Sparkling Wines
Sparkling Wines
Pieter Cruythoff
85
J.C. Le Roux La Domaine (Semi Sweet)
95
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Fruity and crisp non vintage sparkling made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Region: Stellenbosch
Spicy, sweet non-vintage blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Muscat.
Kloovenburg White From Red
110
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Fruity non vintage sparkling from Shiraz. Frothy mousse adds to cheerful, just-dry quaffer.
Method Cap Classique
Kasteelberg
150
Pongracz
160
Graham Beck Brut Rosé
175
Colmant Brut Reserve
195
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Non vintage MCC from Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir with green apple zip and baked bread
richness.
Producer: Distell, Stellenbosch
Popular non vintage MCC. Offers sweetly pleasant fruity entry.
Region: Franschhoek/Robertson
Pale onionskin hue, tiny bubbles and strawberry/cherry vivacity.
Region: Franschhoek
Clasically styled, creamy and with a fine persistent mousse.
Champagne
Veuve Clicquot Brut
750
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial
850
Region: Champagne, France
Clicquot's signature non-vintage Brut is loved all over the world for its crisp, full flavors,
consistent quality and celebratory yellow label. This classical dry Champagne is a blend of
two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) for body, balanced with one-third
Chardonnay for elegance. It has a fine persistent sparkle and golden Champagne color.
Region: Champagne, France
This Champagne displays lively, expressive, amomas dominated by the scent of wild
strawberries. It is full-bodied, with zestful, assertive fruitiness.
White Wines
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted variety in South Africa accounting for almost one fifth of all
plantings. It is also known in SA as Steen. It’s used for anything from sparkling wine to dry to sweet wines
and brandy. There have been some good quality versions of the variety surfacing over recent years
hence the reason why it’s seen as one of the big players in the “white wine renaissance” of the SA wine
industry.
Depending on the style of the wine, it can be paired with a wide variety of food types. The sweeter
versions pair well with Asian influenced cuisine while the drier versions are good with fish, chicken and
creamy sauces due to a strong acidity.
The Royal 2011
18/65
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Zippy acid and fleshly tropical appeal.
Babylon’s Peak 2011
89
Santa Cecilia 2010
89
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Old-vineyard intensity shines through with peachy fruit introducing crisp, refreshing palate.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
“We do our own thing,” says co-winemaker Anton Espost. “We’re so small that market trends
can totally be ignored. The barrels share space with curing salamis, chorizos, olives, olives
and capers.”
Kloofstreet 2011 (Mullineux)
110
Diemersfontein Carpe Diem 2010
145
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Produced from old bush vines this wine pushes the limits with smokey aromas, fullness and
restrained fruit.
Region: Wellington
Big, bold and showy! Has knock-out nose of orange marmalade, tropical fruit, green apple
and vanilla biscuit. Great balance but firm acidity. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012.
Sauvignon Blanc
Prestigious vine most associated with eastern Loire regions, Bordeaux and New Zealand – whose wines
have helped restore fashionability to the grape. The SA versions are no longer a poor relation of these
and some World class examples can be found from regions like Walker Bay, Durbanville and Darling.
Typically a light to medium-bodied, crisp and refreshing white wine with notable acidity, Sauvignon
Blanc offers a fairly wide range of flavors which is best paired with vegetarian type dishes, crisp fresh
salads and Thai food. Enjoyable wines on hot summer days.
Riebeek Cellars 2011
19/68
Region: Riebeek Valley; Swartland
Very ripe tropical style, balanced with simple austerity.
Darling Cellars Bush Vine 2011
89
Region: Darling
Hints of peas and asparagus harmonising with leesy minerality. Finely knit fruit layering and
noble stature.
Spice Route 2011
110
Iona 2010
160
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2010
185
Region: Swartland
Attractive mix of green and tropical styles. Restrained acidity, refined and enjoyable.
Region: Elgin
Flinty and vibrant with a dash Semillon and lees contact to add dimension to lean, bone dry
style.
Region: Stellenbosch
Full flavoured, fatter style with ringing minerality. All cleaned up by tingling acidity in long
finish. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012.
Chardonnay
In South Africa, as elsewhere, many new vineyards of this grape have come on-steam, with wines
showing a wide range of styles, quality and price. Mostly produced as a dry white but also used
extensively for sparkling wines. Likely to be a heavier wine which is perfectly matched with food.
Unwooded versions are also available and come across as easy drinkers. Some very good, heavier
wooded versions can be seen from in-land producers; however the majority of the achivers still reside
from the Stellenbosch and coastal wine regions.
The full bodied wooded versions pair well with pork and poultry dishes and can even be had with red
meat with a rich creamy sauce. The lighter unwooded versions are best suited with richer fish and
poultry dishes. Even lighter curries can be added into the equation.
Riebeek Cellars 2010
19/68
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Sumptuous entry level wine.
Kloovenburg Unwooded 2011
75
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Pleasant pear and pickled lime. Simple, juicy and dry.
Pulpit Rock Reserve 2009
110
De Wetshof The Site 2009
170
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Pure and focused, citrus, peach, vanilla and spice. Medium body with good fruit definition,
well-judged oak, bright acidity.
Region: Robertson
From a Cape Chardonnay pioneer. Tantalisingly subtle on nose, full, lithe and silky in the
mouth, generously layered with ripe citrus and gooseberry fruit. Awarded 5 stars in Platter
2012.
Viognier
Increasingly fashionable variety internationally, spreading out from its home in the northern Rhone and
now showing great promise in South Africa. Still very small plantings locally but increasing. The wines are
usually wooded. Almost extinct during the 1960’s, it has grown in popularity and some great examples
can be found in SA.
The highly aromatic and fruit forward nature of the grape allows Viognier to pair well with spicy foods.
Kasteelberg Viognier 2010
115
Babylon’s Peak 2009
135
De Grendel 2011
140
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
This oak-matured Viognier is a voluptuous wine with lovely nutty and light buttery flavours well
balanced by a floral perfume on the nose. The style is rich and ripe and well-structured to
result in an elegant wine.
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Vibrant wine from this Swartland producer with all varietal hallmarks.
Region: Durbanville
Surprisingly understated nose for variety. Peach and peach kernel flavour, thick but not
unctuous texture, tangy well integrated acidity while a touch of oak lends interest.
Gewurtztraminer
A white grape grown predominantly in France, Germany, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, where
the climate leans to the cooler side and the flavors have an opportunity to concentrate.
Gewurztraminer can be made in dry or sweet varieties and are generally best if enjoyed sooner rather
than later post-bottling. Flavors qualities include: honey, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, apricot, pear, and
rose.
These wines tend to pair well with Asian dishes or zesty-flavored fare like BBQ or chicken wings. The
flavor and aromas often include rose, pear, citrus, spice and mineral. It also pairs well with spicy curry
dishes.
Zevenwacht Z-Collection 2010
Region: Stellenbosch
Subtle lime and pot-pourri; juicy fruit, some spice, thick but not unctuous texture.
160
Semillon
Known for being a fairly low-maintenance grape to cultivate with the ability to thrive in a wide variety
of soils, the thin skins of the Semillon grape make it susceptible to botrytis (a good thing) and sunburn.
Care must be taken to manage the canopy for maximum fruit protection in the warmer growing
regions. The medium-sized berries take on a golden, yellow hue at maturity.
With an aromatic profile that ranges from subtle fruit to floral and some spice to a bit of earthy and
herbal, this particular grape does not dominate the nose, but supports the blending process with its
ability to offer the rich fruit character of honeyed apricots, quince, candied peach and creamy vanilla
tones.
Withington 2010
95
Region: Darling
Unwooded with striking nettle and greenpepper notes, backed by fullish, lanolin-oily body.
Stellenzicht Reserve 2008
190
Region: Stellenbosch
Bruised apple, wet wool, honey and spice, big but perfectly balanced, oak apparent but an
embellishment rather than a distraction and a long, savoury finish.
Riesling
Riesling wines originated in Germany's Rhein and Mosel river valleys, it was here that this white grape
gained its tenacious foothold in today's modern white wine market. A Riesling wine can span a broad
range of styles, being produced in both dry to sweet variations as well as light to full-bodied.
When it comes to pairing Riesling with food, versatility is the name of the game. Rieslings may well be
the most accommodating wine around for pairing with challenging flavors and spice profiles. From
appetizers to desserts, pork, poultry or shellfish, and virtually anything in between the diversity of Riesling
styles make them capable of handling just about anything you toss at them including the spice and
zest of favored Asian, Mexican or even Moroccan foods.
Hartenberg 2010
Region: Stellenbosch
Respected track record. Delicate stone fruit flavour, fresh acid grip satisfies and offers
partnership at meal-time.
98
White Blends
Annexkloof 2008
20/75
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Unshowy easy drinking wine blend of Sauvignon, Chenin and Chardonnay.
Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2009
150
Orangerie White 2010
198
Sequillo White 2010
225
Mullineux Family 2010
240
AA Badenhorst 2009
295
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Rhone style white continues on form with fine oxidative stylistics. Mostly Chenin and
Chardonnay with a dash of Viognier and Clairette. Awarded 5 starts in Platter 2012
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
In fairly oxidative, un-fruity but flavourful style popular in the area. Rich and satiny, serenely
balanced.
Region: Swartland
Layers of complex flavours interleaved with mineral texture – no obvious fruitiness – a taste
experience rather than mere libation.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Carefully crafted, barrel-fermented Chenin with dashes of Clairette Blanche and Viognier, is
not for casual drinking; demands, rewards, time and attention. Uncompromising focus and
balance, with intriguing layers of texture and aroma. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012.
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Elegant power, subtle weight and texture, nothing gauche. Chenin-led blend with 20
months in old cask / concrete tank allows chalky, tarragon scented features centre stage.
Rose
Riebeek Cellars Pinotage Rose 2010
18/65
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
A flavourful wine with berry delight!
Akkerdal Sophia’s Blush 2011
Region: Franschhoek
A blend of 91% Pinotage and 9% Grenache, this dry Rose shows real imagination. Layers of
flavour of red fruit and spice. Focused and fresh.
98
Red Wines
Merlot
The classic Merlot grape originated from the Bordeaux region of France. It typically produces a soft,
medium-bodied red wine with juicy fruit flavors. A range of fresh flavors such as plums, cherries,
blueberries and blackberries mixed with cocoa and blackpepper tones, often dominate this type of
red wine.
Fairly versatile when it comes to food pairing options. Poultry, red meat, pork, pastas, salads - Merlot
can handle them all well.
Riebeek Cellars 2010
20/72
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Ripe fruit and sweet oak make this an easy drinker.
Darling Cellars 6 Tonner 2010
98
Region: Darling
Showcases Swartland sites and vines. Gently fruity, with spicy notes and pleasing tarry core.
Org de Rac 2010
Organic
105
Region: Piketberg
Succulent, layered rich dark chocolate, mulberry and cranberry. Wine is entirely organic,
non-organic items such as cartons, glass and plastic are recycled.
Laibach 2009
Region: Stellenbosch
With sexy mulberry / cocoa fruit purity. Concentrated depth yet satin-sleek in texture. Oak
finesse adds body and lenthy charm to spice appeal.
150
Pinotage
Pinotage is a red wine grape that is South Africa's signature variety. It was bred there in 1925 as a cross
between Pinot noir and Cinsaut (Cinsaut was known as Hermitage in South Africa during that time,
hence the portmanteau name of Pinotage). It typically produces deep red varietal wines with smoky,
bramble and earthy flavors, sometimes with notes of bananas and tropical fruit, but has been criticized
for sometimes smelling of acetone. Pinotage is often blended, and also made into fortified wine and
even red sparkling wine.
Riebeek Cellars 2010
20/72
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Shy smoky intro hides typical banana and red berry pizazz. Lively palate follows while
showing deft balance of oak sweetness.
Pulpit Rock Reserve 2009
140
Beyerskloof Diesel 2009
495
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Well put together. Shows red fruit, vanilla, spice; medium bodied but good flavour intensity
before long, dry finish.
Region: Stellenbosch
Flag bearing masterpiece from Cape’s foremost proponent of the variety. Vintage shows
impossible concentration of dark, layered fruit and chocolate, cloaked in dense tannic
structure. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012
Shiraz
You say "Shiraz," I say "Syrah" - it's the same grape none-the-less. In France it is known and grown as
Syrah, and responsible for some of the Northern Rhone's big, bold red wines. However, in Australia and
South Africa it goes by "Shiraz." It has shown great potential in the Swartland region with a few
producers creating 5 star examples.
Shiraz wines display firm tannins (although they are typically ripe and smooth, not abrasive like younger
reds can be), a medium to full body, and the rich round flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell
pepper, black pepper, clove, licorice, dark chocolate and smoked meat.
Shiraz is great for grilled meats or veggies, wild game, richly flavored red meats, beef stew and meat
lover's pizza.
Riebeek Cellars 2010
20/72
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Relatively easy drinking wine with good fruit combo.
Meerhof Syrah 2008
130
Allesverloren 2010
135
Kloovenburg 2009
180
Mullineux Syrah 2009
295
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Admirably delicate wine which presents full, pure dark spice and truffle flavours. Fresh core,
comfortably padded tannins add enjoyment.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Understated with berries, vanilla and fynbos; medium bodied and well balanced with juicy
fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Echoes approachable style. Even more reined-in body, oak focuses on fruit purity, supple
texture. Rounded and fruitily dry.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Eagerly awaited wine rises to its expectations, showing healthy ripeness of vintage. Typically
understated, but enigmatic and complex. Showing Swartland’s great potential. Awarded 5
stars in Platter 2012
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, often referred to as the “King of Red Wine Grapes,” originally from Bordeaux has
the privilege of being the world’s most sought after red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes tend to favor
warmer climates and are often an ideal wine for aging, with 5-10 years being optimal for the
maturation process to peak. Because Cabs take a bit longer to reach maturation, allowing their flavors
to mellow, they are ideal candidates for blending with other grapes, primarily Merlot. This blending
softens the Cabernet, adding appealing fruit tones, without sacrificing its innate character. In South
Africa its regularly seen blended with Pinotage and Shiraz.
Food pairing ranges from red meats, flavourful and heartier (red) pastas, lamb, strong-flavored cheese,
and chocolates (especially dark).
Riebeek Cellars 2010
20/72
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Juicy with the region’s dark berry ripeness and oak-sweet end.
Het Vlock 2007
120
Darling Cellars Premium 2009
135
Graham Beck Chalkboard Series 3 2007
260
Stark-Condé Three Pines 2009
385
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Shows great varietal character, ripe blackberry flavours balanced by spicy aromas.
Region: Darling
Classic leafy herbaceousness laced with blackcurrant fruit.
Region: Franschhoek/Robertson
A study in concentration, elegance and power. Stern but unobtrusive tannins enclose
blackcurrant-toned Rubenesque curves, promising long life. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012
Region: Stellenbosch
Stamped with finesse reflecting the fine single-vineyard soil of origin. Perfectly ripe fruit and
cosseting structure yield rare combination of delicacy and power. Awarded 5 stars in Platter
2012
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir may be the toughest grape to grow, but the effort is often well worth the constant care and
investment. It is a fickle grape that demands optimum growing conditions, opting for warm days
consistently supported by cool evenings. As for style, Pinot Noir is typically a lighter-bodied, fruit-forward
red wine.
Pinot Noir is well-suited to pair with poultry, beef, fish, ham, lamb and pork. It will play well with creamy
sauces, spicy seasonings and may just be one of the world's most versatile food wines.
Groote Post Reserve 2008
198
Region: Darling
Charm, elegance and refinement but quite restrained, has a delicacy that suggest earlier
drinking rather than keeping.
Malbec
Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, this grape is among the "big six" for red wine grapes.
However, with the exception of Cahors, its fame and fortune in France often end there, as Malbec is
generally a grape used for blending, with very little vine being devoted to its improvement or success.
The story in Argentina is quite the opposite. Malbec has found both fame and glory in the sundrenched climate of Argentina. This is Argentina's signature grape and it is quickly making a new name
for itself with red wine lovers. Very small plantings in South Africa which is mostly used for blending.
Definitely a red meat wine that is adaptable enough to stand up to spicy Mexican, Cajun, Indian or
Italian fare (especially with tomato-based sauces).
Annexkloof 2007
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Shows usual flavour profile of mulberry, loganberry, black plum and lingering dry finish. But
more depth and intensity, and firmer, confident structure.
150
Red Blends
Kloofstreet Swartland Rouge 2008 (Mullineux)
120
Meerhof Salomon 2008
130
Babylon’s Peak Shiraz-Mouvedre-Grenache 2008
145
Lammershoek Roulette 2008
170
Darling Cellars Sir Charles Henry Darling 2008
195
Orangerie Red 2010
195
Sequillo 2009
225
Columella 2009
795
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
From the 5 star laden Mullineux range. This blend of Mourvedre-Syrah-Carignan remains a
worthy, Med-style, fruity middleweight.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Has firm structure associated with Cab-led Bordeaux-style blends, still expressed with restraint,
refinement. Focused, refreshing with sweet fruited persistence.
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Very good exposition of modern Swartland Rhone style. Savoury spice, fynbos and
contained ripe berries meld into rich, dry palate.
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Complex Shiraz based Rhone style with Carignan, Grenache, Mouvedre and Viognier. Offers
cold coffee overlay with fine underlying fruit and spice. Complex palate follows with fine
tailored tannins and refreshing acidity.
Region: Darling
This Bordeaux style blend is finely balanced, mellow and elegant. Substantial but focused,
showing ripe spectrum of berry fruit, silky tannins, lingering finish.
Region: Paardeberg, Swartland
Typical of new-wave Swartland red blends. Delicious, not obviously fruity; firm and fresh.
Region: Swartland
Swartland rendition of pure, spicy, sun-drenched Mediterranean fruit, with mineral finesse.
Light, deceptively easy, but with attitude.
Region: Swartland
Mainly Shiraz with mouvedre and Grenache, which Eben Sadie believes best match the
Swartland. Ripe dark fruit and scrub, savoury spice interwoven through the perfume, flavours
and supple tannins. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012
Dessert Wine
Nuy Red Muscadel 2010 (750ml)
18/120
Region: Worcestor
Hugely delicious and balanced. Delightful with grapey, fresh raisin fruit contrasting
attractively with spicy spirit grip.
Kasteelberg 1661 Soet Steen (750ml)
110
Badsberg Noble Late Harvest 2007 (375ml)
125
Nederburg Noble Late Harvest Winemaster’s Reserve 2009 (375ml)
138
Mullineux Straw Wine 2009 (375ml)
340
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Region: Rawsonville
Deliciously soft and sweet after-dinner treat from Chenin. Lots of good things – honey,
apricot, marmalade – to smell and taste, clean and uplifting.
Region: Paarl
Cellar’s expertise amply demonstrated here. Richest of their sweet wine trio. A powerpacked taste experience. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
Fast attaining icon status, this label continues te set the standard for a fast growing category.
From air-dried and barrel-fermented chenin. Sumptuous, towering sweetness, impossible
concentration, yet remains elegant and balanced. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012
Chateau d’Yquem 1999 (750ml)
4500
Region: Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
Sauternes, Premier Cru Superior. For over a century considered the leader. The 1999 Vintage
is certainly one of the winners from this decade.
Port
Riebeek Cellars Cape Ruby (glass)
18
Allesverloren 2007 (glass)
22
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
This non-vintage port portrays a friendly fruity fireside companion persona with gentle toffee
notes following to lingering, fiery end.
Region: Riebeek Valley, Swartland
More smoothly approachable, delicious in youth than many Vintage ports, yet complex.
Boplaas Cape Tawny 1997 (375ml)
Region: Calitzdorp
A tinta, touriga, souzao mix. The classiest of the Boplaas tawny quartet. Rich and sleek,
infused with caramel, choc/orange and cinnamon, all elegantly focused by deft spirit
integration. Awarded 5 stars in Platter 2012
275