Wine Club

February 28, 2020

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Club Wines - March 2020

DELUXE CASE

We are back with Club Wine notes, so sorry for the absence! All deluxe members are on red only boxes for the winter.
Pairs With

Red meat dishes, Lamb casseroles. Also Chocolate!

Seven Springs Syrah

A purple hue to the wine is a tell-tale sign of the Syrah and with this vibrant colour comes vibrant aromas of black currants, plums and cherries and a hint of smokiness. An undertone of dark and decadent chocolate can be detected as well as firm oak, cinnamon and cloves. On the palette the wine is rich, complex and round with a smooth and lush tannin well integrated with the oak, An aftertaste of liquorice and spices fills the senses with a lingering mineral character the Overberg is so well known for. To enjoy this wine fully, we suggest decanting for at least two hours before serving at 18°C.

Pairs with

Beef, lamb & hard cheeses

Andreas Shiraz

Ruby red edges, with deep dark red core. Plums, dry prunes, damsons and cherries with hints of dry mint, cinnamon and violets and notes of spices and herbs. Full and rich, juicy and appealing. Packed with ripe red and black fruits, spicy and peppery, with a soft middle palate finish and notes of bitter dark chocolate. Wine shows well on the finish with good presence of acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-structured, with good body.

Pairs With

Lamb with Rosemary

Doolhof Lady in Red

Garnet red wine with an intense perfumed mélange of red and black fruits with cedar and oak undertones. On the palate, the fruit / oak balance is harmonious with soft, firm tannins, cassis and plum flavours producing a wine of excellent structure. The fruit lingers long on the palate.

Pairs with

Beef Wellington

Doran Vineyards Romy D

An array of red fruits uplifted by aromas of cigar box and dark chocolate followed by fresh notes of cedar/fynbos. This follows through onto the pallet for a mouth- watering experience.

Pairs With

Pork Belly with garlic and sage or beef roulade.

KWV The Mentors Pinotage

Dense in colour and bold in flavour. Abundance of cherries and plums on the nose, with hints of perfume and cloves. Intense concentration on the palate with juicy fruit and well-integrated oak. The silky-smooth tannins contribute to the wine's round and seamless finish.

Pairs With

rich Christmas pudding, chocolate confectioneries, Duck a l'orange, Ostrich and most rich meat dishes.

Doolhof Dark Lady Pinotage

Youthful purple, fresh in colour. A mocha explosion with dark chocolate, rich black fruit, almonds and black cherries on the nose. All these elements follow through adding complexity and depth on the palate. Light to medium body with firm, well integrated tannins. Lovely fruit and wood balance, this wine is made to enjoy young.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs with

Fresh mussels, fish or Cape rock lobster in lemon butter, excellent with poultry, and a great companion to any picnic.

Doolhof Cape Crane Chenin Blanc

Light straw in colour, with a green tint, the nose is complex and fresh with Cape gooseberry, citrus and a touch of ripe melon. The palate crisp and refreshing, well balanced with a lingering zesty finish.

Pairs With

Smoked chicken salad; smoked trout with dill mayonnaise; tuna Carpaccio; or Squid Ink Pasta with chilli and garlic.

Spier Signature Sauvignon Blanc

Intense aromas of gooseberries, passion fruit, green fig with some green bell pepper under tone on the nose. The palate is fresh and mouth-watering with a well-balanced acidity.

Pairs With

Fish & chicken dishes

Buitenverwachting Buiten Blanc

This Sauvignon Blanc led blend of ripe gooseberry, green peppers, green melon and hints of tropical fruit.

Pairs with

Roast Lamb, Eland medallions, Italian pasta or pizza. An excellent match with Chicken Coq au Vin or Lamb stew.

Doolhof Cape Boar

Red plum in colour, with blackberry, cherry, truffle and cedar wood on the nose. The palate, medium in body, shows an abundance of fruit, softness and fine subtle tannins towards the back. The wine has a dry and lingering finish.

Pairs With

Juicy rump or sirloin steak

Spier Signature Shiraz

Flavours of spice and ripe plums on the nose and palate with an undertow of bruléed sugar. Gentle soft tannins and a creamy aftertaste.

Abraham and the Heretics is something of a tongue-in-cheek challenge to those non-believers to accept the variety into their vinous lives.

Pairs with

Red meats, particularly beef and lamb dishes.

Doolhof Dark Lady Pinotage

Garnet red wine with an intense perfumed mélange of red and black fruits with cedar and oak undertones. On the palate, the fruit / oak balance is harmonious with soft, firm tannins, cassis and plum flavours producing a wine of excellent structure. The fruit lingers long on the palate.

November 01, 2019

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Club Wines - November 2019

DELUXE CASE

Pairs With

Grilled fish, creamy Alfredo pasta and salads.

Vondeling Chardonnay

Refreshing nose of bright pear and peach blossoms with subtle lemon meringue and notes of freshly rolled oats. A full-bodied wine with great palate tension. Crisp apple and chalky citrus are infused with mild layers of Crème Brulé, spun sugar and floral potpourri. The flavours are vibrant, and the finish refined.

Pairs with

Shrimp and shellfish, smoked salmon, caviar, fried calamari and oysters.

Lammershoek The Innocent CVS

Chenin Blanc, 16% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Harslevelu, 8% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier

Bright straw colour white.Fresh crisp fruit, floral tones, rose petals and hints of spice. Fresh, fruity and crisp upfront palate with a soft and rounded mid palate that lingers. A long after tasting.

Pairs With

Chicken, Pork or Turkey dishes.

Buitenverwachting Hussey's Vlei Sauvignon Blanc

The wine has a pale lemon yellow colour and a bouquet reminiscent of green peppers combined with herbaceous aromas. The wine is dry, full bodied and has a long lingering finish.

Pairs with

Prime Rib, Filet Mignon

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon

Full bodied, deep ruby red colour. Attractive black currant and mocha flavours with a complex palate and long, dry finish.

Pairs With

Meat dishes, whether dry aged beef cuts or venison, the choices are without limits.

Lammershoek The Innocent SMG

53% Syrah, 21% Pinotage, 13% Zinfandel, 7% Mourvedre, 4%Carignan,1% Grenache, 1% Chenin Blanc

Bright Ruby Red. Dark Fruit, Spices with hints of Cacao. At first you will find a soft and rounded mouth feel with a ripe and lingering tannin structure towards the end.

Pairs With

Game birds or Roast pork.

Annexkloof Malbec

The Flagship wine of Annexkloof. This soft, elegant 100% Malbec with the ripe tannins and musky undertones is still winemaker. Aged for 14 months in French Oak.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs with

Fish & Seafood.

Simon & Huguenots

97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillion from Stellenbosch

Great value wine. Aromas of citrus and gooseberry. Lively acidity.

Pairs With

Creamy chicken dishes.

Millberg Chenin Blanc

Clean, fresh and lively with aromas of guava, pineapple and melon. Fresh and floral on the palate with a soft mouth feel, just off dry and balances the aromas well.

Pairs With

Prawn risotto, lobster, soft cheeses and sunshine.

Vondeling Petit Blanc

Striking, pale lime colour. The nose has pronounced tropical aromas of guava,The wine has a striking, pale lime colour. The nose has pronounced tropical aromas of guava, passion fruit and melon with an interesting floral, potpourri twist. On the palate you can enjoy white peach, kiwi fruit and pink lady apple, underpinned by a delightful flinty freshness and delicate citrus finish. Full and fresh.

Pairs with

Mexican dishes or BBQ Beef Rib

Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage

Medium to full bodied with ripe boysenberry and mulberry, savoury spice, milk chocolate and toasty wood flavours, leading to a nicely poised finish with a bright crisp finish.

Pairs With

Sausages or BBQ meats

Abraham & the Heretics

One can imagine the brief given to Abraham Izak Perold who perfected the crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault in 1924: ‘Professor, we want you to create a uniquely South African grape variety that has all the nobility of Pinot Noir but the high-yielding potential of Cinsault’. Pinotage is what they got.

Abraham and the Heretics is something of a tongue-in-cheek challenge to those non-believers to accept the variety into their vinous lives.

Pairs with

Lamb with Apricots, Duck with prunes.

Vasco & The Explorers

Touriga Nacional

Deeply coloured, concentrated and tannic, Touriga is also distinguished by its fragrance and perfume.

October 29, 2019

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Club Wines - October 2019

DELUXE CASE

Pairs With

chicken tagine or aromatic Asian dishes.

Vondeling Babiana

4% Chenin Blanc, 19% Viognier, 8.5% Roussanne & 8.5% Grenache Blanc

Named in honour of Babiana Noctiflora, which is a rare species of fynbos found only on the Paardeberg Mountain.

Babiana is made predominantly from old Chenin Blanc vines planted in 1986. Its age and low yield ensure consistent quality and concentration, which forms the backbone of this blend. The fullness of the Chenin Blanc is tempered by the verve and high aromatics of the Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne. All grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness and refrigerated for 24 hours. The Chenin Blanc is whole bunch-pressed and no sulphur is added to promote wild yeast development. The unsettled juice is then rapidly transferred to barrel for natural fermentation. Although a nerve-racking process, this method lends structure, complexity and longevity to the wine. The Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier are destemmed and cold fermented for 8 days on the skins before being basket-pressed directly to barrel to complete fermentation. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is matured for 10 months on the lees before being racked, blended and bottled.

The wine has a pale-yellow colour with a bright green hue. The nose gives great tension and poise, brimming with roasted almonds, sweet cashews, Turkish delight, lime zest, apricot and orange marmalade, wild honey and pineapple. A fresh, vibrant and textured palate offers weighted density and length. Layers of rolled oats, white pepper, floral jasmine, mint, ginger and creamy lemon meringue are aptly supported by subtle and reserved oak presence. Babiana is a complex wine suitable to many an evening dish.

Pairs with

Shrimp and shellfish, smoked salmon, caviar, fried calamari and oysters.

Klein Constantia Brut

Grapes are selected from a single block, one of the oldest located on the lower slopes of Klein Constantia. Harvested early in the season in numerous batches to ensure complexity in freshness, fruit and intensity.

Bright and pale gold in appearance. An intense nose with vibrant flavours of stone fruit and citrus blossom, with a hint of brioche and lime zest. The upfront palate boasts precise bubbles, a concentrated mouse and lively fresh citrus flavours concluding with a crisp flinty finish.

Pairs With

Mild, creamy curries and spicy noodle dishes like Pad Thai.Chicken tagine or poached Salmon.

Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Viognier

Grapes were harvested very ripe. Settled for 24 hours at 10-12°C after which it was racked and inoculated. Slow alcoholic fermentation at 14-16°C in tank. 30% was fermented in new and 2nd fill 300L French oak barrels and the remaining 70% in stainless steel tanks. Making use of different yeast strains adds to the overall complexity of the wine. Wine was kept on the lees and stirred twice a week for the first 2 months to add to the mouthfeel and wood integration of the wine.

Apricots, orange peel, citrus and biscuit aromas explodes in the glass and then follow through to the palate for a rich mouth feel with a lingering orange marmalade aftertaste.

Pairs with

Barbecued leg of lamb, slow-cooked pork belly with root vegetables and tomatoes.

Vondeling Monsonia

(Shiraz 67%, Mourvédre 21%, Carignan 8% & Grenache 4%)

Vondeling Monsonia is named after Monsonia Speciosa, a very rare species of fynbos (vegetation type occurring in the Western Cape region of South Africa) found in the Paardeberg mountain, the home of Vondeling wines.

After being chilled overnight, bunches are partially destemmed, but not crushed, and whole berry fermentation takes place in open-top fermentation tanks. An initial two-day period of cold soaking is applied before wild yeast fermentation is allowed to commence. During fermentation, hand plunging, commonly known as "punch downs" is the method of mixing and extraction. After fermentation, the wine is pressed in a traditional boutique size basket press. All wine is then transferred directly to barrel where malolactic fermentation takes place. Only large format French oak barrels are used, with about one-third new and the rest 2nd and 3rd fill. The wine is allowed to mature for 16 months before a final barrel selection, blending and bottling takes place.

The wine has a vibrant ruby red colour with a dash of purple. The nose is refined opulence personified. Bright violets are infused with dark fruit with just a hint of earth and wood smoke. Sweet spices abound, rich in cloves, subtle nutmeg and aromatic coriander. The palate is alive with redberry fruit and has a chocolaty richness with undertones of wild herbs. The wine has a full, viscous texture and a lingering finish.

Pairs With

Meat dishes, whether dry aged beef cuts or venison, the choices are without limits.

Kanu Shiraz

The grapes were harvested by hand from a single vineyard in Stellenbosch. The grapes were carefully hand sorted prior to a light crushing and a bleeding (saignée) of some 35% was taken from the pulp. The pulp macerated for a short period in open stainless steel fermenters and then inoculated with selected cultured yeast. Regular, but gentle automated punch downs were done until fermentation was completed. The wine was left on its skins for a further 14 days before being pressed in small batches in a traditional basket press. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels and further 16 months maturation in 500 L French oak barrels. The wine was racked twice during its maturation cycle. The wine was racked, lightly fined with fresh egg whites to polish the tannins, filtered and finally bottled. The Shiraz spent 16 months in 100% seasoned barrels, all French oak.

Good, intensity in colour. Decadent and voluptuous nose, all accentuated by a subtle vanilla. Loads of spice and fruit with lovely violet and lily notes. A lovely fragrant wine, sleek and sensual, well balanced acidity, layered richness and a long finish.

Pairs With

Chicken, Fish & Portobello mushrooms

De Kleine Wijn Koop Knapsekerel

The Kleine Wijn Koöp is a collaboration between some young blokes, making bona fide African wines from around the Cape, and having a massive amount of fun. This is the second release of Knapsekêrel (which refers to a spiky little black plant), a limited-edition Cabernet Franc from the Polkadraai Hills, west of Stellenbosch. The vineyard was planted in 2000 and is farmed biodynamically by Rosa Kruger and Johan Reyneke. Whole berry natural fermentation, and aged for 18 months in old 225-litre French oak barrels.

A refined, almost Loire-esque Cabernet Franc, the sort of flavours you're getting are raspberries, earth, lavender and dried herbs. Supple and soft, with an angular structure that fades in and out, making it an ever-evolving, fascinating drink. Just 600 bottles made, and fewer than 200 made their way to the UK.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs With

Chicken salad with added apple or pear.

Diemersfontein Chenin Blanc

Grapes were picked at two different ripeness levels, de-stemmed, crushed and given 2 hours soaking in the press. After pressing, the juice settled in tank for 3 days and was inoculated with yeast. Low fermentation temperatures of 13 degrees were maintained for the 3 week fermentation period. The wine was racked and prepared for bottling.

This unwooded Chenin Blanc boasts with a bouquet of fresh guava, white pear and passion fruit. These tropical nuances follow through to the palate, finishing with a well-balanced acidity and a lasting finish.

Pairs with

Shellfish and bouillabaisse

Horse Mountain White Blend

This is a blend of Chenin, Viognier, Roussanne & Grenache Blanc with the wine nicely portraying the individual characteristics of all four cultivars (varietals). The Chenin citrus mid palate is comple- mented by the Viognier’s dried apricots and together with the Roussanne’s pungent perfume and the Grenache’s texture it makes for a wonderful wine.

Pairs With

Fish, Seafoods and salads

 

Buitenverwachting Buiten Blanc

97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillion

This full bodied Sauvignon Blanc based blend offers a variation of fruit characters including ripe gooseberry, green peppers, green melon and hints of tropical fruit.

Pairs With

Beef, Lamb or Venison

Rocco Bay Soft Smooth Red

A smooth blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Juicy and mouth watering array of sweet summer fruit wrapped up in smooth, soft tannins.

Pairs with

Pizza, pasta & Meatballs

Vondeling Signal Cannon Merlot

A cheerful aroma of ripe red fruits, peppery spice and a hint of toasted oak. A wonderful of Merlot, with loads of red berry flavours and gentle tannins. The wine has a well rounded, vibrant palate with subtle oak and a delightfully long finish.

Pairs With

Lamb, duck confit, assorted aged cheese

Del Pedregal Tannat Merlot Cabernet Blend

A bright, clean intense ruby. The nose is complex and filled with hedgerow berry flavours. The mouth is warming and filled with blackberry and blueberry fruits.

September 03, 2019

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Club Wines - September 2019

DELUXE CASE

Pairs With

Chicken and Seafood

Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc

Right balance of Old World minerality and length with hints of New World palate coverage and body. It is a wine that favours origin expressive individuality, minerality and palate complexity ahead of pure, pungent varietal aroma. A significant percentage of fruit from clay-rich soil has added an intense mid-palate structural component and addition overall complexity to this wine.

Pairs with

Fish, Seafoods & Salads

Ashbourne Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay

Fresh, vibrant, perfumed Sauvignon blanc, filled-out and enriched with a carefully judged unwooded Chardonnay component, make this a beautifully balanced and highly versatile wine. More than two decades of family experience have gone into this unique blend.

Pairs With

Rich creamy fish, chicken or vegetable dishes

KWV The Mentors Chenin Blanc

Intense flavours of honeysuckle, apricot and nougat supported by notes of green figs, limes and macadamias. It is truly a polished creation. The creamy and textured palate is complemented by pure fruit, with a clean and vibrant finish.

Pairs with

Mature beef, venison, lamb and ostrich dishes with berry jus or strong cheese.

Spier 21 Gables Pinotage

This hand crafted boutique wine has been matured for more than 18 months in French oak barrels and bottle matured. Intense Ruby Garnet in colour. Plums, dry prunes, damsons and cherries with hints of dry mint, cinnamon and violets and notes of spices and herbs. Full and rich, juicy and appealing. This wine is packed with ripe red and black fruits, spicy and peppery with a soft middle palate finish and notes of bitter dark chocolate.

This wine is made with carefully selected and hand-picked grapes.

Pairs With

Game, BBQ Meats and curry

Ashbourne Pinotage/Cinsault

Lower alcohol unwooded blend of Pinotage and Cinsault. It is made from grapes sourced from old vineyards in the Swartland appellation, for open generosity of palate in the year of production. The richness and depth of the Pinotage is freshened by the lightness and brightness of the Cinsault.

Pairs With

BBQ Meats

Eekhoring Red

Cape blend of Cinsaut, Syrah and Pinotage

This Cape blend is made in a light-to-medium bodied style. It had a very light press, giving it just enough 'grip', but not too much. Think of it like a soft, flavourful minute steak just lightly seared, with a few good cracks of black pepper.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs With

Pork, Chinese food, mild curries, liver pâté and baked puddings.

Nederburg Chenin Blanc

Intense aromas of sweet-melon, gooseberry and kiwi with lovely citrus undertones. A well-balanced wine with delicate layers of stone fruit and citrus undertones. The wine has a fresh finish with lime notes towards the end.

Pairs with

Thai green salad or seafood

Barton Pinot Noir Rose

Onion skin in colour with a fruity nose. Soft and elegant with cherries and raspberries on the palate with a prolonged aftertaste.

Pairs With

Fish, Seafoods and salads

 

Eekhoring White Blend

Eekhoring is Afrikaans for "squirrel", and an exciting new collaboration between us and the talented guys behind De Kleine Wijn Koöp in Stellenbosch, South Africa. It's predominantly Chenin Blanc, with an eclectic cocktail of alternative varieties, mostly from the Swartland and from vines up to 38-years-old. The grapes were fermented in a mixture of stainless steel and old oak barrels. It has the hallmarks of the great Chenin-based Cape white blends: a textural, multi-layered, crisp, with floral aromas, some beeswax, then plush stone fruit on the palate, finishing dry and long.

Pairs With

Sunday roast

Vondeling Petit Rouge

100% Merlot

Vibrant, fruit filled aroma of sleek cherries, subtle raspberry and soft, black pepper. The nose carries through beautifully to the palate and is nicely supported by refined tannins with a smooth finish.

Pairs with

Pork chops, hard cheese or Chicken dishes.

KWV Shiraz

Fruit sweetness with aromas of blackcurrant, plums and raspberries with dried herbs. Undertones of cinnamon and cloves with a juicy palate. Integrated tannins and a long finish.

Pairs With

Beef or lamb dishes

KWV Pinotage

Aromas of red cherries, plums and fruit cake. Sweet, juicy tannins with hints of chocolate and pomegranate. Soft and beguiling.

July 31, 2019

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Club Wines - August 2019

DELUXE CASE

Pairs With

Shellfish, pork, veal, chicken, game birds or dishes with cream sauces. Cheese, hard and soft

Garajeest Jim Semillon

100% Semillon - only 3000 bottles!

Very intense and bright, overall impression is fresh with seriously quenching acidity that balances the smooth, mouth-filling texture. Grip and shape. Grassy, then tropical fruit and umami notes. Very long.

Pairs with

Fish, shellfish, chicken, pork or other white meats.

Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc displays textbook aromas and flavours of green fig, gooseberry and lime. Grassy herbal notes are supported by elegant underpinnings of mineral and chalk.

Pairs With

Seafood as well as chicken and pasta dishes, vegetables and fresh summer salads.

Two Horses, A Peacock and A Horse

The wine is translucent with a bright green hue. The nose is opulent with aromas of passionfruit, pear, lemongrass, litchi and grapefruit The palate is lively and concentrated with flavours of tropical fruits, gooseberry , creamy richness from the extended lees contact and lingering with fresh acidity and minerality.

Pairs with

Grilled or roast beef, BBQ meats

Andreas Shiraz

This hand crafted boutique wine has been matured for more than 18 months in French oak barrels and bottle matured. Intense Ruby Garnet in colour. Plums, dry prunes, damsons and cherries with hints of dry mint, cinnamon and violets and notes of spices and herbs. Full and rich, juicy and appealing. This wine is packed with ripe red and black fruits, spicy and peppery with a soft middle palate finish and notes of bitter dark chocolate.

This wine is made with carefully selected and hand-picked grapes.

Pairs With

BBQ Red Meat or chicken, pastas & spicy Asian style dishes.

Kottabos

Grenache/Syrah

The Kottabos series is a project of exploration in the Stellenbosch hills. The sole purpose is to showcase what this unique terroir has to offer. A new-wave Grenache Syrah blend that also happens to be entirely Stellenbosch. A captivating nose of pomegranate, candy floss, earth and spice while the palate is light and fresh yet very flavourful, the tannins fine and supple. Super stuff!

Pairs With

Steak or "Posh" burgers.

Barton Winemaker's Reserve

57% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec

Bordeaux style blend with dense saturated purple colour with violet, chocolate and ripe mulberry aromas followed on the palate by cassis and a hint of almond. This full bodied wine exhibits ripe tannins, exquisite balance and a long subtle velvety finish. Will age with distinction.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs With

Prawn risotto, lobster, soft cheeses and sunshine.

Vondeling Petit Blanc

Old vine Chenin Blanc planted on south facing slopes. All the fruit is hand-picked on taste at an optimum ripeness.The grapes are picked in the cool, early hours of the morning and processed immediately. The grapes are destemmed and chilled further before they are pressed. This short supply from vine to press ensures minimal degradation of the fruit aromas. The free run juice and press juices are kept separate from each other and treated according to their individual character. The wines are cold fermented in small stainless-steel tanks and are 100% unwooded. This method locks in freshness and vigour, which elevates the natural aromatics. After fermentation, the wines are matured on the yeast lees to promote mouth feel and creaminess, before they are blended, stabilized and bottled. The wine has a striking, pale lime colour. The nose has pronounced tropical aromas of guava, passion fruit and melon with an interesting floral, potpourri twist. On the palate you can enjoy white peach, kiwi fruit and pink lady apple, underpinned by a delightful flinty freshness and delicate citrus finish. Full and fresh.

Pairs with

Sesame coated chicken goujons and grilled goats cheese crottin on crisp bruschetta.

Spier Chenin Blanc

Grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and slightly crushed before pressing and brief contact on the skins. Free run juice settled in the tanks overnight. The following morning the clear settled juice of the individual block selections (some kept separate and some blended) were racked from their lees and inoculated with selected yeast strains. Fermentation was temperature controlled. Maturation occurred on the fine lees for another three months to give extra body and elegance. The wine is not oaked.

This Chenin Blanc is both crisp and fruity with green guava, pear, apple and hints of litchi on the nose. A well-balanced palate and a strong finish.

Pairs With

Salads, fish or cream-based chicken dishes.

 

Patatsfontein Patatsblanc

Old vine Colombard and Chenin Blanc

Winemaking for the wine involved spontaneous fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in barrels of various sizes, none new. A detailed and captivating nose of fynbos, potpourri, naartjie, kumquat and peach while the palate is incredibly dense and full flavoured but not weighty. Great structure, composure and length without being at all forced, it makes a huge impression.'

Pairs With

Barbecue meats or roast lamb

Horse Mountain Michele

The softness of the Merlot combined with the structure that the Cabernet Sauvignon adds to the wine, results in an elegant wine with lots of berry and dark mint chocolate flavours.A wine for all occasions.

Pairs with

Slow cooked lamb, freshly seared steak and mashed potato with caramelised onion gravy.

Vondeling Baldrick Shiraz

(100% Shiraz)

For this delicious wine, we select the sites and clones which promote greater aromatics and a more accessible palate. In total six clones of Shiraz are used, and each clone enriches the complexity of the final wine. All grapes are hand selected and chilled overnight before being partially destemmed and placed as whole berries in open-top fermenters. The berry mash is cold soaked for 48hrs, before fermenting spontaneously. Fermentation takes place at a cool 22°C. All fermentation is done by wild yeasts. During fermentation, the wine is mixed by hand and not by pump. This method facilitates greater control and expression of the wine. Once fermentation is complete the skins are pressed in a traditional basket press and the wine is transferred to 500L second and third fill French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurs in the barrel and helps to soften and enhance the natural wine flavours. The wine will spend more than a year in barrel to improved maturity and expose more flavours.

The wine a deep purple colour with flashes of scarlet. The ripe plum and mulberry aromas are uplifted with cherry blossom and violets, while infused with subtle cinnamon and aromatic white pepper. The palate is gentle and the tannins fresh but rounded. The aromatics continue into the palate with added blueberry, a hint of roasted black olives and soft-spoken sweet spice. A versatile, vibrant medium-bodied wine.

Pairs With

Braai meats, hard cheeses

Doran Vineyards Pinotage

Partially natural fermented. Maturation: Wine was matured in 225L French oak of various recent ages for 12 months. Profound fragrances of dried prunes and wild cherries, complemented by the subtle notes of clove and cinnamon.

June 27, 2019

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Club Wines - July 2019

DELUXE CASE

Pairs With

Seafood or Cheese

Oak Valley Fountain of Youth

Aromas of passion fruit, white peach and litchi with a slight herbaceous undertone. Flavours of passion fruit persist on the palate, particularly granadilla, lemons, white pear, gooseberry and a lovely saline finish that reminds one of fresh oyster shells or sea salt.

Pairs with

Onion tart, Thai green curry, grilled fish and rich creamy dishes.

Durbanville Hills Collector's Reserve Chenin Blanc

Peaches, apricot, orange peel and a hint of almonds and vanilla. Full bodied with upfront flavours of peaches and apricots, which balance well with zesty citrus flavours and a long lingering finish.

Pairs With

Seafood as well as chicken and pasta dishes, vegetables and fresh summer salads.

Nederburg The Young Airhawk

Layers of intense asparagus, green fig, lime and minerality very well integrated with wood. Fresh and crisp with notes of asparagus and lime and a creamy texture.

Pairs with

Grilled or roast beef, BBQ meats

Barton Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

65% Shiraz and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon

Concentrated berries and white pepper spice can be found on the nose supported by savoury notes . The palate shows dark, juicy fruit. Good wood and tannin integration.

Pairs With

BBQ Red Meat or chicken, pastas & spicy Asian style dishes.

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage

Deep purple red colour, with a bright rim. Notes of raspberry, strawberry and black plum which is balanced by characteristics of sweet spice, vanilla and supple tannins.

Pairs With

Rack of lamb, oxtail and succulent lamb shank.

AnnexKloof Tulu

84% Shiraz, 5% Mourvedre, 11% Grenache

A well-balanced and complex blend. Named after winemaker's father, Toeloe Basson. A strong, full bodied character leading the way. Aged for 14 months in French oak.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs With

Salads, white meat dishes, Seafood

Laborie Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas of granadilla, cut grass and tropical fruit, with hints of lime and minerality. The fresh and zesty palate is well balanced with a linear acidity and fruity finish.

Pairs with

Shrimps Risotto, duck, chicken supreme

Niel Joubert Chenin Blanc

Notes of tropical fruit guava, granadilla and some citrus. Bright and fresh in the mouth with lively action across the palate. All the flavour the nose promised with hint of pineapple and some lemon. Good, brisk acidity gives balance to the ripe tropical flavours. Refreshing finish.

Pairs With

Chicken & spicy dishes

 

Front Row White Blend

Chenin Blanc/Roussanne

A juicy, surprisingly complex wine with intense flavours and aromas of citrus and stone fruit.

Pairs With

Smoked salmon served with rösti, Tomato risotto with Ricotta and pickle onions, Pan-fried Ostrich Fillet Served with Spaetzlie

Niel Joubert Pinotage

Medium to light, grainy edge, blue purple. Ripe plum on the nose with light spice backing. Hints of cherry and light earthiness. Good full mouth with more flavours than the nose suggested. Ripe plum with slight smoky trace. Light, supple tannins with smooth flow across the plate. Dry finish with ripe berry notes and lasting spice.

Pairs with

Braised beef or Moussaka

Del Pedregal Cabernet Sauvignon

Smoked garnet colours with a nose of Christmas spice and chocolate coated cherries. The mouth is earthy and strong but still woven with flavours of strawberry and redcurrant jam. A surprisingly versatile Cabernet for food.

Pairs With

Slow cooked beef stew

AnnexKloof Xena Shiraz

A spicy full-bodied red wine with white pepper undertones. Slight French oak gives this wine a soft tannin structure with a smooth mouth feel. Combining dark berry fruit with a spicy richness makes this wine a drinking pleasure. Able to age for 5 years.

June 01, 2019

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Club Wines - June 2019

DELUXE CASE

Pairs With

Seafood or Cheese

Lourens Family Wines - Lindi Carien

Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Rousanne & Chenin Blanc

Verdelho comes from a 21 year old block and is the oldest Verdelho block in South Africa, according to Sawis.

Franco, assistant to Chris Alheit of Alheit Vineyards, made this wine so that he could make some extra money to buy his then fiancé an engagement ring. He therefore named his wine in honour of his now ever supporting wife Lindi Carien Lourens.

Aromas of pear, white peach and citrus with a light, fresh flavour. Long finish./p>

Pairs with

Thai curry, seafood that has a tomato based sauce

Seven Springs Sauvignon Blanc

Concentrated yet a medium body, soft acidity and a clean, refreshing palate interlaced with flavours of green apple, kiwi and grapefruit. The bouquet has floral notes of elderflower and aromas of gooseberry, litchi and grapefruit. Slight hints of green pepper and fig.

Pairs With

Spicy or curry dishes

Babylonstoren Viognier

Fresh peaches with dried apricot and blossom aromas. The wood contributes to depth, although not strongly noticeable. The mouth-feel is round and creamy from the 30% well integrated French oak (7 months). A floral nose and lime zest finish complete the perfect balance.

Pairs with

Slow cooked lamb stew with rich tomato herb and garlic sauce, green haricots and grilled polenta.

Holden Manz Vernissage

Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Syrah 35%, Merlot 27%

A beautiful collaboration of the typical characteristics of the three cultivars, the nose is showing lots of red berry flavours and black fruit originating from the Cabernet Sauvignon as well as upfront spice and dark cherries from the Syrah and plum from the Merlot. This wine has beautiful ripe, soft and mellowing tannins with good balance and a soft lingering finish. Spice, tobacco and cassis flavours are prominent. Balanced acidity and vibrant flavours compliment this elegant wine.

Pairs With

Smoked pork belly or a mildly spicy Indian vegetable curry.

Creative Block 3

Shiraz 91%, Mourvèdre 6 %, Viognier 3%

Deep ruby red with a purple rim. Subtle perfumed notes of blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry, pomegranate and mulberry are followed by spicy flavours of black pepper and coriander. The silky, rich mid-palate is complemented with concentrated fruit and dense, silky tannins.

Pairs With

Rack of lamb, oxtail and succulent lamb shank.

Babylonstoren Babel

25% Shiraz, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 9.5% Merlot, 9.5% Cabernet Franc and 8% Pinotage

Intense red colour. Pencil shavings and sweet tobacco with mulberry, cherries and dark chocolate on the nose. A balanced fusion of dark red berry and chocolate flavours with a soft mouthfeel and juicy, lingering finish.

CLASSIC CASE

Pairs With

On its own, or with oysters, sushi and other delicate seafood dishes.

Laborie Blanc de Blancs

100% Chardonnay

Aromas of green apple and citrus. Hints of lime are accompanied by aromas of toasted bread and hazelnut. The palate is creamy, round and textured with an explosive acidity and lasting, elegant finish.

Pairs with

Chicken, seafood or salads

KWV Vinecrafter Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp, citrus notes. Perfect for summer.

Pairs With

Chicken Supreme, Shrimp Risotto

 

Lionhound White Blend

Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier

An upfront, tropical array of juicy white peach, pineapple and orange blossom with a hint of citrus.

Pairs With

Shepherd's Pie/Lamb chops

Del Pedegral Merlot

Vibrant red in the glass. With a nose of redcurrants and strawberries. The palate is surprisingly spiced for a merlot, with a sharpness balancing the red berry fruit woven through an intense mouth feel.

Pairs with

Burgers or Moussaka

Lionhound Cabernet Sauvignon

Upfront notes of mulberry, mint and plum with a hint of leather and wood spice run seamlessly onto a juicy midpalate and long finish.

Pairs With

Slow cooked beef stew

Hathersage Cabernet Sauvignon

A complex bouquet dominated by aromatic ripe berries with underlying earthy notes. On the palate the wine is full bodied, supported by elegant structured tannins that give way to a lingering finish of pencil shavings and dark chocolate.

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