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.
Danie de Wet Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Robertson
This Sauvignon comes from the De Wetshof Estate, 16km south-east of Robertson where lime-rich soils, coupled with the cooling effect of coastal breezes create a great environment for slow and measured grape development. This is an elegant white with zesty grapefruit flavours and a mouthwatering dryness.
Barista Pinotage 2009, Western Cape
From the Val de Vie wine estate in the heart of the cape winelands, where wine production dates back to 1825. This is a deliberately modern offering by winemaker Bertus Fourie, who has concentrated on drawing out the coffee-like aromas of South Africa’s signature grape. Intense on the nose, with a bouquet of coffee, chocolate and cherry, with meaty, savoury hints. The tannins are ripe, perfectly suiting the round and mouth-filling plum and mulberry fruit. Drink on its own or with red meat dishes. Bertus’ recommends a blue-cheese-filled brandy snap with chocolate and roasted coffee beans!
Bellingham ‘The Bernard Series’ Viognier 2009, Western Cape
The grapes are hand picked, hand selected and only the best of the best are allowed to form part of this wine. Aromas of peaches and lychees are complemented by spicy undertones of white pepper and cinnamon on the palate. Six months ageing in French oak barrels has added richness to the lingering finish. Will partner delicately flavoured, creamy seafood and poultry dishes.
Boschendal Chenin Blanc 2009, Coastal Region
From one of South Africa’s original wine farms comes this fruity, well-balanced and full bodied wine, distinguishable by its exotic mango and honey aromas. The palate has a core of tropical fruit flavours with hints of nuts and honey, the result of weekly lees stirring in a process called ‘battonage’, which allows for greater richness in the wine.