Tuesday, June 04, 2024

The Trophy Wine Show Judges' Feedback Session at the Grande Roche

The Trophy Feedback session was held this year at Grande Roche, where it was held several years ago
Grande Roche has been through a renovation

This is where we hear a report back about the judges' findings after tasting the various categories of wines,
but we are given no information about the brands as they are all tasted blind

The dates of the two Trophy Public tastings have just been revealed and they are as follows:

Johannesburg - Wednesday 12 June
Venue:  Sandton Convention Centre (Bill Gallagher Room), Maude Street, Sandton
Time: 17:00 to 21:00 (No first entry after 20:30)

Tickets cost R295 each per single entry. Tickets are limited and include the sampling of all wines,
a delicious deli snack (value R100) and the tasting glass to take home
Discounts for Smart Shopper cardholders apply (two tickets for the price of one)

Buy tickets for the Johannesburg show via Webtickets

Cape Town - Wednesday 19 June
Venue: CTICC 2 (Hall 8), corner Heerengracht & Rua Bartholomeu Dias, Foreshore Cape Town
Time: 17:00 to 21:00 (No first entry after 20:30)

Tickets cost R250 each per single entry
Tickets are limited and include the sampling of all wines and the tasting glass to take home
Discounts for Smart Shopper cardholders apply (two tickets for the price of one). Light meals will be on sale

Buy tickets for the Cape Town show via Webtickets

Grapes surround the property

Nestled under the famous Paarl (pearl in Afrikaans) Rock, are some of the historic cottages which are part of the hotel

The Feedback session is held in their conference centre

A good Cap Classique always makes a good welcoming drink, no matter the hour

A smiling server pouring a glass. Sad that the hotel is still using flutes for Cap Classique and other bubblies
Riedel glasses are used for all the tastings in the competition

Judges Eben February and Gynore Hendricks

Lynne in conversation with two International judges, Lisa Feretti-Brown MW (USA) and Fongyee Walker MW

South African Judges

James Petersen, CEO of Wine Cellar Fine Wine Merchants in Cape Town,
a former wine buyer for The Vineyard Connection in Stellenbosch
Graduated with distinction at the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy in 2007
and attended the Advanced Wine Judging Academy in 2014
More than 18 years of judging experience at various wine competitions,
including panel chair for the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Challenge, panellist for Winemag.co.za
and roving chair for Platter’s South African Wine Guide
First judged at The Trophy Wine Show in 2008 and on 10 occasions since

Eben February
National sales manager at the Great Heart Wine Company, Franschhoek,
with a career in the hospitality industry that began in 2012 as a wine tutor at Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch
Holder of three Cape Wine Academy qualifications, including the Introduction into Wine, the Certificate Course
and Wines of the World
Manager of the Jordan Estate tasting room for seven years
before moving to Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines as manager of the wine studio from 2021 to 2023
Graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy in 2018, currently studying WSET Level 3
Associate judge at the Trophy Wine Show in 2018, 2022 and 2023

François Rautenbach
Wine and hospitality technical specialist for Agile Minds (Pty) Ltd,
erstwhile founding general manager of the Singita Premier Wine Direct programme for the wildlife conservation brand
Deeply invested in hospitality – having lived and worked in Africa, France, the UK and Australia
with emphasis on wine, food, service, brand and training excellence
Cape Wine Academy Diploma graduate
Distinction graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy in 2008
and attended the Michael Fridjhon Advanced Wine Judging Academy in 2014
Associate judge at The Trophy Wine Show in 2008, judge from 2011 to 2017 and 2019 to 2022

International Judges

 Fongyee Walker MW (China)
Co-founder (with Edward Ragg) of Dragon Phoenix Wine Consulting,
Beijing’s first and fully independent wine consulting and education service established in 2007
In 2016, she became the first resident of mainland China to achieve the Master of Wine qualification,
with her dissertation about winter vine burial practices in Hebei and Ningxia
She has delivered WSET and trade-targeted wine courses in Mandarin for such bodies as Wine Australia,
the Hawke’s Bay Wine Association, the Napa Valley Vintners,
and is responsible for wine courses specifically tailored to mainland Chinese students
The star of Wok ’n Wine, a popular internet-broadcast show about food and wine matching involving Chinese cuisines,
which has more than four million viewers, as well Carpe Vinum, featuring the wine regions of Italy, 
which has become one of the most-watched wine shows on video-sharing platforms such as China’s Billi-billi
Writer for Decanter Magazine, Wine Review, RVF China and Wine in China, as well as a columnist for Decanter China
As a wine judge, she has participated in numerous wine competitions including the International Wine Challenge (UK),
the Hong Kong International Wines and Spirits Competition, as well as the Royal Melbourne Wine Show,
the Trophy Wine Show (2014), the Qantas Western Australia Wine Show, AWOCA (Wines of Chile)
and the Hunter Valley Wine Show.

International Judge Claire Blackler MW (UK)
Head of ‘Claire Drinks’ in the UK,
a wine and spirits education and consultancy business,
having transitioned from a decade in pharmaceutical research
She provides WSET courses and tailored training globally, drawing from her extensive knowledge
gained initially through a simple love of wine and further developed through the Master of Wine program,
completing the qualification in 2021
Beyond education, a wine competition judge, providing sensory evaluation and copy writing services,
collaborating on events and marketing projects, compiling wine lists
and offering private cellar guidance

International Judge Lisa Feretti-Brown WM
and South African Judge Mandla Patson Mathonsi

Lisa Feretti-Brown WM
Born and raised in rural Maine, USA, she has since spent over 25 years in the wine industry,
living and working in London, Tokyo, Singapore, and now Napa, California
A Master of Wine since 2008, receiving the Madame Bollinger Medal for excellence in wine tasting
In the same year she began working for Robert M Parker Jr at The Wine Advocate,
initially reviewing Australian and New Zealand wines, becoming editor of the publication in 2013,
reviewing the wines of Bordeaux, the Napa Valley and Sonoma County
Lisa’s first book, Taste Like a Wine Critic: A Guide to Understanding Wine Quality, was published in 2015
In 2021, she left The Wine Advocate to become co-founder of The Wine Independent,
a fresh, new take on wine websites, focusing on storytelling and emotive photography
as much as expert wine reviews
First judged at The Trophy Wine Show in 2015

Madla Patson Mathonsi is National brand ambassador for Beck Family Estates –
The House of Graham Beck in Robertson and Steenberg Vineyards on the Constantia wine route
Recipient of the Eat Out Wine Service Award in 2014
Head sommelier at the DW11-13 restaurant in Johannesburg
and sales representative at the Reciprocal Wine Company from 2015 to 2018
Completed the Cape Wine Academy Certificate Course, WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3
A member of the Hugues Lepin Sommelier and Wine Academy
Graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy in 2016
Associate judge at The Trophy Wine Show from 2016 to 2018 and judge since 2019


South African Judges

Gynore Hendricks
Winemaker of the Great Heart Wine Company in Franschhoek, assistant winemaker at Mullineux Wines
Completed BAgric in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg in 2016
Participant in the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme from 2017 to 2019,
during which time she worked at Tokara and De Grendel as well as Mullineux Wines
Worked two harvests abroad (Burgundy and Napa Valley)
Distinction graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy
Associate judge at The Trophy Wine Show in 2021. Judge in 2022 and 2023

Heidi Duminy CWM
Cape Wine Master and principal of the Cape Wine Academy
Formerly communications manager for DGB, brand manager for Veuve Clicquot and Krug,
as well as trade marketing manager of the LVMH portfolio of Champagnes and spirits
Wine marketing specialist and group marketing manager for Meridian Holdings
Distinction graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy in 2011
and Advanced Wine Judging Academy attendee in 2014
Convener for the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge since 2017,
chair of the Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year panel in 2020, and sparkling wine judge at the Veritas Awards since 2011
Associate judge at The Trophy Wine Show in 2012, 2014 and 2015, judge since 2016

Narina Cloete
Winemaker at Blaauwklippen Agricultural Estate, Stellenbosch
Honours BSc Agriculture (Oenology), cum laude graduate of Stellenbosch University
Completed harvests at Glen Carlou, Dornier, AA Badenhorst Family Wines and Stellenzicht
Joined Quoin Rock Winery in 2008 as assistant winemaker and was winemaker there from 2010 until 2014
Having served on the wine-judging panels of South Africa’s Young Wine Show, FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10,
Cape Vintners Classification, Blaauwklippen Blending Competition and Veritas Awards,
she has also judged in Spain at the Zarcillo International Wine Competition 2018
Distinction graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy in 2013
and attended the advanced Wine Judging Academy in 2014
Trophy Wine Show associate judge in 2013, 2014 and 2016, and judge from 2017 to 2021

Michael Fridjhon opened the session and asked for questions from the floor



To hear our recording of Michael's address, and the questions and answers please click here


Attending was a good spread of Media and Wine industry people including winemakers 

The mike was passed to the judge who led the tasting which was the subject of the question

Following the Feedback session, we ventured onto the terrace to taste some of the wines entered
There were some exceptionally good wines so the results are going to be very interesting this year

Salmon canapés topped with herb cottage cheese

Mini bao buns

Blinis with a savoury topping

Another served on a crisp cracker

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right

Posted by MENU at 10:12 am 0 comments

Monday, June 03, 2024

Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Tasting at Upper Union Restaurant

The Le Riche Vintage tasting was held at new venue to us, in Upper Union Street, just off Kloof Street in Oranjezicht

Christo Le Riche is very happy with the new vintage and invited us to taste its wines and some older wines from Le Riche
It is always a treat, as they really do know how to make the very best of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
Until now, all their grapes have been sourced from premium farms in the Stellenbosch area,
with very varied terroir, climate and growing conditions
Some vineyards have supplied them for many years and they have a good relationships with them all
Two vineyards have been planted next to the Le Riche wine cellar, which is on the Raithby-Annandale Rd
and they will be added to a future vintage
Their aim is the "pursuit to crafting quality-focused wines that are detailed in approach and reflective of their terroir"

They also make a Chardonnay; the vintage we tasted was 2022
Richness, golden fruit and a hint of smoke on the nose, which repeats on the palate with length and depth
Flavours of lime, white peach, nectarine and lots of golden oak
The wine is aged for 11 months in a combination of clay amphorae and French oak barrels

The venue

The tasting line-up

Christo gave us lots of valuable information about each wine, where in Stellenbosch it was farmed and how it was made

Le Riche Richesse 2022 is a Stellenbosch Heritage blend of wine
It is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, incorporating Cinsault
and smaller amounts of Bordeaux cultivars such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot
Raised in older 225L oak for 12 months, the components are then blended and further matured in 225L barrels,
5000L oak foudres and concrete tanks for a further 8 months
It represents a time-honoured tradition of Cabernet Sauvignon production within the Stellenbosch region,
where blending with Cinsaut was prevalent pre-1980 and blending with Bordeaux varieties became popular post 1980
The wine was inspired by father Etienne's time as winemaker at Rustenberg
A classic Stellenbosch Cabernet blend. Dark cherries and berries on the nose and palate at first,
Wood support but shyly, then cranberry, cassis and mulberry follow. Very easy to quaff and pair with food

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is shy at first, it then opens with a very attractive nose,
followed by cassis berries and leaves, some umami hints and wood in the background
On the palate, a silky, lovely textured wine follows. Loaded with dark berry fruit, elegance and complexity
Still young but it has far to go

Next, three Cabernets of the 2021 vintage, but from different Stellenbosch areas
The 2021 Simonsberg Cabernet has a good nose with such richness and depth verging on red velvet;
intriguing ... "what will follow on the palate?"
A classic cabernet sauvignon. Full of dark, rich fruit, so enjoyable with grippy tannins holding it for long aging
Excellent wooding, just the style we like to drink and cellar

The 2021 Steynsrust Cabernet has coffee oak, minerality, fruit comes later, cassis and smoke,
the violets arrive last on the nose
Sweet and sour fruit in balance; complexity, chalky tannins with some grip, cassis, fruit, violets, length,
this also has the bones to last. 
The 2021 Bosstok Cabernet. Another classic Cabernet nose full of dark berry fruit and perfume, some smoke whiffs
followed by ripe red berries. Licorice wood on the palate
Lots of salty minerality followed by silky berry fruit, loong flavours and good wood on the end

And then the wine most discussed and admired on the day
The 2021 Reserve Cabernet is so well made and shows what  a great vintage this is
Beautiful berry fruit, richness, complexity; ethereal wood supports
On the palate, some salty minerality and licorice, but in perfect balance with the wood, tannins and superb cassis fruit
"Wow" was heard. It delivered the perfect mouthful of delicious well-managed fruit with freshness
Drinking so well now, but it has so much potential. Tannins are soft and present but part of the package

The 2013 Cabernet was dark with a pink rim and lots of legs
Smoke, berries - red and black - and it suddenly opens up to give a blast of beautiful fruit
Silky smooth on the palate then another hit of berry fruit with some lasting acidity
Black cherries, cassis to the fore, it tastes young! Such quality with chewy chalky tannins on the end
This still has lots of time. It calls for food

A great opportunity to be able to taste the 2001 Reserve Cabernet, we must have sold this in our shop when released
The grapes were from Jonkershoek and Eendrag. This was Etienne's fourth vintage of Le Riche Cabernet
Dark with pale red edges and legs
Overripe berries at first on the nose, smoky wood, then perfume, vanilla, violets and complexity
Integrated fruit wood and tannins on the palate all melding together
Lasting well, but a little lighter in texture. Another food wine

It was such a good tasting

Enjoyed by the audience of wine trade and media

And Etienne le Riche dropped in to say hello at the end. He still keeps a watching brief and acts as an advisor to his son

Well-matched food was served. This was a crisp toasted slice of pumpkin bread topped with rich duck liver paté

It was followed by some sliced picanha beef topped with a chilli chimichurri

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right


Posted by MENU at 11:59 am 0 comments

Monday, May 06, 2024

In MENU this issue Arco Laarman wake, Alto lunch and tasting, Catherine Marshall wines

Only three stories for you this time. One, a sad occasion but a celebration of a life cut short. And two wine experiences with beautiful South African wines. We think you’ll enjoy them. As always, click on the photographs and headlines to open the full stories

Arco Laarman wake at Kaapzicht

Arco Laarman was a well-known, well-liked and respected winemaker who died recently. We were invited to his wake which was held at Kaapzicht wine estate in Bottelary. This was not a sad occasion, more a celebration of a life well lived and a fine career very sadly cut short. It was attended by many of his family and friends, so many of us associated with the wine industry. Arco Laarman was only 49 and at the peak of his career, making great wine under his own label, having spent many years working at Glen Carlou before going out on his own and succeeding so well. A sad loss. Read on…

Lunch with wine tasting at Alto, Stellenbosch

An invitation from Barend Barnard, Sales & Marketing Manager of Alto wine estate, to visit the farm and taste the wines was quickly accepted. We tasted the wines over a very good lunch in their restaurant. The views are spectacular and the atmosphere is sophisticated and sooo relaxed. Read on…

Trade wine tasting of Catherine Marshall wines

A tasting we always look forward to. Catherine Marshall is one of our best wine makers. Modest to a fault, she works tirelessly to make superb wines. For those in the know, they are an essential and a joy. You will find her wines in all the best restaurants and wine emporiums. We are always excited to taste her new vintages. Her tasting room and winery is at the top of the Polkadraai Hill outside Stellenbosch. Read on…

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right

If you do not wish to receive e-mails from us, please email menucape@gmail.com with the word 'UNSUBSCRIBE' in your email


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Lunch with wine tasting at Alto, Stellenbosch

An invitation from Barend Barnard, Sales & Marketing Manager of Alto wine estate,
to visit the farm and taste the wines was quickly accepted
 We tasted the wines over a very good lunch in their restaurant
The views are spectacular and the atmosphere is sophisticated and sooo relaxed

Barend  wanted to introduce us to the new 2023 Stellenzicht Thunderstone Rosé
Alto, Stellenzicht and Ernie Els wines are all now under the ownership and/or part ownership of German businessman
and wine collector Baron Hans von Staff-Reitzenstein

The wine was made by  L’Ré Burger and is a blend of 71% Syrah, 16% Grenache and 13% Cinsault
Pale onion skin in colour and has had some aging in old barrels.
Raspberry and pomegranate on the nose and palate, a good acid grip,
refreshing with long fruit flavours and good with food

The new vineyard about to be planted in front of the restaurant and winery
It is destined for a planting of Shiraz near the gate, and Cabernet Sauvignon high up near the tasting room
 The entrance way will change to a position on the right of this picture

Inside, a video was being filmed and they had arranged this lovely tableau with some of the Alto reds
Nota bene, a great place to enjoy a tasting on a chilly winter's day
A very special celebration is planned at Alto later in the year, as Alto will celebrate the 100th vintage of Alto Rouge
We really like the new labels, still classic but easier to identify

This iconic Estate Blend is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Tim Atkin voted the 2021 the Best Value red wine in SA

The menu is petite but beautifully formed.

With some extras and boards to share should you not want a full lunch

The wine list. The wines are sold at cellar door prices in the restaurant

We began our lunch with Stellenzicht Thunderstone Chardonnay 2023
Richness, lees, perfume and white peach on the nose. Lovely juicy fruit forward Chardonnay
White peach, nectarine and crisp lemon. vLight wood and great minerality. Another which is good with food

It was a lovely autumnal day so we sat outside on the deck with a fabulous view
You can just make out Table Mountain in the distance through the haze
The Cape has been plagued, again, by fires in the fynbos

Our extremely helpful Sommelier/waiter, Likho, also brought the wines to taste with our meal
We last met him when he worked at Jordan

We could not make up our minds about which starter to have, so we ordered two and swapped half way
The grilled baby squid were tender and spicy from the chorizo and hot sauce
The Alto Rouge 2021 has richness, incense wood, good red berry fruit, spice and pepper
Lots of depth and full of memorable flavours, red and black cherry, black currents and blackberry
Wood supports with good crisp tannins and length
It was perfect with this dish, it washed away the heat and added a lot to the enjoyment

The tender and flavourful Beef Carpaccio had a mound of chopped and vinegared, slightly hard, pear in the centre
Rocket, sharp sundried tomatoes, deep fried capers and topped with shavings of parmesan and raw onion 

One of the farm's friendly Chocolate Labradors

The 2018 Alto Shiraz has leather, wood, spicy dark red berries and a behind-the-ear perfume!
Mulberry, blueberry and fruit with spice and pepper, it's easy to quaff and went so well with the squid

A farmhouse nestled in autumnal trees

We had good chats with the American couple seated at the next table
who were enjoying their trip and their wine tasting

Salt and pepper on the table

The 2018 Alto Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic quality Stellenbosch Cabernet
Cassis, good incense wood; on the palate, richness and fullness with cassis and cherry, sweet and sour in balance,
a food wine and drinking so well now

The 2022 Alto Estate Blend is a blend of cabernet, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and sometimes, but not this vintage,
some Petit Verdot. Lots of Cassis and lots of spice on the rich nose
Tight tannins holding onto good cherry berry fruit, the necessary acid in balance,
It's very young and needs to be carefully laid down to await its future magic

John chose the Cut of the Day, a Chalmar Sirloin, fire touched, very bleu but tender and delicious
Topped with crisp onion rings, excellent crisp truffle chips and a rocket salad

Lynne enjoyed the Belly of Pork with superb crisp crackling on two slices, very tender and luxurious
Served with red cabbage, mustard mash, smoked apple, crisp sweet potato ribbons and a creamy bacon brandy sauce
The Alto Cabernet was the perfect match, it opened up and complimented the rich pork and creamy flavours 

A quick word with the talented winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen who celebrated his birthday that day

The meal was very filling, but we had to try the enticing Naked Dark Chocolate and Berry Torte, one to share
and it did not disappoint, dark and rich with lovely flavours and textures, it echoed some of the red wines
Thank you to all at Alto, we will definitely be back and think you, our reader, should try it as well

The Chef is Matthew Delponte

The mountain appearing through the smoky haze as we left

All our stories can be seen in the Blog Archive near the top of the column on the right

Posted by MENU at 1:14 pm 0 comments
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