Saturday 1st June 2019: "The Old New World" with Sioned & Peter

Sioned & Peter had a full house of 16 Members at their home in East Preston for an evening of South African Wines.

( All the evening's wines were supplied by www.capreo.com)

The Whites:

1. Spier/Capreo Chenin Blanc 2018, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa; 100% Chenin Blanc; 13% abv; Supplied by Capreo for £8.18

The CAPREO Vintner’s Selection Chenin Blanc shimmers in a pale straw yellow colour with green hues in the glass. The white wine is both crisp and fruity and elates with notes of guava, pears, green apples and a hint of litchi. On the palate, the accessible Chenin Blanc is wonderfully balanced and peaks in a lingering finish. As a dinner companion, it harmonizes well with fish, chicken, and cheese, as well as refined salad variations.

With its Vintner’s Selection, CAPREO offers typical South African wines with an easily accessible character and great value for money. ‘South Africa in a Glass’ – this wine effortlessly keeps this promise. Matured in stainless steel tanks. The wine was left on the lees for three months.

2. Creation (J C Martin) 2018; Overberg, Walker Bay, Hermanus, South Africa; 100% Viognier;  13.5% abv;  Supplied by Capreo for £11.88

It was in the year 2002 that expert winemakers, Jean-Claude, and Carolyn Martin decided to set up a winery in a remote area in the Walker Bay Wine Region of South Africa. Though not much known about these 40 hectares of land before, it was Jean and Carolyn’s conviction that made them realise the wine-making potential of the spot that they had discovered. Since both their families were involved in winemaking, Jean and Carolyn were quite knowledgeable about this process, which gave them the confidence to set up their winery here. The vines selected by this winery are located at the height of about 350m above sea level. The soil is rich in clay and loam, whereas the temperature is always hovering around a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius.

The steep hills found along the Babylon Toren Mountain also add to the beautiful climate in the vines. All of these together result in producing grapes that are of premium quality. It is also one of the most sustainable wineries in South Africa, and it is a member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative Organisation. The winery is very particular about protecting the environment’s natural resources to the maximum possible extent.

The modern and highly efficient cellars were set up in this winery during 2007. Jean & Carolyn wanted to ensure that their winery boasted of world-class infrastructure. The barrels and storage equipment were imported from as far as Germany, France and Switzerland. The huge stainless steel tanks come with automatic temperature controls and they extract the complete flavour of the premium grapes that are fermented in them. You will notice huge, 225-litre barriers made from French oak, in these cellars. These huge barrels are used for maturing red wine. Some of the famous collections of wines here are Art of Creation, Creation Reserve, Creation Estate, Whale Pod and Methode Cap Classique.

3. Warwick White Lady 2017; 100% Chardonnay; Stellenbosch, South Africa; 13.5% abv; Supplied by Capreo for £21.44

Warwick Estate is a family-owned and run winery. Managing Director Michael Ratcliffe is the 3rd generation family member to oversee this high quality boutique operation that has been lauded globally for excellence and consistency. Mike is passionately involved in many aspects of the South African and global wine industry and has held senior leadership positions in industry bodies.

From 1771 til 1902, Warwick Wine Farm was known as the farm ‘De Goede Sukses’. After the Anglo Boer war in 1902, Colonel William Alexander Gordon, Commanding Officer of the Warwickshire regiment decided against returning to England and bought the farm. He renamed it ‘Warwick’ as a tribute to his regiment and the rest, as they say, is history.

Warwick was purchased on April 1st 1964 by Stan Ratcliffe after an extensive search for the best ‘terroir’ in the Cape. Maturation Wild yeast fermented and aged in 225L french oak barrels for 10 months. Tasting Notes Pale yellow in color with a touch of green in the glass. The bouquet has hints of French oak, orange blossom, white peach, lemon zest and hazelnut praline. The palate is full with a medley of citrus fruit, balanced acidity and well integrated oak.

The Reds:

4. Spier/Capreo Pinotage 2017; Stellenbosch, South Africa; 100% Pinotage; 13.5% abv; Supplied by Capreo fo £ 10.76

The CAPREO Vintner's Selection Pinotage shimmers in a beautiful purple shade in the glass. As befits a classic Pinotage from South Africa, this uncomplicated and soft red wine inspires with notes of black cherries, juicy plums and a hint of cinnamon, accompanied by silky tannins.

With the Vintner's Selection, CAPREO offers typical South African wines with an easily accessible character at a very good value for money. "South Africa in the glass", this promise the wine keeps effortlessly. The Pinotage from CAPREO's Vintner's Selection is ideal for dishes with dark meat such as game or hearty pasta. It is also an ideal companion for a relaxed barbecue evening with friends. Matured in French oak for 8-10 months

5. La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2016; Franschoek, South Africa; 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cinsault; 14% abv; Supplied by Capreo for £19.41

An elegant, typically South African style Cabernet Sauvignon, made to reflect varietal characteristics. The dark red colour and big extract reveal a great year for reds. Intense varietal nose with blackcurrant, violets, mint and slight plum. Heavy body, but rounded tannins and fleshy consistency.

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cinsault. Stellenbosch vineyards consist of bush-vines from the Helderberg and Bottelary areas, while Stellenbosch and Nabot vineyards are trellised. Grapes were picked in crates and cooled overnight. After cooling, the grapes were hand-sorted before and after de-stemming, and then inoculated with selected yeasts. For 16 months the wine was matured in 300-litre French oak barrels – 33% new, 33% second-fill and 34% third-fill. Bot River yields good tannin structure and colour, Franschhoek yields pure berry fruit, and grapes from Stellenbosch yield volume and light mint spice. Cinsault lowers the alcohol content and enhances fruit and elegance.

6. Babylonstoren - Babel Rooi 2017; Paarl, South Africa; 25% Shiraz, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot, 9.5% Merlot, 9.5% cabernet Franc, 8% Pinotage; 14% abv; Supplied by Capreo for £20.50

Babylonstoren Babel Red Blend is a complex blend of Shiraz (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%), Malbec (14%), Petit Verdot (11%), Merlot (9.5%), Cabernet Franc (9.5%) and Pinotage (8%), which flows with an intense red into the glass of the connoisseur.

Oak notes and the scent of sweet tobacco characterise the bouquet of the red wine, accompanied by mulberries, cherries and dark chocolate. On the palate, the full-bodied blend, which has matured for twelve months in French oak, impresses with a wonderful balance of dark fruits and chocolate. The soft mouth feel and the long-lasting finish ensure that this red wine is not easily forgotten. A pleasure in itself, the Babylonstoren Babel Red Blend goes wonderfully well with dishes with dark meat, especially lamb is highly recommended.

Matured in French oak for 12 months.

7.  Klein Constantia Anwilka 2014; Constantia, South Africa; 52% Syrah, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petet Verdot; 14% abv; Supplied by Capreo for £ 37.39

Based at the south end of Stellenbosch, with views of False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the 40 hectare red wine property is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Proximity to the sea provides a specific microclimate that, together with the old ferricrete soils, are perfect for producing rich and focused wines.

Under the guidance of internationally well-known Bordeaux wine personalities Hubert de Boüard (co-owner of Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion) and Bruno Prats (former owner of Château Cos d’Estournel in Saint-Estèphe), Anwilka has established a worldwide reputation for this red blend which has been described by Robert Parker as “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa”. Bright and deep ruby in appearance. Fresh and vibrant with aromas of blackberries and black cherries on the nose. Full bodied with an elegant structure, the palate is balanced and complex with a long textured finish.

8. Raats Family cabernet Franc 2016; Stellenbosch, South Africa; 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec; 14.5% abv; Supplied by Capreo for £40.97

The Raats Family Cabernet Franc impresses the connoisseur with a complex bouquet combining notes of lavender, rosemary and thyme. Nuances of cloves, aniseed and nutmeg give it a spicy character. On the palate, the red wine is also very complex. Intense blackberry aromas and mineral tones make the taste experience perfect.

After the harvest the Raats Family Cabernet Franc matured 18 months in French oak, therefore it has a great development potential. You can also enjoy the excellent red wine today with grilled lamb with rosemary crust, chicken in tarragon and duck breast or game with a fruity sauce.

Raats Family Wines is a boutique winery situated in the Polkadraai Hills area of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The Estate was established in the year 2000 and is considered a specialist in crafting world class and truly distinct wines from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc from older vineyards. It is their mission to consistently produce Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc of outstanding quality from South Africa and to establish these wines as international benchmarks.

Raats Family Wines have already earned a stellar reputation internationally as a New World leader in the production of these varietals and regularly receive positive write-ups by esteemed wine reviewers such as Olly Smith, Matthew Jukes, Tim Atkins, James Molesworth, Neil Martin and Jancis Robinson in definitive publications such as Decanter, Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, The Observer, Daily Mail and New York Times. Proprietor and award-winning winemaker Bruwer Raats has received international and local acclaim during his highly acclaimed career as cellar master and viticulturist par excellence.

For Supper, Sioned served Bobotie with Rice (only one recipe of six that Sioned made as variations on the theme...!) followed by Berries, Cheese & Home-made Brown Bread Ice Cream.  Peter noted that "nothing much was left...!".

Dinner Wines:

1. Declaire Graaf 'The View' 2017; Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot/Malbec; 14.5% abv

2. Azana, Wellington - Red Blend NV; Sainsbury's 'Taste the Difference'; 14.5% abv

The Raffle:

1. Bellingham Basket Press Syrah 2016; Fraschoek, South Africa; 14% abv  -  won by Jan & Andrew

2.  Azana, Wellington White Blend NV; Wellington, South Africa; 13.5% abv  -  won by  Alex (we think...!)

Page last updated 11.06.2019