“I know that I know nothing” goes the Socratic Paradox and nothing confirms that better than a life spent critiquing wine. No sooner had I professed that Semillon presents better when blended with Sauvignon Blanc (see here), then I encountered a … [Read more...]
First Sighting Shiraz 2008
May 17, 2012 by 3 Comments
Judging the Shiraz category at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show last week, I despaired at how many examples seemed overblown with big alcohols (14.5% and up) as well as significant residual sugar. Strandveld in Elim might be attracting attention for … [Read more...]
Elim explored
June 7, 2011 by 1 Comment
As featured in the June issue of Decanter: Though lighthouses as aids to navigation are all but redundant due to GPS, the one at Cape Agulhas will surely not fall into complete disrepair, it being the southern tip of Africa’s distinguishing … [Read more...]
Kloovenburg Shiraz 2008 vs. Zoetendal Shiraz 2008
March 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Two examples of Shiraz, each sitting at different ends of the stylistic spectrum. The Kloovenburg being from the warm Swartland was rich and broad, featuring plenty of dark fruit; the Zoetendal from cool Elim was more medium bodied with red fruit and … [Read more...]
Topical pic: How they roll in Elim
February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Do extreme loctions make for extremely good wines? I spent Tuesday and Wednesday exploring Elim, the windswept ward in the Cape Agulhas district that boasts South Africa's southern most vineyards. Its white wines have pretty much blown me away in … [Read more...]
Topical pic: Stranveld’s Conrad and Suzan Vlok celebrate success
October 21, 2010 by 3 Comments
Pictured alongside are Conrad and Suzan Vlok of Elim property Strandveld, who have two wines in Wine magazine’s 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, namely First Sighting 2009 (from multiple vineyards and including 9% Semillon) and Strandveld 2010 (single … [Read more...]
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