Nederburg event at the Table Bay Hotel

On Thursday 29 June, my husband and I attended the Nederburg Tasting event at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. Nederburg has won the Diners’ Club winery of the year twice in 2011 and again in 2017. They have also been awarded 5 stars by the Platter guide for 5 of their wines. Some of the wines that were offered at this event will only be launce at the Nederburg auction, later this year.

Each of the wines that were offered on the evening was paired with a specific dish to enhance particular flavours and aromas. The dishes were prepared specifically for this event by the Table Bay Hotel’s executive chef, Jocelyn Myers-Adams. The dishes were unique and all contained foraged ingredients.

As a welcoming drink the Nederburg Cuveé Brut was paired with oysters with lemon pearls.

The Brut has a very pale straw colour with tiny beads.

On the nose shy notes of vanilla and butter biscuits can be observed.

The entry is crisp and dry with a brisk acidity. The biscuity flavour follows through from the nose. The palate has a distinct yeastiness about it, with a rather short finish. This is a sparkling wine for easy drinking.

The flavours of the oysters were accentuated by the Brut.
Brut score: 15.5/20

The starter; fish carpaccio served with foraged limpet carpaccio, nashi pear, fennel and radish, was served with the Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc 2015.
This Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel tanks and spent 6 to 9 months on the lees. The grapes were produced in a cooler climate.

The colour is bright golden straw.

On the nose, the cooler climate elements of asparagus, green pepper and sweet basil could be detected. This wine is forthcoming, bold and complex on the nose.

The entry is dry and crisp. The acidity is rather mild, considering this is a sauvignon blanc. The body is also fuller than would be anticipated. Flavours of green herbaceousness and underlying green pepper and even slightly savoury green olive notes, makes this wine deliciously complex. The finish is long and lingering and well balanced.

The seafood starter brings out the slightly savoury flavour, giving the wine an oceanic character.

Sauvignon Blanc score: 18/20.

We were spoiled by two mains.

The first main was Biltong dusted Beef Fillet with dauphinoise potato and Cabernet Sauvignon jus and carrot purèe. This was served with the Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013. 

This Cabernet Sauvignon won the best Cab Sauv in the world.

The colour is deep, dark ruby to crimson red. The wine is nearly opaque, with remarkably little gradation for the age.

Aromas of currants, jam-like, concentrated dark berries and a prominent savouriness dominate the nose. Other aromas of cigar box and chocolate round the bouquet off with a hint of mintiness.

The entry is dry and tannic. The palate is just as bold and complex as the nose hints at. Fruit flavours of currants and berries can be detected. This wine has a distinct wild gamey character with notes of spice and pepper. While the tannins are prominent, they are well incorporated. This wine could age well for another 10 years, but drinks well right now.

The meatiness and wildness of the wine is well complimented by the meaty dish.

Cabernet Sauvignon score: 18.5/20

The second main dish; Duck served with Quinoa crackling and Num-num purèe was served with the Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Brew Master 2014.

The Brew Master is a Bordeaux blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Petit Verdot and Malbec.

The Brew Master has a nearly opaque, dark crimson red colour.

The nose is savoury and gamey with notes of berries and a smoky tobacco.

The entry is dry and rather tannic. Rich ripe berry flavours along with the gaminess which follows through from the nose create a complex flavour profile. The tannins are firm but does not affect the drinkability of the wine. This wine could age for another 10 years.

The gaminess of the duck and wine compliment each other extremely well.

The Brew Master score: 17.7/20

Desert was a Chocolate Mousse Bomb with Salted Caramel, Macadamia praline and foraged Kei apple purèe. This was served with Nederburg The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest 2015.

This NLH is made of Chenin Blanc infected by Botrytis.

The colour is an attractive golden straw colour, reminiscent of the colour of ripe wheat.

The distinct whiff of Botrytis can be detected. Aromas of honey and fynbos finish off the nose.

As expected, the entry is syrupy sweet with flavours of honey and characteristic Botrytis. A subtle undertone of nuttiness can also be tasted. The lingering finish of honey round off this sweet wine.

The NLH breaks the sweetness of the dessert, while the macadamia nut praline accentuates the nutty flavour of the wine.

NLH score 17.5/20

This event was an unforgettable experience, compliments to the organisers, the chef and her team and the winemakers.

Goblets and Gourmets Wine Tasting Evening - NITIDA Wine Estate

The Matriarch 2015 MCC 

50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Pale creamy straw colour with medium to small beads.

The nose is rather shy with a faintly fruity aroma and the distinct bouquet of freshly baked bread.

The entry is crisp and dry with a refreshing acidity, complimented by the fizziness. The fruitiness detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. There is a slight citrussy undertone, contributing to the complexity of this MCC. The wine has a medium body with a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel.
The Matriarch scores 16/20

Golden Orb 2015 Sauvignon Blanc

This wine was named after the golden orb spider, found in the vineyard.
This is a traditional cold climate Sauvignon Blanc that spends some time on the lees.

This Sauvignon Blanc has an appealing light golden straw colour.

On the nose aromas of flinty minerality, herbaceous green pepper and earthiness are boldly forthcoming. The complexity of the nose is intriguing.

The entry is crisp and dry with a burst of flavours following through from the nose. Green pepper, spice, minerality and a hint of herbaceousness all add to the intensity and complexity. The acidity is balanced and refreshing. Subtle notes of tropical fruit rounds off the flavour profile of the wine. The finish is lingering and distinctly green.

The Golden Orb gets a decent 16/20.

Wild Child 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

The Wild Child is a wild fermented wine, of which 60 – 65% is wooded, some of which are new oak barrels.

The wine is pale straw in colour.

The nose is rather forthcoming, very fruity, with notes of tropical fruit, passion fruit and peaches. The complexity is satisfying. As the wine is left to breathe; hints of pear and vanilla develops.

The Wild Child has a fresh fruity entry. Flavours of tropical fruit and pears follow through onto the palate. The undertone of the wine is rather green; with flavours of asparagus. The acidity is crisp and lively. While this wine is entirely dry, the fruitiness gives an illusion of sweetness. The wine has a lingering asparagus and passion fruit finish. The layered complexity and light to medium body makes this a fascinating wine.

Score 17/20

Coronata Integration 2015

What makes this an interesting wine is that it has a dual character; one when cold and one when warmed slightly.

60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc

This wine has a lovely soft straw colour.

When this wine is sampled when cold, it has the characteristics of a typical cold climate Sauvignon Blanc, with notes of green pepper and a slight herbaceousness. There is also a slight minerality, reminiscent of wet stone. While the nose is rather shy, the complexity is satisfactory.

The entry is dry with crisp acidity. Peppery, mineral and green herbaceous flavours are detected, similar to the Golden Orb Sauvignon blanc.

After the wine has been warmed in the palm of the hand, the character changes remarkably. On the nose aromas of pepper and sweeter fruit are notable.

While the peppery flavour remains throughout, the herbaceousness is downplayed slightly and more fruity flavours become prominent.

This interesting wine scores 16/20.

The Tinkery 2016 Riesling

Tinkery has a distinctly lemony yellow tone.

On the nose the faint whiff of kerosene, typical of a Riesling can be discerned. This Riesling is fragrant; with aromas of perfumey flowers like honeysuckle, jasmine and peach blossoms. The distinctive scent of rosewater an also be noticed.

On the palate, the entry is syrupy sweet. Notes of botrytis, honey and florally flavours make this wine distinctly girly and sweet. A lingering aftertaste of Turkish delight completes the wine.

Tinkery scores a delicious 17/20.

Riesling 2016

This Riesling is pale golden straw in colour.

The nose is dominated by aromas of sweet peaches, orange blossom and a lingering perfuminess. The kerosene whiff is very subtle.

The entry is crisp and dry. Citrus notes are forthcoming with herbaceous sweet basil notes, lemon and minerality all contributing to the satisfying complexity. The acidity is brisk, making this a lively wine.

Score 17/20

Calligraphy 2014

This wine has a ruby red colour with slight gradation visible.

The nose is slightly reserved with aromas of red berries and currants and a slight tobacco and mulberry undertone.

The berry flavours follow through from the nose. The body of this wine is light with a medium to short finish.

This wine is decidedly easy drinking with the fresh berry flavours. 15.5/20, simply because I prefer more complex wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

The colour of this wine is crimson red with medium depth and little to no gradation.

On the nose this wine is forthcoming with aromas of chocolate dipped cherries and ripe berry fruit. The nose is bold and commanding, demanding to be tasted with full attention.

This wine has a dry, soft, yet tannic entry. The mouthfeel is well-rounded and full-bodied. Bold berry flavours follow through from the nose. This is a soft and feminine wine with a contrasting assertiveness. The complexity, satisfying intensity and long lingering rich finish makes this a Cab Sauv like few others.

This wine scores a deserving 19/20.

Raka Biography 2012

Raka Biography has a dark ruby to garnet colour with slight gradiation. The wine is extremely deep - almost opaque.

The nose is slighty restrained with aromas of new leather and dark fruit like black cherries and black currants dominating. There is a slightly meaty undertone. The nose is pleasant but not overly complex.

The enty is smooth with silky tannins. The fllavours of dark cherries and a slight savoury meatiness follows through onto the palate. Baking spices and an earthiness can also be perceived.
A lingering spicy aftertaste, finishes off the Raka Biography.

This wine scored 16/20.

Sneak peak - Nederburg wine tasti g evening

Take a look at @Soh_mell_Yay's Tweet: https://twitter.com/Soh_mell_Yay/status/880493537921564674?s=09

Hartenberg Wine Estate Tasting evening Part 3

Noble Late Riesling 2010

This NLH has a syrupy golden straw colour.

On the nose, aromas of honey and citrusy marmalade are forthcoming. The distinctive kerosene aroma of an aged Riesling.

The entry is sweet and honeyed. Complex flavours of citrus, honey and a slight minerality tantalize the tongue. The finish is medium to long and very sweet.

Score 16.5/20

Hartenberg Wine Estate Tasting evening Part 2 – Red wines

Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz blend 2014

This is a deep ruby to garnet red wine with obvious gradation.

Forthcoming and bold on the nose. Ripe red berries with nutmeg and baking spices.

The entry is crisp and dry. The tannins are velvety and contributes to the medium to fuller body of the wine. The spiciness from the nose follows through onto the palate. Fruity berry flavours add to  the complexity of this blend. The finish is lingeringly fruity.

This wine scores a decent 17/20.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

This Cab Sauv has an attractive deep ruby red with a slight purplish tinge.

On the nose this wine is bold and complex and rather typical of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of cigar box and ripe red and black berried dominate the nose with a slight plumminess and faint metallic undertone.

The wine has a crisp tannic entry. Rich ripe berry flavours follow through from the nose and reign the palate and flows into a lingering finish. There is a slight cigar box flavour detectible. This is a full-bodied wine with firm tannins that promises to age well.

Score 17/20.

Estate Shiraz 2014

The colour of this shiraz is a very deep purplish red, with slight gradation.

On the nose this wine is forthcoming and deliciously complex with aromas of pepper, game meat, wet stone minerality and an extremely slight fruitiness. Aromas of black cherries, violets and a faint metallic whiff can also be detected.

This is a bold and complex wine with a crisp dry entry. While this is a tannic wine, it is entirely pleasant and drinkable. The commanding flavours are those of ripe berries, black cherries, and pepper. A slight meatiness and minerality can also be detected.

I am impressed with this wine, 18/20.

Gravel Hill 2007

Gravel Hill is an opaque ruby red with a very faint precipitation. What is surprising about this wine is the fact that there is nearly no gradation, considering the age.

The nose of Gravel Hill is extremely promising. It is a big, bold and complex wine with aromas of wet stone, minerality, cigar box and a distinct meatiness. Spices and black cherries and berries complete the bouquet.

The entry is dry and tannic. While the tannins are firm, it is well integrated and not abrasive at all. The body is full with a lingering intense aftertaste. The wine is distinctly spicy and meaty with flavours of black cherries. This wine should keep comfortably for another 5 to 10 years.

This wine scores a breath-taking 19.5/20.

Hartenberg Estate Wine tasting evening - Part 1 - White wines

Estate Sauvignon blanc 2016

In colour this wine is very pale straw.

On the nose asparagus and green pepper dominates. When revisited later slight tropical fruit aromas are detected. The bouquet is clean, crisp and forthcoming.

On the palate the entry is crisp and dry, with brisk acidity. Flavours of herbaceous lemongrass is most prominent. Asparagus and green pepper follows through from the nose to the palate. The wine has a long, lingering green pepper finish.

This Sauvignon blanc has al the typical characteristics of a cool climate Sauvignon blanc.
Score 16.5/20

Estate Riesling 2014

This Riesling has an attractive light straw to pale gold colour.

On the nose the slight diesel undertone, typical of Riesling can be detected. Florally and fruity aromas dominate the nose. The wine is somewhat shy.

This Riesling has an uncharacteristically dry entry with a zesty acidity. The wine has a fuller body and almost oily mouthfeel. The fruitiness follows through from the nose. The finish is lingering and fruity.

I must say I prefer the more traditional approach to making Riesling, but this is not bad at all.
Score 15.5/20

Estate Chardonnay 2015

This chardonnay has a pale straw colour.

On the nose creamy, buttery butterscotch is the initial aroma detected. The classic chardonnay characteristic of citrusy marmalade-like aroma can be noted. The nose of the wine is slightly reserved.

This chardonnay has a crisp dry entry with brisk acidity. The body is slightly fuller with a rounded silky mouthfeel. Slight tropical fruit flavours is leading with the citrusy flavour following through from the palate. The finish of fruity flavours is medium to long.

This is quite an easy drinking wine, I prefer my Chardonnay slightly more serious.
Score 15.5/20

The Eleanor 2015

Eleanor is the colour of pale straw.

It has a slightly reserved nose with notes of flint and a delicate fruity undertone. There is a faint citrusy aroma. The Eleanor is complex enough to piqué interest.

On the palate the entry is dry and citrusy, without the acidity one would expect. The minerality detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. The mouthfeel is buttery with a slight vanilla aroma. The finish is medium, which is slightly disappointing, and distinctly citrusy. This is a multi-layered wine that would appeal to most wine lovers.

Score 17/20