The Cape of Good Hope Wines, a new range of wines just released by Anthonij Rupert Wines and distributed by Meridian Wine Merchants, is now available. Attractive labels, showing replicas of the famous Cape of Good Hope stamps, complement three whites and two reds.
Van Lill & Visser Chenin Blanc 2010, named after Basie van Lill of Arbeidsend and Jozua Visser of Oudam whose families have owned and worked these vineyards for many years. Rooibos tea and sheep are also farmed here. Low rainfall, no irrigation and natural fynbos surrounding the vines tend to produce intense fruit and depth with a fresh acidity.
Laing Semillon 2010, farmed by Henk Laing and two other farmers on the Skurfberg, offers a rich mouthful, with a tangy elderflower cordial note picked up in its balance of fruit and acid. Flinty, gravel minerality makes its presence felt on the long aftertaste. Loads of development potential ahead.
Serruria Chardonnay 2010 is grown on this farm chosen four years ago specifically to be planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at 890 m above sea level, as the climate and soils suit these varietals.
Basson Pinotage 2007, farmed by the Basson family of Nooitgedacht in the granite soils of the Paardeberg. Good length, body and structure throughout, the wine is savoury with a light peppery bite and cinnamon spice twist.
Parel Vallei Farmstead Merlot 2007, planted in the backyard of the proprietor of Anthonij Rupert Wines, Johann Rupert. It offers good body and structure with commendable balance. The dark chocolate warmth lingers long.
