The state-of-the-art cellars of Pulpit Rock are situated on the foothills of the Kasteelberg Mountain in the Riebeek Valley in the Swartland region – the “pulpit” being a well known piece of the craggy background of these lands. There are two vast barrel maturation cellars including a 1,000 ton overall production capacity in the Brink Family cellars. Modern and innovative, these are winemakers unafraid to experiment. This plastic bottle is 100% recyclable, light and easy to carry, is produced with less energy than glass, is robust and will not break and being 1/10th of the weight of glass saved considerable C02 emissions in shipment from South Africa.
Detour Shiraz 2011
Fine Cape Shiraz can combine vibrant New World fruit with a smoky, earthy depth reminiscent of Rhône classics. And the man behind Detour does it beautifully. Pace setting winemaker Charles Back of Fairview Estate and our Six Hats range is also a keen mountain biker. One day, with co-winemakers Anthony de Jager and Charl du Plessis, he came across a special vineyard along one of the many ‘roads less travelled by’ that crisscross the Cape winelands. He ended up buying the grapes that make this brilliant Shiraz, capturing all the ripeness and class of South Africa’s cracking 2011 vintage.Deep red berry fruit flavour with sweet spices and subtle hints of wood smoke. The perfect match for barbecued red meats and slow cooked lamb casserole.
The Bulldozer Pinotage 2012
Tim Atkin MW of The Observer writes: “South Africa’s reds are getting better with every vintage.” Made from the country’s unique red grape, Pinotage, The Bulldozer comes from Bergsig Estate, a medal winning winery that has been in the same family for the last 150 years. The grapes were selected from the oldest vines on the property – so old, in fact, that they are close to being dug up! However, the ominous presence of a bulldozer on the side of their plot seems to scare them into life and each year they produce a modest amount of tiny berries that produce wonderfully concentrated wine.The perfect balance between fruit and spice makes this wine ideal with cold meats, coarse terrines or grilled or barbecued meats – especially lamb.
Seismic, Saronsberg Estate, Coastal Region, South Africa
Nestled at the foot of the mountain after which it is named, Saronsberg wine estate is a contemporary addition to the rich heritage of Tulbagh valley ? an ancient wine region situated 120 kms north-east of Cape Town. It was formed late in 2002, with the aim of producing exceptional wines that express the character and quality of their unique origin. In October 2003, Dewaldt Heyns joined as winemaker ? just in time to witness the final construction of Saronsberg?s cutting edge cellar and avant-garde tasting room. Harvest of the maiden vintage began on 25 January 2004 at 06:01 (Dewaldt misjudged the one minute walk from his house to the cellar), when the farm?s first Sauvignon Blanc grapes were gathered.
White River Chenin Blanc 2012
White River is from the Bergsig Estate, set amongst beautiful countryside in Worcester and dominated by a mountainous backdrop and the sweeping Breede River. The Lategan family have tended the land for over 150 years and young De Wet Lategan made his mark soon after taking the helm, becoming South Africa’s ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’.His sorbet fresh Chenin Blanc is very crisp, thanks to night harvesting of the grapes at the peak of ripeness, while cool fermentation has captured the lively lemon, lime and green apple character. Serve chilled as an apéritif or enjoy with white meat dishes, and pork.