Uitkyk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Stellenbosch RSA

Uitkyk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg by Uitkyk Wine Estate Powerful Reds (12 x 75 cl)

Uitkyk Estate Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg by Uitkyk Wine Estate Zesty/Aromatic Dry Whites (12 x 75 cl)

Established in 1712 this estate is steeped in traditions of the Cape and this pale lemon coloured Chardonnay is a great reflection of this. With a fine bouquet and refreshing citrus flavours it is complemented by a lovely finish. (12 x 75 cl)

Classic cabernet sauvignon: the original vines imported from France and planted on resistant rootstocks suited to local conditions. It has an appealing deep purple-ruby colour. On the nose, it is rich and perfumed, with a plush, complex array of chocolate, currant, black cherry and toasty oak aromas. On the palate it is smooth and aromatic, with a vanilla-oak personality that lends a sense of sweetness to the palate. Well-structured and well- balanced. A deeply-flavoured and lingering finish. The wine has excellent maturation potential and is the perfect accompaniment to fine meat dishes, especially roast beef, steak and robust chicken. Beautifully complements mild noble cheeses. Serve at 18º Celsius. (12 x 75 cl)

The history of Neethlingshof Estate spans a period of more than 300 years. In 1692 Willem Barend Lubbe, a German settler, began farming the site he had been granted by Simon van der Stel on the Bottelary Hills overlooking False Bay. He named the farm De Wolwedans, which means 'The Dance of Wolves', because he mistook for wolves the packs of jackals which roamed the countryside in those early days of European settlement. After Lubbe, the farm belonged to the Marais family, who built the wine cellar and the manor house in 1802 and 1814 respectively. Their son-in-law, Marthinus Neethling, earned himself the nickname, 'Lord Neethling', because he 'played the lord' by assuming airs of importance and authority. It was in Neethling's time that the farm was renamed Neethlingshof. Already at that time, the estate was enjoying the reputation of being one of the top wine farms in the area. The Neethlings' daughter married Jacobus Louw and the farm remained in the Louw family for the next 100 years. In 1963 well-known politician Jannie Momberg bought the estate while Gys van der Westhuizen, who had farmed for the Louw family since 1950, continued to run the farm for the Mombergs. In 1973 Schalk van der Westhuizen took over from his father as manager and winemaker and today the young and passionate De Wet Viljoen is at the helm in the cellar. Neethlingshof lies in the very heart of the Cape's winelands in the Stellenboschkloof, flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg Mountain just outside the town of Stellenbosch. There are many natural advantages contributing to the production of the fine, characterful wines at Neethlingshof. These include a variety of high potential soils derived from decomposed granite, gentle slopes and valleys offering a choice of aspects. As well as the cooling effect of the nearby Atlantic Ocean on the vineyards during the ripening season, it also has the advantage of high altitude which varies between 85 and 250metres. This set of circumstances has allowed 165ha of the 273 ha to be planted with a variety of vines. The Pinotage grapes selected for this wine came from a range of trellised, south-east facing vineyards. The composition of the vineyard is made up of gravel soils with a clay content of about 10%. Set in dryland vineyards the vines ranged in age from 7 to 25 years. Great care has been taken from the harvest by hand to fermentation on the skins for five days and ageing in 225-litre French oak barrels for 24 months. This has produced an inky plum coloured wine with a medium body, velvety texture showing earthy, vegetal aromas and strong, plummy varietal flavours. (12 x 75 cl)

Waterford WATERFORD ESTATE Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch by Waterford Wine Estate Stellenbosch (12 x 75 cl)

Waterford WATERFORD ESTATE Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch by Waterford Wine Estate Stellenbosch (12 x 75 cl)

The grapes were picked at 25,2 balling and innoculated with a local yeast as soon as they entered the cellar. Fermentation peaked at 28°C and the wine fermented dry on the skins. After pressing, the wine was transferred to second and third fill French oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked and further aged in barrels for 18 months. Before bottling the wine was lightly fined and filtered. Winemaker's comments:The wine has a deep and intense garnet colour. The nose is dominated by a milky creaminess that is complexed by aromas of almonds, chocolate and pencil shavings. The palate is full round with ripe chewy tannins and flavours like coffee, cherry, cigar box and liquorice. Its balanced acid creates a firm finish that is complemented by luscious and lingering sweetness. Serving temperature: 16-18°C Food recommendation: Serve with rare roast lamb, lamb knuckles stewed with red onions, or a rich pork terrine

Spectacularly positioned in the winelands between Stellenbosch and Kuils river, Hazendal Estate has a history dating back over three hundred years. The original farm was given to Christoffel Haasenwinkel, a German settler, in 1699 and it was the subsequent owner Joost van As, who in 1764, built the manor house which now stands on the site. In 1831 it was bought by Izaak Bosman whose family owned it until 1994 when it was purchased by the current owner Dr Mark Voloshin. Under Dr Voloshin's ownership there has been considerable investment in both the natural and human resources of the estate. An all woman team runs Hazendal Estate: General Manager Corinne Mans oversees the whole operation and she is supported by Ronell Wiid in the cellar, who last year won the prestigious Diners Club Winemaker of the Year award for the Shiraz/Cabernet 1999. (12 x 75 cl)