Stellenbosch lies 45 km east of Cape Town. It was established as a wine region in 1679. Soils and climate vary, from sandy alluvial loam along the valley floors and river courses to deep decomposed granite on the hillsides. The climate is tempered by the Atlantic sweeping into False Bay a short drive from the town. It is best known for red wines produced from classic varieties and is home to some of South Africa's greatest estates.
Tasting notes: "Polished and lengthy, with a nice mix of ripe plum and blackberry fruit woven with grilled herb and tobacco notes. The long finish gets a dusting of cocoa powder. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2011. 3,325 cases made. 90 points"
Tasting notes: Producing a wine made up of five Bordeaux varieties to reflect the unique diversity of the Stellenbosch terroir. This wine, made by cellar master Louis Strydom, is Ernie Els and Jean Engelbrecht's vision to produce an exceptional wine, reflecting their respective commitment to quality.
The different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot are kept separate (micro-vinified) throughout vinification. Vinified in 300 litre French oak barrels for 20 months, the wine underwent bottle maturation for a further 18 months. This wine is made in a full robust style and has the potential to age.
Tasting notes: As Jean Engelbrecht gained knowledge and an understanding of Californian wine, he was drawn to the wines of the legendary Californian producer, Silver Oak Cellars, their philosophy and the focused way they ran their operation. Drawing a parallel to his own family estate in South Africa, Rust en Vrede, he noted that both wineries focused on producing only red wine, and even further, concentrating on a specific wine – Cabernet Sauvignon for Silver Oak and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot for Rust en Vrede.
Jean met Ray Duncan, proprietor of Silver Oak, and a friendship was formed. The synergy that developed between the two families, their mutual love for wine, and the challenge to produce a wine together, led to the formation of The Cirrus Wine Company. In 2004 Jean’s longtime friend and business partner, Ernie Els, became part of this exciting venture that was now formed between the three families.
This is Rhone meets South Africa in a spectacular way!
Price: £26.95
Size: 75cl
Colour/style: Red
This item is currently out of stock - please email us or telephone 01483 861164 to order.
Tasting notes: The nose of this youthful wine is dominated by intense ripe plum and cherry aromas. This is backed-up by toffee and mocha which is extracted from the oak. On the palate this wine offers up-front fruit and a good length of cherry flavour. The ripe fruit is complimented by an elegant chocolate flavour. This juicy and chewy wine offers a medium to long finish which is provided by its intriguing balance of fruit-flavour and complexity.
Tasting notes: A lively Shiraz, with lots of lush and vibrant red berries. There is a broad mocha structure backed up by plums and blackberries with an elegant velvety finish.
Tasting notes: A lovely ripe juicy example of how good Pinotage can be, extended maturation in small French Oak barrels adds complexity beyond its price-tag. Great value.
Tasting notes: Deep dark color with a lovely refreshing red tint. Sexy and sleek with oodles of pure black fruit. Good dollops of spice well, supported with some lovely soft supple tannins. An explosion of fruit, on a medium bodied palate with good complexity and length. Drinking already nicely now, but with good building components to improve the next 4–5 years.
Tasting notes: A full bodied & generous chardonnay, whilst still managing to retain a crisp acidity. Lots of ripe tropical fruit & creaminess are balanced by a minerality typical of the variety. This wine has a long , pleasant lingering finish indicating the richness and persistence of the 2008 vintage.
Tasting notes: This classy, medium bodied pinot noir offers an abundance of plum and red cherry supported by a fine and dense tannin structure. The wine exudes volume and a carries through to a vivacious savoury finish.
Tasting notes: Very classic Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedarwood and intense spiceynesss. Palate: Still young but brooding, promising further maturation potential. The palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded, linear tannins.
