presented by Kaleigh Fanning of Elephants Corner Wines
Kreatuur Wit ~ 2023
Winemaker Wynand Grobler and his wife Anya were hiking with their children through the wine ward of the Limietberg, when they happened upon a vineyard that seemed to be calling to them both. Their winery a two-person team producing very small quantities of high quality wines. The blend of this wine changes with every vintage, as does the ‘creature’ on the label, making them both unique from year to year
Appellation: Paarl, South Africa
Grapes: 45% Grenache blanc, 32% Grenache Gris, 17% Verdelho, 6% Muscat d’ Alexandrie – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: The vanguard carries fairly generous notes of salty bread dough, pineapple, nectarine, and a wilder floral hint. The plate is medium weighted, but with great concentration. Elements range from lemon bonbons and orange barley candy sweetness, through to more tropical fruits. Texture is a big feature , with the illusion of chewiness, up front, followed by citrus pith and a waxy texture on the tail.
Producer: De Kleine Wijn Koöp
Chamonix Chardonnay ~ 2022
A pioneer of Franschhoek terroir-driven wines, Chamonix pursues excellence in a diverse range of wines made from its distinctive mountain vineyard sites. Our non-negotiable commitment to wine quality is complemented by an unbridled pledge towards sustainability and the fostering of personal relationships with customers, business partners and visitors to our world-class destination.
Appellation: Franschhoek, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: This elegant wine is complex with citrus and pear notes that is complemented by an intriguing nuttiness and a crisp finish.
Producer: Chamonix Estate
Bellevue Cinsaut ~ 2021
Once locally known as Hermitage, Cinsaut is the workhouse grape that became the backbone of South Africa’s greatest ‘Cabernet’ blends from the mid-1900s. Fresh and perfumed, this is our ultimate summer red, best served chilled.
Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Cinsaut – ABV 12.92%
Tasting notes: This medium-bodied wine charms with flavours of raspberry, strawberry, sour cherry and even a little beetroot. Its silky tannin structure and refreshing finish make it the ultimate summer drink, best served slightly chilled.
Pairings: Lightly seared tuna, Carpaccio
Producer: Bellevue Wine Estate
Off the Record Cabernet Franc ~ 2023
Bobby is owner and winemaker of a South African winery called ‘Off the Record’. Bobby intended to become a lawyer, but got the change to buy 25 hectares of vineyards in Elgin. This is the first vintage of the Off The Record, Cabernet Franc, produced from a small vineyard on the family farm in Elgin. The vineyard grows in a unique sight on iron rich Bokkeveld shale soils.
Appellation: Elgin, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: The wine has an aromatic nose of dark summer fruits, strawberry, wild brambles and a touch of violets. This follows through onto a lively palate where the fruits are further supported by a dried herbal element, cracked red peppercorn, and finely integrated wood tannins. The slightly savory profile is typical of this red wine, and contributes towards the texture, appeal and drinkability.
There is only a limited amount available, only 900 bottles.
Pairings: Red meat dishes, a perfectly seared steak, game or slow roasted lamb, spicy lamb biryani, herb-crusted roast veal, or a delicious charcuterie board.
Producer: Bobby Wallace
