Dave Nel’s Trade
Tasting of Hartenberg, Klein Constantia, Anwilka and Radford Dale
This was held at the
Wild Fig restaurant from 3 pm and although we didn’t have that much time due to
another engagement at 5, we managed to have a good tasting and talk intelligently
(we hope!) to the winemakers and marketers of these wines. The canapés produced
are really worth a mention. Lynne has never been to this restaurant and we
think we need to soon if this is an indication of their food.
The wines were all on show and we have to confess a
huge bias for Hartenberg wines, which really shone. It is one of the few farms to produce a
perfect Merlot. 2010 has no green stalkiness, just lovely classic cherry
flavours with vanilla and plum. A sweet
soft and juicy Shiraz 2010, a great expression of Cabernet Sauvignon the
2010, an easy drinking Cabernet Shiraz blend 2011. Even the entry level
Doorkeeper Shiraz is soft and juicy. Then we come to the Gravel Hill Shiraz which is a full on fruit bomb
ending in salty licorice. The Mackenzie 2009 is still quite restrained in its
goreousness but will open out with time and has lots more to come. And the Stork 2010 nose is full of violets
and the leaves in the vineyard , It is full of soft sweet berries, still hiding
but gathering itself for a grand entrance.
The Anwilka Petit Frere 2012 Shiraz, Cab, Petite
Verdot blend tastes of cherries, plums and caramel is quite chewy with salt on
the end. It needs time. The Anwilka 2011
has blackcurrent leaves and mocca on top of rich fruit with a ltttle chocolate
and black fruit.
We liked the Estate red from Klein Constantia a blend
of Cab, Petit Verdot and Malbeck full of berries, vanilla and grippy tannins
that linger with some licorice bitter wood on the end.
Restaurateur Neil Grant of Burrata
Lynne and Anel Grobler with Klein Constantia winemaker Matthew Day
Patrick Ngamane, Hartenberg winemaker
Tammy Jaftha and Heleen Rabe show the new Hartenberg Alchemy wines to Lynne and Angela Lloyd
Alex Dale's friend Angie with Deon Oliver
Alex Dale pours for Neil Grant
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014
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