Tasting Notes – Babylonstoren, SA – 08.06.2025

presented by Megan Gadwah of 3 Keys Distributing

Babylonstoren 

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. It boasts a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodations, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of well-being. Our wines are produced in a state-of-the-art winery and are made to showcase the soils and climate where their grapes are grown. The Tasting Room sits adjacent to the Wine Cellar, offering views of the conical Babylonstoren hill, Simonsberg, and the Banghoek Mountains. We’re committed to reuse, reduce, and continually develop a more reducetarian lifestyle in all aspects of the farm. It’s an ongoing journey. We know there are constant new developments to improve, and we remain dedicated to continuing to implement these wherever possible.  

Sparkling Chenin Blanc ~ 2024

After 18 hours of skin contact, the grapes underwent soft pressing, followed by three weeks’ cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks. It was racked off the fermentation lees and kept on the secondary lees for four months before bottling. Upon bottling, carbon dioxide was added.
Appellation: WO Simonberg-Paarl
Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc 100% – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: This pale-yellow sparkling wine is a delightful symphony of aromas that captivate the senses. On the nose, it unveils bright and zesty citrus notes of lemon, lime, and green apple, accompanied by a subtle hint of pear and white peach. Vibrant mousse with attractive tropical fruit flavors lifted by the bubbles; light and joyful with crisp green apple and citrus adding zest to the palate; well balanced with a clean finish inviting the next sip.
Pairings: Serve chilled as an aperitif with salmon spread and crudités, fresh oysters, or steamed fresh shellfish.
Producer: Babylonstoren

Mourvèdre Rosé ~ 2025

An elegant, dry wine of a sophisticated salmon color and delicious hints of raspberries and rose petals. A single sip leads to the delightful discovery of crushed pomegranate, the sweet freshness of watermelon and a subtle punch of acidity. With its face to the sun and its feet in the water, this witty cultivar will spark creative senses and leave you with a lingering mouthfeel.
Official rosé of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Appellation: WO Simonberg-Paarl
Grapes:  100% Mourvèdre – ABV 13%
Tasting notes:  Light pink salmon colour. Strawberries and rose petals on the nose. A hint of watermelon and crushed pomegranate on the palate, and a subtle punch of acidity.
Pairings: Try trout, Norwegian salmon, sushi, charcuteri,e and salads.
Producer: Babylonstoren

Shiraz ~ 2022

This dry, full-bodied 100% Shiraz is a finely crafted wine. With elegant layers of blackcurrant, new leather, wood spice, and white pepper, it has a velvety mouthfeel with a long, lingering finish. Matured in French oak, this wine has a surprisingly fresh mid-palate. It can be enjoyed from the year of release, with an ageing potential of up to ten years.
Appellation: WO Simonberg-Paarl
Grapes: 100% Shiraz – ABV 14.5%
Tasting notes: This silky, dark-fruited beauty has a seductive shiraz personality: full-bodied with layers of blackcurrant, new leather, wood spice, and white pepper. The finely crafted balance between chocolate intensity and finesse makes this a hedonistic joy to drink now, but will also reveal more treasures to reward those with patience.
Pairings: Venison bourguignon, ribeye steak with black pepper sauce, duck breast with beetroot risotto, or baked ham with char-grilled fruit.
Producer: Babylonstoren

Babel ~ 2023

This dry, full-bodied red blend offers a balanced fusion of black fruit and a savory edge of cigar. Our winemakers have aged each component in oak barrels to produce a soft mouthfeel and juicy, lingering finish that will leave you wanting more. It is youthful and vibrant, with enough depth to hold its own when savored with slow-cooked game or oxtail stew, barbecued boerewors, fire-grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or lightly spiced pulled pork. Will age well up to 8 years Appellation: WO Simonberg-Paarl
Grapes: 53% Shiraz, 19% Pinotage, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache Noir, and 1% Marselan – ABV 14%
Tasting notes: Crushed mulberry, blackberry, and plum flavors with well-judged oak maturation, adding layers of sweet spice, vanilla, and dark chocolate. Succulent black fruit with a savory edge of cigar box and graphite, all held together beautifully with smooth tannins and a tightly knit structure.
Pairings: Slow-cooked game or oxtail stew, barbecued boerewors, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or lightly spiced pulled pork.
Producer: Babylonstoren