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I didn’t realise that you stay in Marina da Gama (although I might have guessed by looking at some of your photos!). My cousin and one of my oldest friends both live there too so I was actually right in your neck of the woods several times. Thank you for the invitation, it’s one I will gladly accept. I will definitely get in touch when next in RSA.

My parents have just (sadly) sold the family house in Bergvliet but I was happy to be able to spend one last holiday there before they move over the mountain to Capri next month. I miss the southern suburbs terribly so something tells me that I won’t be away for too much longer :)

Yes I did manage to visit the beer festival on the last day. I must be brutally honest and say that I think the majority of the beers were fairly sub-standard but there were a few notable exceptions (my favourite being Devil’s Peak Brewing, run by an ex-pat American with a keen skill for American ales). I think the industry has a long way to go but I look forward to chucking in my R0.02 when the time comes.

All the best,
Gary

Good to hear from you!

Thanks for your comments about the wines. I have to say that the Eagles Nest Shiraz is an iconic wine and I hope that you enjoy it. The Viognier is lovely and good with food as is Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc.

Next time you visit home please get in touch and we can share a good bottle on the jetty here in Marina Da Gama!

Did you manage to attend the Cape Town Festival of Beers while you were here?

Happy holidays to you too Gary!

Cheers,

Glenda

Merry Christmas! I know this is verging on blasphemy for a South African, but I’m not the biggest sauv blanc fan! However, that said, I was at Steenberg last month when I popped home to visit my folks and I tasted this wine. I must agree, it’s delightful.

I also finally paid a visit to Constantia Glen and Eagles Nest. I really liked EN’s sauv blanc, I could smell green pepper all day long in it. I left with some, as well as some of their terriffic viognier and shiraz.

Hope all’s well, best of wishes to you and yours for the festive season!
ATB,
Gary

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Kindly furnish me with any day options and menus you have.

Regards
Gretchen
021 550 4050

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Having a great steak is just one of those must-do’s when expats come home! How lucky was that find of the Christine and the fact that it had been stored alright for all that time.

I also use Wine Cellar to keep wines as does my son who lives in Oslo. Had a great tasting there recently featuring young maverick local wine makers.

Tell me where do you buy your wines in London? A friend just asked the question on twitter.

Best,

Glenda

Unfortunately I wasn’t yet collecting Christine when the superb 2003 vintage was available but instead came across a dusty and forgotten bottle at the back of a shelf in the bottle store in Long Beach Mall, Noordhoek.

We drank it after, rather than with a big steak dinner at my favourite steakhouse – The Hussar Grill Rondebosch – and I remember it being the stand-out bottle I had on that holiday and probably one of the most enjoyable bottles of wine I’ve ever had. We also drank a ’05 Hartenberg Stork and a ’98 Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva that night with dinner but neither were as good as the Christine.

PS: I cellar any wine I intend to keep for any length of time at a professional cellar in Observatory (http://www.winecellar.co.za/). They are very reasonable and the wine is stored well, which is perfect for me while I am out of the country.

Did you manage to keep the 2003 Christine stashed away? I have to say that unless we store wine off-site, it does not get much chance to age!

Best,

Glenda