Neil Ellis, from his winery and estate in Stellenbosch, pioneered the planting and sourcing of grapes from cooler, relatively unknown regions of the Cape, such as Elgin and Groenekloof. In the Darling hills, 50km north of Cape Town, the cold winds from the icy South Atlantic waters provide the perfect climate for producing top quality Sauvignon Blanc. This is a mouthwateringly fresh and supremely well balanced wine displaying aromas of tropical fruits with herbaceous and capsicum notes. A crisp, steely but fully ripe palate with an elegant and long, concentrated finish.
Bon Courage Chardonnay 2011
Leading wine writers Hugh Johnson and Robert Joseph agree Robertson stands out in the Cape for quality and value. Bon Courage is firmly at the forefront of its top wineries coming away from the South African Young Wines Show 2009 with nine Champion Wines and 19 Gold medals. Replanted in the 1960s with Chardonnay and Sauvignon, the estate has 175 hectares of beautifully mature vines producing intense flavours. Grapes were picked at night and early morning to maintain maximum freshness. The juice of the crushed grapes was left on the skins for 24 hours to extract all those evocative pear and apple aromas. This has lovely balance and loads of easy South African style! Enjoy by the glass anytime or with grilled fish, roast chicken or pork.
The Durif Collection
Our customers were ahead of the curve in their appreciation of inky black Durif. You all seem to love the concentrated plum and blackcurrant to be found in gems like The Show Stopper, The Boxer and new star from the Cape, The Back Road. Durif and Shiraz make a fine partnership as you can taste in The Black Stump, new luxury gem Both Barrels and the lavish example from Australia’s De Bortoli family.
Groenendal Vineyards Merlot 2011
Wellington, in South Africa’s Cape region, has excellent soils and climate – which is why you’ll find so many vine nurseries there. Planted over 300 years ago, the vines at Groenendal are some of the oldest in the region. The owners, originally from France’s Loire region, used to vinify their own grapes, but more recently have begun sending them to the nearby Bovlei winery, where winemaker Frank Meaker takes control.Frank’s grandfather Paul Sauer was the founder of the famous Kanonkop Estate, and Frank knows just when to harvest to catch the fruit at perfect ripeness – important in warm vintages like 2011. With classic plum and cherry flavours, this smooth, powerful Merlot will make a fine partner to roast lamb, duck or spicy pork dishes.
Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc 2010/2011
Robertson Winery is highly regarded for producing wines of excellent character and consistency of which this is no exception! Crammed full with pineapple, melon and green apple fruits complemented by a firm structure and balancing acidity.