South Africa, day 3

Simon and Murray Barlow, Rustenberg

So the third and final day of my Stellenbosch visit. Next, I’m off to St James.

And it was another great day. First up, Rustenberg with Simon and Murray Barlow. A superbly consistent range of beautifully judged wines. New Ida’s Red is amazing value, and will be in the UK soon.

South Africa, day 2

Neil Ellis

Some great visits today. All in beautiful sunshine. Once again, pictures will have to suffice. Words will come later. The day began with a visit to Neil Ellis’ new cellar door. I like his wines a lot: they emphasize freshness and focus. I really liked his Pinotage, which was quite Burgundian. And he’s [...]

In South Africa, day 1

Waterkloof

Tired, now, after a great first day in South Africa. I landed this morning, had a quick refresh, then hit the road. Too tired to do proper write-ups now, so a few pictures will have to do.

Christiaan and his worm farm

First visit, the fabulous Waterkloof, with Werner Engelbrecht and farm manager Christiaan Loots. [...]

Lammershoek's LAMS - brilliant value from the Swartland

Two wines I shall go out and buy: the red and white LAMs by Swartland start Lammershoek, who since the 2010 vintage have been on fire. These were tasted today at the Richards Walford tasting. Retail price on both is £11, which makes them real bargains. And I love the labels.

LAM by Lammershoek Chenin Blanc/Viognier [...]

Lunch at La Trompette with Scali Pinotage

Lunch at La Trompette today, the Nigel Platts-Martin restaurant out in the wilds of Chiswick, west London.

It was very good indeed. Starter: smoked haddock and creamed leeks with grain mustard, poached egg and toasted crumbs. It was brilliant, with strong but balanced flavours. To match? Adi Badenhorst’s Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2010 Swartland, South Africa, at [...]

A Pinotage made without any added sulfur dioxide

Dudley Wilson, winemaker at Stellar Organics in South Africa, seems to have got the hang of making wine without adding any sulfur dioxide. His Cabernet Sauvignon has been listed by Sainsbury’s in the UK for a few years now and is delicious – an inexpensive (£5) wine that holds up in bottle fine for a [...]

Stonehaven Sauvignon Blanc, brilliant value from South Africa

Was really impressed with this Sauvignon, which is made by the talented Duncan Savage at Cape Point. Think I shall try to buy a dozen as house white for Christmas.

Stonehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Western Cape, South Africa
13.5% alcohol. Beautifully open and fruity, this is fresh, well balanced and crisp, with a delicious grapefruit freshness alongside [...]

Video: The Swartland Revolution in 4 minutes

A short, rough and ready film of the 2011 Swartland Revolution:

Cape Point

One of the treasures of the western Cape is Cape Point. An absolute must visit if you are in South Africa. We had a great day there.

A visit to Haskell and Dombeya

Rianie Strydom

OK, it’s a holiday, but I’m in wine country, and so it’s a chance to add in the odd low key visit.

I agreed to lunch at Haskell Vineyards’ Long Table restaurant, with Keith and Rita Prothero. Numbers swelled somewhat, and it became a major event,with PR Nicolette Waterford, Richard Kershaw MW, winemaker Rianie [...]