NOVEMBER

Good day Wine Lover

“In very little time Vilafonté has begun to prove to the wine world that it is not one of SA’s export fantasies, but a player with real potential at the top end of the market.”

Michael Fridjhon, Business Day

“Both are profoundly good wines. The Series M is more overtly Pomerol in style, while the Series C has the depth, refinement and structure of a great Medoc.”

Decanter September 2007: One of the Top 25 icons of tomorrow.

Wine Cellar has offered the M and C Series Vilafonté since the maiden 2003 release. Each vintage has shown growth in depth and class while the vines age and oenology is refined. Vilafonté is firmly installing itself as one of leading luxury brands on the local and international wine market. This was confirmed by WINE ENTHUSIAST's ratings of the 2004 vintage; C - 94/100 and M - 93/100. They also nominated Vilafonté as 'Winery of the Year' in the debut vintage!

The 2005 vintage was warmer than 2004, but had fewer heat waves and good dry conditions. In bottle most 2005's are better balanced, finer and purer than the 2004's. Watch out for the 2005's from Vilafonté to make waves around the world! See www.vilafonte.com for more details.

What/where is Vilafonté? The vineyard is located in the Paarl-Simonsberg region on the northern side of the Simonsberg Mountains. Mostly north-west facing, the sight comprises of old and well weathered soils of which one type, Vilafontes, is the namesake for the vineyard and wines. Look closely at the label and you will see it is a profile of the vilafontes soil!

Who is Vilafonté? The essence of the wines are indicative of the people behind them: Phil Freese (viticulturist) and Zelma Long (winemaker), Californian based husband & wife team, were invited to South Africa in the 1990’s as consultants to our local wine industry and could already see then the potential of the Western Cape wine lands. They have both been pioneers of their respective fields which means many weeks apart in numerous countries and always working for others. During one trip to South Africa they were fortunate to find land with soil to ‘concoct something new’ and ‘together’. Planting of the first blocks began in 1998/1999, Mike Ratcliffe (of Warwick repute) joined them in 2002 as marketing partner and in 2003 Vilafonté was born.

NOVEMBER

Wine press around the world have ranted about the perfect 2005 Burgundy vintage and there seems to be no abating. We have tasted many and yes, they are exceptional; comparable to any great vintage. The top wines sold out immediately and began trading on the secondary market bumping up prices considerably. Thus finding value in Burgundy has become even more difficult with a minefield of growers, producers, vineyards and villages. The buying decision of premium Bordeaux for instance is made mostly on the quality of the vintage, then the commune and then the Chateau. Burgundy however is more a choice of Domaine, then the village and finally less emphasis is placed on the vintage. When you are able to purchase all three at high levels you are almost guaranteed extreme quality. We are pleased to offer the fine producer Antonin Rodet and two of his endeavors, Chateau de Chamirey's wonderfully priced Mercureys and Domaine Jacque Prieur. 

Chateau de Chamirey is situated in the Cote Chalonnaise south of Beaune. Mercurey is very much the flagship of this region and the rich mineral reds reminds one of Gevrey-Chambertin but perhaps with more upfront fruit and less robustness.  5% is planted with Chardonnay and both offer great value for money .website

Domaine Jacque Prieur is based in Meursault and is renowned as one of he most prestigious domaines in Burgundy. Since Rodet's investment in the mid 90's the domaine as received upper 90's ratings by the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate for its top wines. Today, Martin Prieur continues in the cellar with Nadine Gublin as the oenologist. Wine Advocates scores and Rand/bottle showed below. These are low in quantities, so please send you request through promptly.

OCTOBER

Good day Wine Lovers

This week we offer our picks of one of the most industry-represented wine competition in SA; run by the South African National Wine Show. Veritas is quite unique with its high number of entries as well as the ability to highlight good-value wines. Click here to see all the Results...

We also offer Jancis Robinson's MW picks of the classic Bordeaux 2001 vintage. The women of wine quotes 2001 as "the last affordable vintage" though 2004 (which has sold extremely well since arrival)  could contend this. 

JANCIS ROBINSON MW RATES BORDEAUX 2001

A recent tasting of all the 2001 Bordeaux allowed Jancis Robinson to review all the big names. Whilst the First Growths did as well as expected there were lesser names offering competition at up to a 10th of their prices.  

JR tends to prefer the classical styles of 2001 and 2004 whilst across the Atlantic, the Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) and Wine Spectator are more impressed with the warmer vintages such as 2005 and 2003. Clearly the 2001's are more classical with late September rains influencing Merlot ripening. Pomerol ironically faired very well as well as the Cabernet dominate wines of the Medoc. They are approaching drinkability at the Petit Chateau level with the wines below likely to be best from 2010 to 2010. This is a pre-shipment offer and they will land early February. R/bottle prices are all inclusive.

 

Wine	JR	RP	R/bottle
Pontet Canet, Pauillac 5er Classe	18	89	R440
Since 1996, Alfred Tesseron has turned this Chateau around and often it resembles its neighbour, Mouton-Rothschild. JR actually awards it 1/2 a point more than the first growth! "Big and bloody and pretty sumptuous and attractive. Delivers all the way through the tasting experience. Luscious yet with lots of fine tannins underneath. Wonderfully harmonious. There is freshness here too. Very long."
Lafon Rochet, St Estephe 5er Classe	17.5	88	R320
Trumping the Super-seconds Montrose and Cos d'Estournel!!!!! Also owned by the Tesserons, he is clearly doing something correct. Lafon-Rochet represents the best value in the medoc and from 2000 we have seen majestic wines from the Chateau. "Big and bloody on the nose. Lots of fruit and suppleness. A very ambitious wine. Good stuff. Fills all the corners of the palate. Very long and powerful with a strong expression of Saint-Estèphe. Very clean finish."
Duhart Milon, Pauillac 5er Classe	17		R400
Made in exactly the same way as Chateau Lafite-Rothschild from similar terroir. "Dark red. Wild, diffuse aromas. Thick and chewy and sweet. Satisfying, lively mouthful but pretty evolved. Quite racy but long. Well done!"
Haut Bergey, Pessac Leognan	17	90	R320
Impressive value from the Pessac-Leognan. Classic in style with a high percentage Cabernet Sauvignon. "Very dark crimson. Sweet and thick and rather Pape Clément like. A much fruitier, more complete drink than most of its peers. Only very very slightly over-oaked"
L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol	18		R1350
The Top rated of all the Pomerols beating all the big guns, Petrus and Le Pin etc. An investment orientated wine that is beginning to get the recognition as a 'first growth'. "Healthy crimson. Meaty, savoury, dense and taut and sinewy. Sleek and with real potential. Long and muscular. Great persistence."

OCTOBER

The Eguren family have been making wine in San Vicente de la Sonsierra since 1870. It is a little town perched on top of a hill in the middle of the Riojan Ebro valley, Spain (see picture). The picturesque castle, built in 1174, makes for one of the most recognizable wine areas in the world as well as the label for Sierra Cantabria. Wine Cellar is proud to offer the entire range of the Eguren Family that is fast becoming the hottest winery in Spain! Adding even more weight to these already highly rated wines, WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE recently rated the top Riojan wines with the Eguren offerings making 12 of the top 30 spots including Number 1, 2 and 3!

Traditionally Riojan wines required the skill of blending many different vineyards. The blends are  then aged for various periods to produce styles from Joven through to Grand Reserva. Marcus Eguren, the current generation wine-maker, started a trend in the early 90's to identify old vineyard parcels and vinify them individually. Hereby, more terroir driven-wines are attained with individual expression and intensity. These old vines more importantly have huge concentration with the combined elegance and savoury character of the old world. Marcus Eguren achieves this to a tee with some of the finest wines ever tasted at Wine Cellar. These wines constitute the 'new wave' Rioja, as opposed to traditional long-ageing lighter-bodied style. Ironically, the WINE ENTHUSIAST calls these the 'New Classics' as they begin to achieve cult status around the world. But will these massive uber-oaked wines age well? We have recently drank a few from the 2000 vintage and the wines are yet to get into their stride. Parker assimilates the top 'New Classics' such as Termanthia from Toro (offered below) to first growth Bordeaux that will likely mature half a century!

2004 in Spain was exceptional due to the consistent and dry summer - all of our top wines are long gone. 2005 has however been lauded as even better (most of Europe in 2005 is a dream vintage). We are offering the 2005's pre-release for landing February 2008 because of their cult following and rarity. The Wine Advocate (Robert Parker's journal) is yet to rate the 2005's, but all the indicators are there for upper 90's ratings and souring prices. Quantities are limited due to extremely low yields and parcel sizes. Priced in R/bottle while stocks last! We will be tasting all these in March 2008 in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

WINE ENTHUSIAST'S TOP WINES IN RIOJA

Toro, further west towards Portugal along the Duero river, has also been rejuvenated over the last decade in the identification of old vineyard parcels. Tinta de Toro is a clone of Tempranillo with smaller berries and thicker skins, producing an even more concentrated wine with finer tannins. Marcus Eguren producers these rarities again offered pre-shipment landing February 2008.

To order these wines or book our tastings please phone  on 021 448 4105 or reply to this email.

Vinous Regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar team

OCTOBER

Dear Wine Lover

Last week we had the pleasure of reviewing Bordeaux 2000 at Wine Cellar in Cape Town. Extraordinarily hot weather with almost no rain during August and September 2000 caused thick skins and massive concentration of the Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot grapes resulting in powerful, muscular red wines across all appellations. The Bordeaux-anorak, Monsieur Robert Parker Jr, contends it to be the best vintage across Bordeaux since 1982. The 2005's, arriving next year are however likely to provide a new level of quality in Bordeaux!

We confirmed the brilliance of 2000 Bordeaux with 15 mid-level classed wines; now 7 years old and just on or approaching their drinking plateau. Superb tannins and good acidities will allow them remain there for another 5 to 10+ years. 6 wines are recommended below and can be purchased with confidence at prices close to that of opener 6 years ago. This is opposed to greater growths whose prices have rocketed up; 1st Growth Lafite-Rothschild is now selling at £9000+ in London, over 5-times it’s opening price in 2001!

The vintage is evolving extremely slowly and the top wines are difficult to appreciate being so backward in nature. These make them similar to the 1982's, where the 1st growths and especially Mouton Rothschild, are still so tannic requiring further cellaring towards absolute maturity. Thus, the mid-level is highly attractive for mid-term drinking. See all the 2000's here

Please reply to this email or phone 021 448 4105 to order these wines. Delivery to JHB or Durban is R75 per 12 bottle case and R50 thereafter.

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar

October

Dear Wine Lover

There are a number of merits of textured white wines versus those that just offer zing and flavour. Texture carries flavour, assists with ageing, combines well with food and adds depth. Chenin Blanc is leading the way in South African whites (in my view), predominantly with Chenin based blends, but also as a single varietal. The leading Loire expert Richard Kelly MW recently explained at two Wine Cellar tastings how the Huet Chenin's can last half a century. With our older vines and affinity with Chenin Blanc production, South Africa's top-class Chenins age beautifully. One Chenin that is being appreciated here and in the US is the Raats Chenin Blanc. Three consecutive vintages from 2004 to 2006 have scored in the 90's in WINE SPECTATOR magazine. The latest 2006 may be Bruwer Raats's best effort yet with a 91/100. A recent dinner I attended with the 2003 vintage started to show the maturing traits of fine SA Chenin Blanc, gaining depth, richness and complexity.

Coupled with this release is the iconic Raats Cabernet Franc 2006; the 2005 sold out hastily last year. There is no doubt that this is the best Cabernet Franc in South Africa and has been mentioned in the same light as Cheval Blanc by the UK press. Lastly, the flagship wine of Bruwer Raats and his business partner Mzo Mvemve is the de Compostella 2005. Only 6 barrels are produced each vintage making it as rare as "chickens teeth". Wine Spectator once again applauded this by mentioning it as their pick of 2004 South African Bordeaux with a 93/100! 

Finally, we review the much-hyped 2000 Bordeaux vintage this evening at the cellar and finish off the year by reviewing 1980's Bordeaux in JHB and Cape Town.

Please reply to this email or phone 021 448 4105 to order these wines or make a tasting booking. Delivery to JHB or Durban is R75 per 12 bottle case and R50 thereafter.

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar

September 2007

Dear Wine Lover

From 2003 onwards, there has been a string of a great European vintages; its the best time to buy French wine! This week we highlight two great vintages from France that support excellent value. Before we do however, a quick mention of the Oak Valley 2004 Red Blend. A recent winner with 4.5 stars in WINE and then the 'Best in the World' trophy at the Decanter wine awards in the Bordeaux Blends above £10's class. The blend reminds one of Pomerol on the nose and opens beautifully over 3 days into a myriad of berries coated in a succulent yet sturdy shell. Our certain pick of the week at R95/bottle and one for the cellar! For the avid collector we can also offer the Rhône-blend winner above £10, Sadie Family Columella 2004 at R3,300/6.

Bordeaux 2004 was unenthusiastically received en-primeur in spite of low prices but has been praised subsequently; 'Return to Classicism' enthused Jancis Robinson at the November 2006 bottle tasting and 'The Last Picture Show - the final value-priced good vintage of Bordeaux' says Robert Parker in his June 2007 WINE ADVOCATE. A large and late-ripening vintage; a pitfall for properties who failed to control their yield and rot. Those well-located properties who did, have made delicious energetic wines with brisk refreshing fine-grained tannins, especially in the northern Medoc and some specific Margaux, Pessac-Leognan & Right Bank properties. Prices for the top wines have risen sharply in the London market since their release. We have a good selection of well-priced wines from our en-primeur purchases while stocks last. We taste the 2004's in Cape Town tonight and on the 9th Oct in JHB. See here for a full list!

Last week we tasted the perfect Burgundy 2005's; the tasting room was a buzz with enthusiasm over their class, depth and purity. Bordeaux and Burgundy might get all the hype, but all round France the vintage excelled. 2005 in the Rhone has the ripeness and flavour of 2003 but with better firmness, acidity and elegance. The top wines will arrive next year; for a snapshot of their greatness see the value offered below!

BORDEAUX - FRANCE

Ch Haut Bages Liberal, Pauillac 5er Cru Classe	2004	R235/bt
Classy cedar, typical Pauillac assertiveness. Fine with floral note. Medium bodied, sturdy, mineral and elegant. Lovely perfumed fruit core and fine tannin edge. Great value. Parker 90. Drink 2010 - 2020
Ch Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc, Pessac Leognan	2004	R395/bt
Parker 94 and our highest rated 2004 landed - the price has since doubled in London! Wonderfully perfumed, some guava, wool and touch of celery. Fatty yet fine and restrained. Great depth with an ultra long finish. Oak already integrated. Drink 2008 - 2014
Ch Malescot St Exupery, Margaux 3er Cru Classe	2004	R270/bt
Expressive on the nose with some new oak. Velvety and dense combining sweet leather and spice. Riper, bold and exotic. Textured with savoury finish, already attractive! Parker 90 Drink 2008 - 2020

RHÔNE - FRANCE

Chapoutier, Cotes du Rhône  Rouge "Belleruche"	2005	R450/6
A generous wine to partner with Tuesday evenings. Quintessential Grenache expression boosted by a dollop of Syrah. Superbly drinkable and soft with brambly fruit and savoury notes. Wine Spectator 88
Chapoutier, Crozes Hermitage "Les Meysonniers"	2005	R750/6
This has to be the best value in our cellar. Pure syrah from this amazing vintage. White pepper, solid fruit, good acidity and fine tannins with a Parker 90 its a steel!

Please reply to this email or phone Val or myself on 021 448 4105 to order or book a tasting.

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar Team

September 2007

Dear Wine Lover

Here in sunny South Africa we are able to ripen grapes on our vines with relative ease, and bar the worry of rain or heavy wind our vintages are consistently good. The European wine regions are more marginal however and full-ripeness each vintage is not always achieved. Bordeaux for instance, lies 11 degrees further from the equator than Cape Town; receiving far less intense sunshine. While we are allowed to add acid to our ripe grapes for freshness, most of Europe is allowed to add sugar to bolster alcohol.

Call it climate change, call it luck, but Europe has enjoyed a string of great vintages, and there is no better time to buy! Yes it may be an investment now, but with the prices of fine wine soaring at an unprecedented rate (see Liv-ex), these in the long-term may prove a bargain.

2003 was, as most will know, the hottest summer on record. This for marginal climates meant fantastic ripeness and little worry of rot. Rich, ripe and forward wines created much excitement and hype. 2004 is generally complimented by little rain and a long warmish growing season producing classically styled wines. 2005 is highlighted for warm conditions and a lack of rain producing one the best vintages across Europe in memory. Bordeaux and Burgundy 2005's have dominated the wine-headlines and tasting these wines, one can recognize their brilliance; marvelous ripeness, fantastic concentration and firm acidity. And finally, 2006 is already proving to be successful for its long warm season and gentle rains. Bordeaux and the Mosel are two regions already singing praises. Wine Cellar offers new and future stock in each region to highlight the absolute quality and value arriving from Europe. To add to the demand of European fine wine, harvest reports on 2007 are looking bleek, with a small early crop heavily effected by mildew  expected.

Here is a pick of new wines on offer; please see the website for a complete list or phone me for any queries.

LOIRE - FRANCE (Pre-shipment all inclusive, landing February 2008)

Jamain, Reuilly	2006	R640/6
A most amazingly fresh and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc bordering Sancerre offering great value. Plush, focused, and pure with more minerals than the periodic table. Drink now to 2012
Huet, Vouvray, Le Mont Sec	2005	R1,195/6
One of the top wines I have tasted all year! Richard Kelly MW believes this will last 50 years too! A dry Chenin blanc that reminds one more of Montrachet with its richness, depth and power. Something truly special and an absolute bargain.

MOSEL - GERMANY (Pre-shipment all inclusive, landing February 2008)

Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Kabinet	2006	R900/6
Willi Schaefer Qba	2006	R640/6
A very hot summer, but with more rain than 2003, producing low yields. Some growers including Schaefer announce better wines in 2006 than the sublime 2005 vintage with higher acidity and more extract. There are tiny allocations of these Rieslings, so please order pre-shipment!

DURO - PORTUGAL

Niepoort Vertente Tinto	2005	R145/bt
Dirk Niepoort is leading the way in the Duro with his table wines and the local varieties. The Vertente is matured for 15 months in seasoned oak. Delightfully elegant with good texture and fine fruit.
Niepoort Rosé	2006	R90/bt
A mélange of strawberry, fruit pastels and spice. Rich and clean with a fabulous grippy finish to go great with food.

BURGUNDY - FRANCE

Joseph Voillot, Volnay Champans 1er Cru	2005	R400/bt
Deep textured, broad yet fine. Fabulous concentration without being awkward. Drink to 2020. Jancis Robinson 16++/20
Florent de Merode Aloxe Corton 1er Cru	2005	R315/bt
Just down the slope of the famous Grand Cru Cortons; great vintages offer fabulous wines down to Village quality. Finely mineral, rich and classy, firm acidity and silky tannins. Floral scent complements ripe strawberry fruit.

August 2007

Dear Wine Lover

A quick email to congratulate the wineries and offer the 5-Star wines in the 2008 John Platter Wine Guide.

Over the last few months 5000-odd wines were assessed by various judges and 89 wines submitted to the 5 star tasting last week. 11 judges then re-tasted these blind to cast a 'yes' or 'no' vote for the illusive top-rating in the guide. Those wines that received more yes's than no's receive the 5 Stars whilst the rest receive 4.5 Stars. The wine with the most yes's is judged the Wine-of-the-year and will be named at a later date. The super-quaffer will also be announced at this time. Port-style wines have done extremely well this year representing over a quarter of the total list. It shows great quality in this field and there is some surprisingly good value too.

Cape Point Vineyards has once again stolen the show with their precision whites; please let me know if you would like to be on the allocation list upon their release. 

Of the 89 wines that were whittled down, here some of my highlights... The Beyerskloof "Field blend" stood out for its Bordeaux-like poise and opulence from the fleshy 2003 vintage. The Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak from Bouchard Finlayson has to be the best Pinot Noir I have tasted from SA; comparable (and priced as!) to fine Burgundy. The Boplaas Cape Vintage is a gem of a port that will likely last 50 years. Why not stick a case away? de Trafford Shiraz is marked for its fantastic intensity, sold-out pre-release by Wine Cellar. We have kept a few cases back for such an occasion.

The Edgebaston-Finlayson will be on the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction this year. Wine Cellar will be a proxy for bidding once again. Please let me know of your quantity and maximum bid if you are interested. Included in the list below are my short notes from the tasting.

Please reply to this email or phone 021 448 4105 to order or to be on the distribution list upon the release of the unavailable wines.

Vinous regards!

Roland and the Wine Cellar team.

August 2007

Dear Wine Lover

Last year Wine Cellar hosted "The Judgment of Cape Town" piping the finest Bordeaux 2003's versus SA's best 2003's. de Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon was pushed into second by the heralded Pontet-Canet 2003 and beat many prodigious wines like Montrose, Leoville-Barton and Leoville Poyferre. Montrose has just be re-rated by Parker to 100/100. This year Wine Cellar and David Trafford bring you a tasting not to miss: a vertical of de Trafford Cabernet and Chateau Latour!

You don’t see too much about David Trafford these days in the popular wine press or find his wines presented at the shows (also he did present at the WINEX 2006). He doesn't really need the bother and costs of local marketing as his 3500 cases annual production sells out fast (with about 2/3rds going to overseas markets incl many top restaurants).

David earned his spurs long ago: • Most Successful Winery (shared with Vergelegen), Best Red Wine & Best Merlot Trophies at the 2002 Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show. • Top ratings for SA wines in WINE SPECTATOR – both his 2001 & 2003 Shiraz rated 94 points (only piped by Sadie’s 2005 Columella with 95 points) and has many other 93 point wines. So it’s good to hear that both the DE TRAFFORD CABERNET SAUVIGNON and MERLOT 2001’s will be on this years Nederburg Auction on 28 & 29 September (a first for David T and only because he held back some stock from this vintage).

While it’s the young Shiraz that have garnered those top WINE SPECTATOR ratings, David believes his CABERNET SAUVIGNON’s are the wines in his range that benefit most from ageing and are destined for long term stardom. Something like CHATEAU LATOUR perhaps? The famous Pauillac 1st Growth is regarded as the most age-worthy of all Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines and David believes it would be interesting to compare the two wines at various stages in their aging process. And this is exactly what we are going to do with David T on Wednesday 26 September (just ahead of the Nederburg Auction) in our cellar.

Note: Robert Parker gives the Latour 2003 (R14,000/bottle) the perfect 100 points and says that it is ‘disarmingly accessible’ at this embryonic stage! Latour has been his Wine-of-the-vintage from 2001 to 2004. There will also be a selection of other de Trafford wines - Chenin Blanc, Elevation & Straw Wine - with some food after the tasting

Book now for this unique event at R1050 per person – only 15 places available – by calling Roland or Val at the cellar. * Please also note, the date for the Loire tasting in CT has changed!

And, in passing, remember that Wine Cellar has the largest selection of vintage de Trafford wines in the world.

Cheers, David Brice

August 2007

Dear Wine Lover

The Eden Valley appears slowly as one drives east of the Barossa valley, just out of Adelaide. Between 400 to 600m above sea level it becomes tough and rocky; great for wines with delicacy and finesse. Growing conditions also become a little more timid than the sweltering Summers in the lower Barossa. Wines are purer and more elegant contrasting the massively rich and ripe wines that have won much praise with the American critics.

Radford Dale wines brings modern winemaking and traditional values to create one of the finest partnerships in Australia. Ben Radford (Wine Maker) and Gill Radford (Chef) bought the property in 1999 when Burgundian-raised Alex Dale joined to form this wonderfully unique partnership.

The Radford Dale Vineyard is nestled high in the Barossa Ranges just off Flaxmans Valley Road, Eden Valley, South Australia. The vines date back to 1930. Like any 70 year old this vineyard needs lots of love and care. Pruning and picking are done by hand to protect and nurture these fragile old gems. Yields are kept low and every bunch is scrutinized and hand-sorted. Only then are they allowed through to the bag press and whole bunch pressed. The juice is then settled for 3 days racked and inoculated with a European yeast strain and fermented cold for up to 4 weeks. No need to add acid as this Eden Valley Riesling is in perfect balance with a zingy natural acidity.

July 2007

Dear Wine Lover

When the 2007 John Platter 5 Stars were released late last year the De Morgenzon offering was not yet available. Wine Cellar is passionate about Chenin Blanc and especially this 5-star beauty, we now offer the 2005 at R720/6.

Chenin Blanc holds something special to South Africa, whilst not unique, it is  our largest planted variety. Most is used for spirit and table wine production, though old vines are able to produce rich and complex wines comparable with our top Chardonnays and Sauvignons. Chenin is known for its firm acidity,  affinity with oak and when young it conjures a summer-fruit salad of aromas. With age apricot, wax, honey and nutty aromas evolve. The De Morgenzon, it has been said, is Teddy Hall's (Rudera's Chenin Blanc king) finest wine ever. Positioned in Stellenbosch, the 2005 Chenin Blanc is the maiden offering from the estate which has a myriad of varieties already planted, indicating exciting wines in the pipeline.

July 2007

Dear Wine Lover

Scanning international media, Bordeaux features more than any fine wine region.  It produces about as much wine as the whole of SA, but it's really only the top 5% that everyone talks about. What makes Bordeaux so important? Firstly, the top wines have the almost unique ability to successfully age decades in bottle on a consistent basis; intrinsically Cabernet and Merlot thrive on the gravel and clay in its marginal climate. Secondly the classification of Bordeaux gives consumers a much needed buying map on which to base their decisions. Thirdly, much emphasis is placed on the vintage upon which the futures campaign is offered, creating much needed hype and speculation. Lastly, to realise the 150% return on fine wine within the last 2 years, turning away from First Growth Bordeaux would be detriment to your investing. (see 2006 First Growth offerings)

Wine Cellar prides itself with a large range of Bordeaux; we trade in en-primeur every year and hold good stock back to the 2000 vintage. Therefore we get excited when a producer in South Africa, though not aiming to photocopy Bordeaux, is successful in creating a wine of similar texture, weight and longevity. The Klein Constantia Marlbrook white and red fit this bill. Bordeaux rouge is classically medium bodied, firm in acidity, high in tannins, loaded with savouriness and rounded off by sweet fruit. Attractive but slightly austere when young, age adds complexity, subtlety and softness. Bordeaux blanc has a limey waxy texture and weight to compete with the reds. Usually well-oaked, age brings honey, nuts and lanolin.  

The first Marlbrook was the 1988 named after a beautiful site on Constantia estate. The new offering has been re-launched, re-packaged and ticks all the boxes. Not only do the flagship Klein Constantia's characters show the region's cooler climate benefits but also the estate's links to the fine Bordeaux wine trade.

	MARLBROOK 2005  - R708/6
	You would be excused to confuse this with a top-flight St Estephe. Subtle and elegant with cedary cassis and cured meats. Ultra-fine tannins support intense black fruits and a savoury edge. Super well-balanced acidity and length. Drink 2009-2015
	MME MARLBROOK 2005 R708/6
	The white is perhaps less Bordeaux-like with a lower acidity. It does however have wonderfully elegant Semillon (not the green earthy kind often found in SA); round and deep with a myriad of spice, limes and hint of vanilla.  39% Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2009 WINE & PLATTER 4.5 Stars

JUNE 2007

Dear Wine Lover

Our exciting lineup of tastings in JHB and Cape Town has been finalized with the arrival of new imports in August as well as a few other interesting themes. Please book early to secure a place!

Our offer this week has been a popular Wine Cellar offering since the 2000 vintage and the 2004 ticks all the right boxes. Falesco is a fast-growing producer in Umbria, Central Italy, that has followed on the Super-Tuscan emergence to produce Bordeaux-influenced wines. The Montiano (2001 - RP93, R350) is the luxurious flagship, 100% Merlot, while the Vitiano is their conservative offering; 4 months in French oak with typical Italian tannins and juicy fruit. Perfect with tomato-based foods or anything Italian really. Snap this up at the reduced pre-shipment price!

JUNE 2007

Dear Wine Lover

At Wine Cellar we aim to bring you the most sought-after wines in South Africa and the world. None are more in demand in today's wine environment than Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand and cooler-climate Sauvignon from Australia, the US and SA are marked by racy acidity and extreme fruit-pungency. Cooler climates allow longer growing seasons in which the grape is able to pick up more complexity and mouth-feel. 

One of our rising stars that has just scooped a Gold at this years International Wine Challenge is Constantia Glen's Sauvignon Blanc. Only 234 Golds were awarded out of 9,500 wines entered. 40 Master-of-Wines as well as 2 of Decanter's top 50 powerlist, Jancis Robinson and Oz Clarke, were all part of the judging panel. Though it is the world's largest competition, it is also proud to show consistency in judging with 3 wines this year matching their Trophies in successive vintages.

Top Sauvignon Blanc has been Constantia's draw card since the first 1986 Klein Constantia, though vines have been planted in the valley since the 1660's. The development of Constantia Glen, the valley's newest winery, saw extensive studies by Professor Eben Archer from Stellenbosch University. A few upper-slopes were found ideal for Sauvignon Blanc, given the soils and temperate weather conditions. John Loubser of Steenberg fame vinified Constantia Glen's first 2 vintages with Karl Lambour taking over from 2007. We await eagerly for a high-profile 5-varietal Bordeaux Blend in years to come.

This Sauvignon Blanc is extremely limited, so please respond with haste!

	Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2006	R630/6
	Ph	3.25
	Residual Sugar	1.85g/l
	Alcohol	14%
	Yield	4 tons/ha
The generally cool 2006 vintage displays the elegance of cool climate Sauvignon with the pungency on offer in our sun-drenched climate. 6 hours skin contact pre-ferment and 8 weeks on lees have added even more depth. Expressive on the nose with mineral richness and stone-fruit contrasting a hint of asparagus. Textured and quite serious on the palate. The mid-palate is focused and concentrated with cool-fruit and the intense mineral backbone gives a dry steely finish. Drink now to 2011

MAY 2007

Seeking Texture

The recent WINE magazine pole typically found that Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa's preferred grape variety. Its freshness and almost-artificial green pepper and tropical fruit flavour-spectrum offers the palate much excitement and good drinkablity. The best way to enjoy the variety however is to constantly take another sip; Sauvignon Blanc, bar a few  cooler versions, ultimately lacks depth, length and texture. Sauvignon Blanc has to be vinified as anaerobically as possible as oxygen reduces any methoxy-pyrazines and aromatics that everyone so enjoys. This allows little deviation in style.

The antithesis of our Sauvignon Blanc's  are the Rhone-style whites. They are fatter, richer and heavier on the palate immediately offering a mouth-filling texture and finish. Their ageabilty is far better with a few years adding extra depth and a honey-like complexity. Rousanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Viogner are responsible for this dramatic and inherently different wine. Fermentations are generally a little warmer extracting more weight, whilst lees (dead yeast cells) contact is also possible. Skin maceration (soaking the grape on its skin) is another ally and maturation in seasoned oak allows some oxidation without the obvious vanilla tones and added. Hyperoxidation (exposing the wine to high amounts of oxygen) precipitates phenols and stabilizes the wine. The top Rhone whites are able to last decades even at low acidity levels.

Whilst South Africa doesn’t have much of such plantings, the areas around Pardeberg and Swartland are starting to produce superbly textured wines from old vine Chenin and Viognier. Below are three producers that beside being more minimalist in approach are producing outstanding textured whites. This is a style I believe South Africa should be aiming at with its old-vine Chenin Blanc. This was lamented by Jancis Robinson on her recent visit to SA considering the category as "seriously exciting!"

Please reply to this email or or phone 021 448 4105 to order these wines or make a tasting booking

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar

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MAY 2007

Darling is situated just 6 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean north of Cape Town. The wines attain the richness of the Swartland but the sea-cooling breezes give added elegance. Whilst most producers in Darling focus on white varietals, Cloof’s red shine through with their boldness and concentration. 

The Crucible Shiraz has reached cult status here and abroad, and deservedly so.  With only 350 cases  made in the 2004 vintage and awards galore, it's becoming rarer than hen's teeth!

Joining this blockbuster is the Lynchpin 2005 which is also getting fantastic reviews. A more restrained Merlot-styled red that deserves more patience. Both wines are made from unirragated bushvines where the yields are minute. Roots dig as deep as 8 metres in search of water and they take 5 years to become established. The vines are then more resistant to weather extremities and can ripen more evenly.

Tim Atkin MW notes Cloof it as a ‘Winery to watch” – we are!

The Lynchpin 2005 is offered en-primeur with release in November. We feel it shows something special and unique compounded by its great success with the UK en-primeur campaign. En-primeur is a platform for the buyer to receive the best possible price and secure allocation before the wine is released. This system works extremely well in Bordeaux - especially in the great vintages. La Mission Haut-Brion was offered first tranche in May last year for £1,200. It is now selling at a massive £3,800 only 1 year later. Wine Cellar is currently running the 2006 campaign where the top wines will be again extremely rare.

APRIL 2007

Dear Wine Lover

The formidable chatelaine of super-second Chateau Pichon Lalande, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, has been in love with South Africa since visiting in 1986. Looking to invest elsewhere, Glenelly farm in the heart of Stellenbosch was purchased after three years of searching, covering Margeret River to Washington State.  It comprises an amphitheatre of vineyards stretching up the lower slopes of the Simonsberg, with Rustenberg, Tokara and Morgenhof as its illustrious neighbours. Having just recently sold her Bordeaux Estate, the Madame retains her interest in the property but has a new wine in South Africa that already has heads turning.

 Glenelly Hill was released abroad and Jancis Robinson quickly named it as wine of the week on her website ”The wine is somehow ‘cooler’ than most reds made in the Stellenbosch area, though it’s dense, very savoury, and impressively vibrant”. Robinson punts it as great value for money and with enough individuality to not be a Medoc knock-off.

 Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot have been planted at a relatively high density depending on the many slopes and soils on the farm. A R55 million cellar is already taking shape, built into the side of a hill overlooking the grandeur of Stellenbosch’s towering peaks (see picture below).  6 levels are planned, from grape inception through to bottling, making for a masterpiece of a gravity-flow cellar.

 Glenelly Hill 2003 R780/6

The plush 2003 vintage is fantastically displayed here. Only 3,000 cases of this fine Cuvee were produced from grapes bought in from surrounding farms. It certainly has the mark of a fine Pauillac with the lushness of Stellenbosch fruit and the femininity of the Comtesse. An elegant nose of graphite and cassis blend into hints of Rhone-like wild-berries. The palate is deep and complex with round edges covering a concentrated mid-palate. Oak is superbly judged (1/3 new) combining with extremely fine tannins and an almost old-world finish...

The cepage comprises 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 24% Shiraz and 4% Pinotage. Stephane de Saint Salvy, the winemaker and manager, believes Pinotage is not needed to make a red blend truly South African. This dollop however adds some intense black fruits and a juicy mid-palate. Intensity, class and superb balance will allow a decade of maturation. Wine Cellar offers 1 year included in the selling price.

Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2002

Pichon Lalande is renowned for being the more feminine of the two Pichons.  It usually displays a slight floral herbaceous edge in a medium body, though always strewn with class. We offer the 2002 vintage (exceptional in the Medoc, and a Parker 94/100) at R610 per bottle.

To secure your order or enquire about a tasting please phone Jeannette or Roland on 021 448 4105 or reply to this email.

Vinous Regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar Team

APRIL 2007

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Dear Wine Lover

Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently named the Douro as one on the most exciting regions in the world of wine today. Traditionally known for its port, table wines are fast rising to fame for your extreme intensity coupled with their unique elegance and character.

The Niepoort's of Porto is an independent family business established in 1842 currently headed by 5th generation Dirk Niepoort. He and his young family visited South Africa for the first time on holiday earlier this year. Dirk loved our country and our wines (finding viticulture and viniculture parallels) wanting to introduce Niepoort products to South Africa.

With steep terraces and infertile schistous soils, the Douro doesn't look like the best terroir for wine growing. It is hot and rainfall is sparse making for port variety growing conditions. To plant vines here, the rock needs to be broken up 1.5m into the slope. The vine then takes 5 years to reach the bedrock and suitable water supply. The original terraces made of rock walls were built into the steep slopes in the 19th century and UNESCO is actually taking steps to make the Douro Valley a world heritage site. Any mechanization is impossible and the number of man hours per vine can be 8 times the average in these conditions.

Touriga Naciona, Touriga Franca, Tinto Roriz and Tinta Cao have been identified as the four best red varieties. Being on the same latitude as Toro and the Ribera del Douro and on the same river, one would expect big tannic wines. The higher vineyards however, that generally ripen later, are lighter in body and thus better for table wines than ports. These were previously used for distillation. The Douro's table wines can tend more towards Burgundy in their elegance and minerality.

Wine Cellar offers a tasting of the range in Johannesburg (9th May - Miele Centre, Bryanston) and Cape Town (25th April - Wine Cellar) at R125 per person starting at 18:30. We also offer all the wines at a pre-shipment price a 12.5% on the retail price on landing in August 2007.

Please phone Jeannette or myself on 021 448 4105 or reply to this email to order these wines or book for any of our tastings. Our Bordeaux 2006 en-primeur campaign begins this week, let us know if you want to participate!

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar

APRIL 2007

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Ataraxia - “It’s a term used to describe emotional tranquillity,” Kevin Grant

"To my mind Chardonnay is the complete white grape variety." maintains Kevin.  "Life without Chardonnay is like not being able to breathe!" A man that has been committed to Chardonnay for 14 years and has made, almost uncontentiously, the best Chardonnays in South Africa; a decade at Hamilton Russell Vineyards and now Ataraxia. Though still based near Hermanus, the grapes are sourced from parcels around the cape, expressing the vin de terroir of each region.

The days of the ABC (anything but Chardonnay) club must be over. Over-ripe, over-oaked Chardonnay's are being replaced with more classic restrained versions in the new world. The Ataraxia Chardonnay is leading the way and should appeal to classicists and previous ABC members alike. 

The 2006 the most impressive of the Ataraxia range which also includes a Sauvignon Blanc and a Serenity red blend. The 2005 vintage sold out quickly as touted by pundits all around the world. Decanter's Steven Spurrier labeled it the "Best New world white" in the February edition - "An extraordinary Chardonnay"..."in the Burgundian style with chiseled minerality"  and Michael Fridjhon has expressed similar praising views in Business Day. The 2006 offers more of the above; pure  fruit of pears and green apples intertwined with minerals and white flowers in a taught-shell and almondy edge. A wine that will reach its full stride over the next 5 years. Truly world-class!

The most fascinating element of this wine is its provenance; whilst some fruit is drawn from the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, a large portion is harvested from a vineyard 1000m above sea level in the remote Agter-Witzenberg near Ceres. It is so isolated that the vines are grown on their own roots! This is almost unique to South Africa with nearly all other vine plantings being being grafted on phylloxera-resistant rootstock. It allows minimalistic viticulture and the continental climate (with large diurnal temperature variations) produces superb natural acidities and medium to low alcohols in a classical mould.

Alain Chavy Bourgogne Chardonnay 2005 R750/6 We contrast the Ataraxia with our first 2005 white Burgundy - a renowned producer from the town of Puligny-Montrachet, Alain Chavy. Besides Alsatian wines and Vin de Pay, generic Bourgogne is the only other wine able to carry the variety on the label in France. We are glad to confirm that 2005 Burgundy is all that it is said to be - perfect. The richness of this generic wine is comparable to a village wine in a average vintage. Pure chardonnay on the nose with bruised apple and minerals. The palate opens with lemons and limes in a rich texture and mineral backbone finishing off with a smidgeon of baked pear.

Please phone Jeannette or myself on 021 448 4105 or reply to this email to order these wines or book for any of our tastings.

Vinous regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar

MARCH 2007

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Dear Wine Lover

A year ago the 2005 vintage was released as 'FABULOUS ANWILKA' after Robert Parker described it as “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa…” The rest is history; rapidly sold out world-wide and now commanding up to a $75 price tag in the USA. In South Africa we sold the lion's share of the 500 x 6 available at R175. We have a few left at R1,500/6.

The 2006 vintage was launched on Friday at a classy event at Klein Constantia; co-owner Lowell Jooste is one-third of the ANWILKA joint venture - the others being Bruno Prats, former owner of Château Cos-d’Estournel and Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, co-proprietor of Château Angélus. A dozen top Bordeaux négociants were also at KC on Friday; these shrewd operators who sell over a billion Euros of top Bordeaux to the world know a good thing when they see it and they have already snapped up all the 90+% of the 2006 production allocated to the Bordeaux market. Only some 700 x 6 cases are being made available for the SA market

We reckon this new release is better than the 2005 - see Roland's notes below - and will take its deserved place amongst SA's top ultra-premium wines and prove to have been a fine investment for early buyers...

We are pleased to offer this, essentially 'en-primeur' (as it will only be bottled in May and released later), to our Wine Cellar clients at R1,110/6 case including 12 months professional cellaring through mid-2008. Please order quickly to secure what you want as this small SA allocation will soon be gone. No self-respecting cellar should be without ANWILKA 2006.

"Black core with a crimson edge. The nose is extremely pure with graphite, minerals and a floral cassis edge. Black currants line the palate encased in fine and polished tannins. The oak is already fully integrated in a slight chocolate savoury finish. It's sturdy, massively concentrated with the opulence of a fine Bordeaux. A certain step-up from the riper 2005"

ANWILKA 2006 EN PRIMEUR - R1,110/6

66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Shiraz, 4% Merlot.
Radical emphasis is placed on viticulture with cropping at 6 tons/ha.
50% New oak is used for 10 months maturation.
We feel the wine will peak in 6 to 8 years.

To secure your order or enquire about a tasting please phone Jeannette or Roland on 021 448 4105 or reply to this email.

Vinous Regards

David and the Wine Cellar Team

MARCH 2007

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Dear Wine Lover

What makes Australian wine generally so successful from bulk bag-in-box through to iconic shiraz? In one word ingenuity has to be their most powerful asset. Australia is showing massive strides in areas where I believe they are leading the field in the New World; organic and biodynamic viticulture as well as sustainable wine-growing coupled with highly-skilled wine-making is not only producing world-class wines, but in an environment friendly manor as well. This from a country that produces more CO₂ emissions per capita than any other country in the world!

A recent trip down-under gave me a overview of each region's wine style. The most exciting wines however did not originate from the traditional wine-growing areas. Few South Australian (Barossa, McLarenvale, etc.) producers are veering away from the extracted Parker-adored style which are massively impressive in content, though can be quite port-like and raisined. The ethos continues in that in order to achieve optimum phenolic ripeness, grapes must hang on the vine as long as possible. There is no issue of high alcohol wines in my book, Chateauneufs can exceed 16% alcohol, but once fruit loses its freshness and becomes raisined, the border may been crossed.

Steve Webber of De Bortoli in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, is one of Australia's leading wine-makers. He believes this prolonged hang-time is not necessary and that ripe balanced wines can be made even in the warm Barossa at lower levels of ripeness with the correct viti and viniculture. Though cooler in the Yarra Valley, his wines hover around 13% alcohol and are still sublimely rich and balanced. My favourite wines on this visit however were from further north around Beechwood. Giaconda is a hands-on winery producing Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rousanne in the classical style. Native yeasts, oak fermentations, organic viticulture and great terroir give uncanny Rhone and Burgundy renditions. Quantities are minute and all wines are sold out pre-release. We are tasting the 2004 Shiraz on the April 4th. Castagna is another winery nearby producing in a similar style. 100% Biodynamic and superbly pure and ripe at 13% alcohol.

This week Wine Cellar offers the best of both Worlds plus one in-between. South African Shiraz/Syrah can have the richness and sweet fruit of Australia and the elegance of the Rhone. Rudi Schultz has once again showed that his micro-cuvee Syrah must not be overlooked. The 2004 has been the highest rated of all SA reds in the recent Wine Spectator with 92 points. Its been cult in the US since his 93 points for the 2002. In 2005 Rudi has made a reserve cuvee that should make even more waves. Chapoutier's 2002  Les Granits is wonderful value for money from a weaker vintage while the Turkey Flat offers monumental richness from a great vintage in the Barossa.

February 2007

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Dear Wine Lover

The weather conditions across Northern Europe for the 2005 growing season were well-nigh perfect giving rise to a wonderful vintage overall. Unsurprisingly, Bordeaux has over-shadowed the success of 2005 in other regions of Europe so far with the hugely successful ‘en-primeur’ campaign in mid-2006. But Burgundy 2005's display the richness of 2002 yet with ultra-precision and focus, while the Loire enjoyed a fabulously vivacious 2005, and we will be making selected offerings from these regions soon.

So what of Rhône 2005? The authoritive Wine Advocate has given more 90+ points to the wines of the Rhône Valley than any other region. Yes, the wines can be riper than many more marginal climates, producing richer more concentrated Old-world wines, but it has an average temperature similar to that of Burgundy and Bordeaux. Quality, Parker believes, is at an all time high where large and small growers are finding their mark in producing rich terroir-focused wines. Jancis Robinson states “The Rhône Valley is certainly as full of energy as any wine region in France”.  2005 has the full ripeness and power of 2003 but with more liveliness, precision and character. Some growers received more than double their bulk price, indicating radical demand and high expectations.

We are pleased to offer a selection of Rhône 2005’s en-primeur from 8 growers all in different appellations, including both a Blanc and Rouge Chateau Curson from Domaine Etienne Pochon in Crozes-Hermitage - an exciting producer making great value for money wines; the 2003 Rouge was recently imported and sold out immediately. Most of these wines are well-priced and are simply good value that you can buy with confidence from such a fantastic vintage.  Note that Maison Chapoutier has made incredible 2005’s across the Rhône valley; some lesser cuvees will be arriving in our cellar in March but the famous single-vineyard ‘selections parcellaires 2005’ will be offered en-primeur in April.

Wines are offered in Euro per 12/75cl case ex London City Bond, delivery will be early 2008 and wines can then be shipped to Cape Town where duties, VAT and landing charges will apply. Notes from our supplier and scores /20 & comments by Jancis Robinson for most wines – who headed her Rhône 2005 tasting notes ‘things are looking good’.

• Côte-Rôtie, Bernard Burgaud e350/cs – wild, gutsy with grippy tannins, concentrated & structured, all Burgaud’s talent and energies go into this single cuvee that needs a decade of ageing, Jancis 16 dark & intense
• Cornas, Les Terrasses du Serre, Domaine du Coulet e400/cs – traditional Cornas, fleshy powerful & classy with mineral character from Mathieu Baret, one of Rhone’s new stars
• Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Chateau Curson e150/cs – incredible value for this polished seductive wine aged in new & 1 year old barrels, Jancis 16 warm and tarry
• Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Chateau Curson e125/cs – even better value, resonates with floral aromas and fresh & succulent in texture, 60% Marsanne & 40% Roussanne, new oak fermentation, Jancis 17 very attractive, scented, aromatic with weight and vigour
• St Joseph Rouge, André Perret e135/cs – deeply coloured and vibrant on the palate, Jancis 15.5 spicy peppery nose, lots of fruit
• Rasteau, Chateau du Trignon e115/cs – savoury fruits cloaked in velvety tannins from Grenache with a massive 40% Mourvedre, Jancis 16 gamey, sweet – surely THE Southern Rhone value of the vintage
• Gigondas, Domaine du Cayron e195/cs – powerful ripe & spicy 70/15/15 Grenache/Syrah/Cinsault from Michel Faraud effervesces with that wild Southern Rhone character, needs time, Jancis 16 gamey sweet
• Vacqueyras, Clos des Cazaux Templiers e135/cs – unoaked 90/10 Grenache/Syrah from Jean-Michel Vache gives pure vibrant expression of grape and terroir, Jancis 15.5 exuberant juicy fruit
• Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe e365/ce – 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah plus others, rich powerful and fresh, for the long haul, Jancis 17 very flattering and enveloping, sweet & spicy, deceptively ready, fine tannins on the finish

Please order by replying to this e-mail or call Jeannette at the cellar 021 4484105, or call her or David 082 6936948 for more information on any of the wines or other 2005 en-primeur offerings.  Roland is away at his MW seminar in Australia and will return next week.  Please also book for our tasting schedule; prices will come later.

Regards the Wine Cellar team

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Dear Wine Lover

South Africa has not had the success that California has had with zinfandel or Argentina with malbec in the producing a world-class wine of unique provenance. Pinotage, South Africa's own, has somewhat of a shaky image and the wines it produces can be bitter and rather simple. Few producers are dedicated to the notion that with the correct handling and terroir, Pinotage can outshine the rest. Ashbourne, from the stables of Hamilton Russell Vineyards which was recently voted as the second most successful winery in South Africa by grape.co.za, we believe has the absolute quality to compete with the world's best without trying to imitate them.

In 1994 Anthony Hamilton Russell founded Southern Right as a Pinotage specialist in pursuit of a classical, terroir-driven world-benchmark. In 1996 these ambitions were planted in the lowest clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Vally on the east border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards. Southern Right has gradually enjoyed a larger proponent of this vineyard, striving to a restrained style for lovers of classically-styled wines. 2004 saw the first vintage of the Pinotage from the Southern Right estate.

Anthony believes that the early-ripening Pinotage grape is suited more to cool climate viticulture and low-vigour soils where it can produce world-class wine. Where  Pinotage is grown on lighter, more vigorous soils  the harsh tannin of the thicker skinned variety is exacerbated, resulting in bitter and alcoholic wines.

The boutique nature of the Hamilton Russell cellar allows Ashbourne to be hand-crafted in order to express the unique terroir in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. The label doesn’t display the Pinotage grape however - Ashbourne is the name of Anthony’s great, great Grandfather Lord Chancellor of Ireland in the late 1800’s. When placed as a ringer in the Tri-nations trophy shiraz line-up and finishing forth, panelists were amazed at its true identity - South African Pinotage! 

Ashbourne 2004. Lighter in colour than the first release 2001 Bastenberg suggesting less ripeness. The nose offers Pinot Noir like brambles and forest floor with the savoury-spiciness of the Rhone. Cassis and sweet fruit follow through to the palate. The overall feel is one of elegance and immense persistence. Fine tannins and ample depth will allow 7-10 years of cellaring. Production 381 cases 30% new French oak 1kg per vine TA 6.14g/l. R1,560/6 (max 2 x 6 per customer)

Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2006. A tremendous follow-up to the 5 star 2005. Richer, fuller and more sturdy, the 2006 showing more intense Chassagne rather than the Puligny characters like the 2005. A fabulous streak of minerals runs through the layered lemon core to a monumental finish. Drink over the next 8 years. The small crop of 2006 will make this Chardonnay extremely sought-after R1,194/6

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2005. In the latest issue of Decanter (February 2007), Anthony Rose listed 8 South African red wines that he regards as World-Beaters. Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot noir 2005 was chosen as the only Pinot noir on a largely Cabernet and Shiraz dominated list. R1,332/6

These wines are offered with 1 years free cellaring. For more information, to book a tasting or to place an order please reply to this email or phone Jeannette on 021 448 4105

Regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar team                                                                                                January 2007

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Dear Wine Lover

First of all, best wishes for 2007 and thanks for making 2006 at Wine Cellar so great!

One of the most loved wines of our Bordeaux 2000 imports was the CHATEAU YON-FIGEAC, ST EMILION – so popular that it soon sold out. We have unearthed a parcel of this in London which we can ship in our upcoming reefer to arrive late-February to early-March, soon enough for us to quote a final landed price into our Observatory cellar:

• R3648 per 12/75cl case

Single bottles can also be purchased at R320.

2000 Bordeaux has surged in value since the gigantic 2005 campaign; they are similar in style and richness but with slightly less acid than the 2005's. The Yon-Figeac is still well-priced as this gorgeous lesser classed growth begins to reach its plateau of maturity. 

We at WINE CELLAR have recently tasted and confirmed the superb reviews below. Shy at first, it opened over a few hours to well rounded plummy fruit and savouriness. The backward nature suggests even later development, provided it is well-cellared. Fill your boots with this one; a wine with a high quality/price ratio that will give immense pleasure not too far from now

Jancis Robinson, October 2003 - 18/20 Drink 2008-2020. Deep healthy crimson with some oak still evident on the nose. A bit of interesting spice and real savour on the palate. This wine is still very youthful but has great vitality and a whack of ripe fruit hiding fine-grained tannins well.

Robert Parker, April 2003 - 89/100 - A super value, this deep ruby/purple-colored St.-Emilion offers aromas and flavors not too dissimilar from a top vintage of the famed L'Evangile. Sweet blackberry and wild mountain berry fruit is interwoven with hints of raisins, plums, and white flowers. Medium-bodied and fleshy, with excellent purity and sweet fruit, this is undoubtedly a sleeper of the vintage. As the wine sits in the glass, more black raspberries seem to emerge. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.

For more information or to place an order before Friday 19th, please reply to this email or phone

021 448 4105 (Jeannette is away)

Regards

Roland and the Wine Cellar team                                                                                                January 2007

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