Unlike other wine clubs, FlexiWine gives you the option to choose what you
want to receive. Tell us what type of wines you like, how often you'd like to
receive them and how much you'd normally pay per bottle of wine, and our
professional wine consultants will shop for you. It's like having your own
personal wine buyer. For more information on this exciting opportunity, please
click here...
Visit our boutique wine shop in the middle of
the Winelands
All of these wines are available to
buy online at www.wineshop.co.za or by
visiting our boutique wine shop, which is located on Delvera Farm
on the R44, right in the heart of the winelands of South Africa. We have
spectacular views over the Klapmutskop Conservancy and Table Bay and offer daily
tastings of wines from the region and beyond. With over 400 labels
featured at any given time, auction wines, older vintages and special releases
on display, you are sure to find something to suit both your palate and wallet.
We are also open 7 days a week and our
professional wine consultants are looking forward to welcoming you when you are
next in the area.
Happy Shopping!
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