Bruce Jack, the man behind this stunning white, has just been named South Africa’s Winemaker of the Year – twelve months after his Flagstone cellar scooped Winery of the Year. Helped by a glorious 2009 Cape vintage, Bruce has triumphed again by rounding out classic, zippy Chenin (South Africa’s white speciality) with soft, aromatic Viognier. He learned his craft at iconic Aussie wineries Grant Burge and Simon Hackett and also worked a vintage in Bordeaux, where he was struck by lightning while forklifting a pallet of wine! It could be the source of all his energy, not to mention his talent for super-charged whites! Truth is, he knows the technical side of winemaking inside out and has a real passion for every wine he makes. The Chenin comes from old, bush-trained vines and gives this wine great concentration and structure. Viognier adds honeysuckle scents, spiced peach flavours and creamy texture. A gentle kiss of oak and Bruce’s all-round brilliance make for a very memorable white that excels with pan-fried scallops or char-grilled king prawns.
