Cape Winemakers Guild Auction

This year’s Guild Platter 5-star wines, Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve 2007 and the acclaimed white blend, Steenberg Vineyards The Magus 2009, are amongst the 19 Platter 5-star wines crafted by members of the Cape Winemakers Guild listed in the 2011 guide.

Etienne le Riche, legendary Cabernet Sauvignon specialist and founder member of the Cape Winemakers Guild, hand selected the grapes personally from one of his prime vineyard sites for his 5-star wine which spent 24 months in new French Oak barrels. He describes the wine as vibrant with fresh, ripe cherry fruitiness and well integrated classic spiciness. The “classy” palate is full and rich, supported by a firm yet fine tannin structure ending in a long finish. This wine fetched on average R3 500 a case of six at the Guild auction.

John Loubser’s renowned white blend of Sauvignon blanc and Semillon was fermented separately in old French oak barrels to capture maximum fruit whilst lees contact for eight weeks enhanced the mouth-feel. Wild and herbaceous with piercing mineral notes, this wine is a true reflection of cool terroir and will age wonderfully with careful cellaring. Its full, vibrant palate with hints of passion fruit and tangerine is elegantly balanced by subtle smokiness. Steenberg Vineyards The Magus 2009 went under the hammer at an average price of R1 400 a case of six at the Guild Auction.

Herewith the full list of 19 5-star wines made by Guild members featured in the 2011 Platter’s South African Wine Guide:

Etienne Le Riche

Cabernet Sauvignon
· Boekenhoutskloof 2008 (Winemaker: Marc Kent)
· Kanonkop 2007 (Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar)
· Le Riche CWG Auction Reserve 2007 (Winemaker: Etienne le Riche)
Grenache
· Neil Ellis Vineyard Selections 2008 (Winemaker: Neil Ellis)
Pinotage
· Beyerskloof Diesel 2008 (Winemaker: Beyers Truter)
Shiraz
· De Trafford 2008 (Red Wine of the Year) (Winemaker: David Trafford)
· Haskell Pillars 2008 (Winemaker: Rianie Strydom)
· Rijk’s Private Cellar 2005 (Winemaker: Pierre Wahl)
Red Blends
· Ernie Els Signature 2007 (Winemaker: Louis Strydom)
· Graham Beck Ad Honorem 2007 (Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira)
· Hartenberg The Mackenzie 2007 (Winemaker: Carl Schultz)
· Spier Frans K. Smit 2006 (Winemaker: Frans Smit)
Sauvignon Blanc
· Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2010 (Winemaker: Pieter Ferreira)
Chardonnay
· Groot Constantia Gouverneurs 2009 (Winemaker: Boela Gerber)
White Blends
· Cape Point Isliedh 2009 (Winemaker: Duncan Savage)
· Steenberg Magna Carta 2009 (Winemaker: John Loubser)
· Steenberg CWG Auction Reserve The Magus 2009 (Winemaker: John Loubser)
Méthode Cap Classique
· Villiera Monro Brut 2005 (Winemaker: Jeff Grier)
Port
· Boplaas Cape Vintage Reserve 2008 (Winemaker: Carel Nel)

The Cape Winemakers Guild comprises some of South Africa’s most respected winemakers with the single minded vision to elevate the standing of the South African wine industry amongst the world’s best through their ongoing dedication to the production of world-class, quality wines.

For the comprehensive list of all of the 5 star wines visit wine.co.za.

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Amongst the top ten best Chardonnays of the world are wines from France, Greece, Austria, Spain, Germany, Canada and South Africa, the only new world wine producer to be included in this elite group. Our best Chardonnay on this list is Lourensford Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay 2009.

CHARDONNAY DU MONDE 2010

Also winning a gold medal is The Abacus Chardonnay – True to Terroir 2008 made by Spier Wines.

Silver Medal winners are:

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Chardonnay 2008

Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2008

Tokara Reserve Collection – Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2008

Riebeek Cellars Chardonnay 2009

Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2008

Eikendal Chardonnay 2009

Durbanville Hills Chardonnay 2009

Danie De Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2009

De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2009

Graham Beck Brut Blanc de Blancs 2009

Bronze medal winners:

Stellenbosch Drive Chardonnay 2009

Moreson Blanc de Blancs Brut Methode Cap Classique Solitaire

De Wetshof Estate Finesse Chardonnay 2008

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Old Cape Wine Festival 2010

Here is the press release:

The one-day festival will see the largest gathering of wine producers and enthusiasts in the Far South ever. Visitors will be treated to the ultimate tasting experience with the opportunity to sample over 100 of South Africa’s best known wines. Over 20 wine producers – including some of South Africa’s most reputable and award-winning labels – will be there. These include Lazanou, Diemersfontein, Springfield, Teddy Hall, De Wetshof, Badenhorst, Cape Point Vineyards, Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia.

 

Every corner of the Cape Winelands map will be represented, including Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Robertson, Wellington, Constantia and the West Coast. Every cultivar grown in the Western Cape is also expected to be showcased, so there is definitely something for everyone. All of the wines available for tasting will be on sale at special festival prices at the Old Cape Wine Shop, while stocks last.

 

Tickets will be on sale on the day at just R40 per person tasting. This includes a wine glass, unlimited wine tastings and sumptuous food tastings. There will also be live music, scenic surroundings to relax in and entertainment for kids. Visitors are welcome anytime between 10am and 5pm and additional parking will be made available on site. There is also a Free Range Coffee Shop and restaurant for those who would like to include a delicious meal. The Blue Water Café offers fresh free range food, stunning views and a great kids’ entertainment area, so booking is essential (021 783 2007).

Adi Badenhorst

 

Organiser of the Festival and owner of the Old Cape Wine Shop, Rael Abramowitz, said: “We are very excited about the amazing response we have had – both from the wine producers attending and from the many people who are very much looking forward to enjoying the wines, the food, the music and the atmosphere at the Old Cape Wine Festival. It’s great to be able to put on a wine festival of this size in the Far South. We have many local wine enthusiasts who can now enjoy a great day out locally. With Kommetjie only being a 35 minute drive from the City Bowl, we are also looking forward to welcoming our city neighbours who will no doubt relish this leisurely day out in the country.”

Date: Saturday 6th March 2010

Time: 10h00 till 17h00

Where: Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie Road, Kommetjie

 

For more information about the Festival, call 021 783 50 54 or visit www.ocws.co.za. For more information about the many other attractions at Imhoff Farm, visit http://www.imhofffarm.co.za

 

 

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Constantia Fresh 2010

INTERNATIONAL SAUVIGNON BLANC TASTING   Date: Friday 26th February 2010

Time: 14h00 – 19h00

Cost: R1,500 per person

Venue: Buitenverwachting old cellar

Taste over 40 local and international wines from some of the best producers in the world, including wines from the Loire Valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand. The tasting will be conducted by representatives from the regions and hosted by Master of Wine, Cathy van Zyl.

FINE DINING EXPERIENCE 

Date: 26th February 2010

Time: 19h30

Cost: R1,500 per person

Venue: La Colombe Restaurant, Constantia Uitsig

Experience matured sauvignon blanc and classic red wines from Constantia Valley and the Loire Valley, matched perfectly with dishes from award-winning chef, Luke Dale-Roberts.

INTERNATIONAL FRESHNESS IN RED WINES TASTING

Date: Saturday 27th February 2010

Time: 11h00 – 13h30

Cost: R700 per person

Venue: Groot Constantia Production Cellar

This international tasting has the objective of exploring and showcasing the freshness found in red wines, including wines from the Constantia Valley, France and Australia.

SAUVIGNON BLANC AND FOOD PAIRING EXHIBITION 

Date: Saturday 27th February 2010

Time: 15h00 – 20h00

Cost: R400 per person

Venue: Lawns of Buitenverwachting Wine Estate

30 Local and regional sauvignon blanc producers will showcase their wines alongside canapes from the top chefs of the Cape. The walk around tasting will be followed by a picnic with live entertainment rounding off the event. Expect to find producers’ wines from all of the main sauvignon blanc districts in South Africa – taste, sample and compare.

Tickets for the event can be obtained from the tasting room at Steenberg Vineyards or from Lida Van Heerden.

Tel: (27) 21 7132211

Email: lida@steenberg.co.za

www.constantiafresh.com

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