CHARDONNAY
This is the most widely planted quality white grape in the world and is very popular in California and even India for methode champenoise wines. It originated in Lebanon but really achieved its potential in Burgundy (Chablis). The flavour of the grape can vary from butter to hazelnut; buttered - biscuits and ripe fruits; pineapple, flint and steely and can also take on an almost vegetative richness. It does very well in Oak and through this contact will gain a delicious toasty appeal - sometimes overdone; where people have come to confuse the flavour of the wood with that of the Chardonnay grape itself (creamy citrus). Still dry whites, bubbly and even noble late harvests are made from this grape. It is the base of all Champagne and methode champenoise blends - mostly with Pinot Noir - which works with increasing success around the world. South America, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa tend to make a Chardonnay "clone" with overtly melon and tropical flavours. Pair this wine with everything from chicken/turkey, fresh tomato-based dishes and fish/oysters (un-oaked, fresh wines) to Thai curries, smoked fish, guacamole and "earthy" dishes (oaked wines).
CHENIN
Chenin is a white wine variety that originated in the Loire Valley in France. It is generally very high in acidity and can, therefore be used to make everything from dessert wines to sparkling wines. This varietal may well have been the first to be planted by Jan van Riebeeck in 1655 in SA and is grown very successfully in most of the "New World" regions, including South Australia, New Zealand, Canada and China. Chenin became the most widely planted grape in SA (Paarl, Worcester, Swartland and Malmesbury have the best quality) but developed a bad name for itself up until about 15 years ago because mostly it was made into awfully bitter or overly sweet wines. Lately wine makers have been showing Chenin at its best - a dry wine with aromas flavours ranging from banana, guava, pear and pineapple to melon and green apple. For dessert wine making, the viticulturist will leave the grape to develop a "dry rot" known as botrytis which creates a delicious natural sweetness of honey, barley sugar and marzipan. Pair this wine with everything from salads, fish, and chicken (younger, fresher wines) to spicy and rich creamy sauces (medium dry and sweeter wines).
VIOGNIER
Most people have come to know Viognier as one of the oldest varietals in the world - origin unknown. Some say it was introduced in Rome in 251AD and the namesake is either seen as French "Vienne" or Roman origin from a word meaning "road to hell" - perhaps because the grape is so difficult to grow. It is prone to mildew and very susceptible to weather, generally growing best in moderate and temperate weather. Mostly known to grow in the Rhone valley and in very small quantities too - (the region of Condrieu make the best Viognier in the world); California, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa now also grow this grape successfully. It must be picked when it is very ripe as then the grape is a deep yellow and quite high in alcohol. Viognier generally has very floral and deep fruity aromas like white roses, peach and apricot. Viognier is made into predominantly dry wines but dessert wines also work well here. It is a perfect match with Syrah (Shiraz) and many successful blends are made here - both drunk as red wines and "blush" wines. Pair it with spicy Thai foods, sushi, sashimi and some quite aged cheeses too.
Packwood -
Plettenberg Bay
Packwood is a balance of beauty, tranquillity and exclusivity, guest are offered a rare opportunity to experience a taste of country living at its best. Nestled in the Garden of Eden between the Outeniqua and Tsisikamma mountains, Packwood House sits at the top of the estate, overlooking 1000 acres of green pastures surrounded by Knysna's indigenous forest where the elephants once roamed, dramatic landscapes, majestic mountains and the Indian Ocean.
Packwood Sauvignon Blanc - 2010
One of the finest Sauvignon Blancs we've tasted, this is a zesty and complex wine, packed with bell peppers and figs, with a long and lasting finish. This wine especially compliments seafood dishes, pastas and salads. A fantastic expression of unique Garden Route terroir!
Bartinney -
Stellenbosch
3 years ago we were invited to Bartinney by owners Michael & Rose Jordaan. None of their wine was ready yet, but it was in barrel and already impressive! Absolute quality with discernable personality was the goal for the initial release of Chardonnay and Sav Blanc, and they achieved it in abundance. Situated on the hellish high slopes of Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch (neighbouring Tokara, Thelema and Alluvia), the farm was established by a former Harrod's director in 1920. Michael and Rose purchased the farm for themselves in 2006, and are the 4th generation of their family to farm the property.
Bartinney Sauvignon Blanc - 2010 (4* Platter)
This Sauvignon Blanc is generous in style with an abundance of ripe granadilla, green fig and grapefruit aromas. The palate is rich and opulent, layered with ripe tropical fruit and underlining minerality, typical of the Banghoek Valley. The wine is gently structured with the acid providing balance and length.
Gabrielskloof -
Botrivier
A modern, impressive cellar has risen on the hills of the farm and with it a restaurant, courtyard and olive press - all complete with 360 degree views over the hills towards mountains and sea. Quality underpins everything at Gabriëlskloof starting with the vineyards that are remote from other growers and therefore virus free. This is an exciting and up and coming ward for South African wines... Luddite and Wildekrans hail from this region with several other promising farms coming onto the radar.
Gabrielskloof Sauvignon Blanc - 2010
On entry this wine shows welcoming tropical fruit and gooseberry on the nose, followed by secondary herbaceous flavours of lemon grass and asparagus. The palate is textured and rich with a sweetish mouth-feel, while the lingering minerality of the aftertaste is due to the dominant soil types. Ready for drinking immediately, and best up to three years from vintage.
Major's Hill -
Robertson
Major's Hill started in 1994 when the Louw family bought the famous Klipdrift farm, of Klipdrift Brandy fame. The new vineyard and cellar incorporate the old cellars architecturally. Major's Hill takes it name from a previous owner "Major Jacobus Petrus Marais". Winemaker and Partner Alkie van Der Merwe spares no effort in producing some of the most exciting wines we've drunk in a long while. The stylistic aim is to produce wines that taste like the grapes they came from... something of a novelty with many of today's wines! All grapes are harvested BY HAND and selected simultaneously.
Major's Hill Sauvignon Blanc - 2010
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Night harvested to ensure the flavours are intact. Wonderfully complex yet clean, this is Sauvignon Blanc as it should be! Hints of crisp Granny Smith apple and cut grass on the nose - with kiwi, green pepper and zesty minerality on the palate. One of the best vintages in about 2-3 years - in our opinion!! HUGE MOUTH FEEL. You'll continue to drink this until we run out!
Major's Hill Chardonnay - 2010 (2008 vintage - Silver Michelangelo)
Hand harvested at night, de-stemmed into tanks by gravity to keep berries whole, the free-run juice is then drawn by gravity. It is a wine of passion with the full, ripe and concentrated flavours of tropical fruits with melon and butter; 3 months in selected French oak.
Catchpole & Co -
Private Collection
Catchpole & Co is our own label, used both here and the UK, for wines that exceed the usual quality/price standards that we look for. Where we have used the Catchpole & Co label we have had direct input into the making of the wines, ensuring consistent quality through every bottle. As part of our commitment to securing the most elegant and best value wines for our Private Customers you'll not find any Catchpole & Co wines sold anywhere else other than through your own Private Wine Merchant.
Catchpole & Co Chenin Blanc - 2010
One of our favourites, this Chenin was created from 25-50 year old Helderberg bush vines. It has the traditional Chenin flavours and texture of pears and white petals. The palate has crisp and persisting minerality with a lime fruit finish. Was voted number 1 in the USA.
Catchpole & Co Unwooded Chardonnay - 2009
This is a blend of Chardonnays from two complimentary locations - the rich limestone soils of Robertson in the Breede River Valley and ocean-facing Stellenbosch. It is an easy-drinking, classy, un-oaked Chardonnay with fresh, bright and clean flavours. The wonderful citrus zest and mineral tang of its aromatics embedded in the fruit allow for the seductive texture of a really good Chardonnay.
The Winery -
Stellenbosch
Burgundy trained wine maker Alex Dale has created a superb range of wines, mainly for export, under his smart and stylish labels, Radford Dale and Good Hope. Dale and his team have been dedicated to producing "drinking wines with individuality, balance, elegance and subtlety".
Land of Hope Chenin Blanc - 2008 (4* Platter)
Rooted in wonderful granite soils, this Chenin Blanc is made from predominantly old bush vines on the ocean-facing slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Picked and sorted by hand, the free run juice was fermented then matured on the lees in small Burgundian barrels for 8 months (only 20% new). Chenin Blanc is South Africa's most versatile premium white grape, with unique quality found in this site. In essence this Chenin Blanc has immense personality and flavour and will mature for a further 3 years.
The Winery CCCV - 2008 (Chenin/Chardonnay/Clairette Blanche/Viognier)
This is a deliciously rich wine. The nose strikes you immediately with its mineral and fragrant qualities. The palate has no discernable dominant varietal and in fact one of its most attractive facets is its integrated & seamless composition. A lively but weighted mouth-feel, driven through by a beam of mineral acidity which combines naturally with white petals, apricots and bright fruitiness. A blend in the true sense: balanced, harmonious and multi-faceted.
Tanzanite -
Private
Double Gold Medal winner and winemaker extraordinaire Melanie van der Merwe brings us this beautiful bubbly under her new label, Tanzanite. After making MCC wines for the House of JC le Roux for 11 years, in which time she won countless awards and shone as the Cap Classique queen, Melanie has continued this passion in her own personal capacity. She named the bubbly after her birthstone, the rare, beautiful and highly sought after Tanzanite, which she says expresses her passion for creating unique sparkling wines in the time-honoured, traditional way.
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