A paradise for surfers, Western Australia is also home to some of Australia’s finest wineries. West Cape Howe can certainly be counted among them, situated as it is in Denmark, right on the coast of the Great Southern region. It was founded and run by Brendan and Kylie Smith for a “highly successful seven years” (James Halliday), before they sold up in 2004 to Gavin Berry, former winemaker to legendary Plantagenet Wines, and viticulturalist Rob Quenby. Together they make an impressive team.This is their showpiece Chardonnay, cool fermented on its lees for two months for extra weight and complexity, but unoaked, so very elegant and fresh in style. It’s a top drop on its own and will make a fine partner to grilled fish or seared scallops.
Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Robertson
A fresh, dry and intensely fruity varietal Sauvignon Blanc. Robertson Valley is situated further inland than most in South Africa, where the daytime climate is hot and dry, but the nights are cool. These growing conditions enhance the zesty gooseberry flavours so common in Sauvignon Blanc.
2010 The Beach House White, Sauvignon/Semillon, Douglas Green, South Africa
Douglas Green began his business with the purchase of the Forrer brother’s Stukvat liquor business in Paarl’s main road in 1938. Recognised as South Africa’s first true negotiant wine producer, he bucked conventional wine trends and ignored regionalism in favour of quality and price. Traversing the Cape winelands seeking out first-rate vineyards and cellars, he sourced grapes and wine to blend in his top quality range of wines.
De Wetshof Estate ‘Nature in Concert’ Pinot Noir
Danie de Wet decided to try his hand at making a quality red wine from this tempremental varietal. He has more than achieved what he set out to do as this wine received a Gold Medal at the Veritas Awards. Fermented on its skins for eight days and then aged in barrel for a further year, this delicious smooth and fruity Pinot, has soft velvet cherry and reducrrants aromas on the nose plus elegant tannins add an extra dimension.
House Recommendations Whites Case
Who said everyday wines had to be ordinary … especially when #5.99 secures bottles like these. Cape Breeze is a green-apple fresh Chenin Blanc from South Africa’s ‘Mr Chenin’ Ken Forrester. If you like Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll love the electrifying tropical fruit of Seven Heroes, and to close the case you’ve crisp Italian Colombella … a mouthwatering blend of Garganega and Pinot Grigio.
