Shiraz is best known as Australia’s flagship grape, but, not surprisingly, it also thrives in South Africa, which is similarly blessed with plentiful sunshine. Jancis Robinson MW notes, “Shiraz is by far the most fashionable vine variety in South Africa today.” This tasty red is named for Von Dant, a chocolatier famous not only for his love of wine and decadent chocolate creations but also for his great and meticulously groomed moustache. In his own words, “given enough wine and chocolate I could rule the world”. Perfectly ripe, juicy, concentrated Shiraz grapes were hand selected from some of South Africa’s premium wine regions to produce the perfect accompaniment to apricot lamb, chicken curry or, of course, chocolate fondant!
The Chocolatier Shiraz 2011
Shiraz is best known as Australia’s flagship grape, but, notsurprisingly, it also thrives in South Africa, which is similarlyblessed with plentiful sunshine. Jancis Robinson MW notes, “Shiraz is by far the most fashionable vine variety in South Africa today.” This tasty red is named for Von Dant, a chocolatier famous not only for his love of wine and decadent chocolate creations but also for his great and meticulously groomed moustache. In his own words, “given enough wine and chocolate I could rule the world”.Perfectly ripe, juicy, concentrated Shiraz grapes have been handselected from some of South Africa’s premium wine regions toproduce the perfect accompaniment to apricot lamb, chickencurry or, of course, chocolate fondant!
Antony’s Yard 2009, Graham Beck
A Bordeaux style of wine. Red and black fruits on the nose and palate, with hints of cigar box. This is a one-off blend made by Graham Beck, which has been aged for 12 months in French oak.
Laibach Pinotage Rose
Laibach have a very good terroir for this indigenous grape and have a plot of a Pinotage clone planted in 1996 that is ideal for making outstanding Rosé. Handpicked in the cool early morning and then gently crushed to produce the soft ‘free run’ juice. This creates a very light coloured wine and a tiny dash of Malbec(red)is added to enhance the colour to a delightful pale salmon pink. On the nose a lovely array of strawberry, mulberry and hints of cherry entice before exploding in the mouth with concentrated red berry characters. Beautifully balanced with a lively acidity to make this wine fresh and taste even fresher.
Cape Breeze Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2009
Ken Forrester Wines is to South African Chenin Blanc what Cloudy Bay is to New Zealand Sauvignon: widely regarded as the best. Ken started his career in the hotel industry. By 1993, he and his wife Teresa had achieved their dream of buying a historic vineyard in Stellenbosch, complete with a 17th century Cape Dutch homestead. Teresa took on the task of restoring the house while Ken and top winemaker Martin Meinert set their sights on making the world’s finest Chenins.Ken’s wines have won hundreds of awards and been poured at prestigious events including the opening of the Scottish Parliament and Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday. Wonderfully rich and intense yet mouthwateringly fresh. Serve with grilled chicken, swordfish or roast pork.
