A Distell show piece, this 1 000 ha estate in Simondium, Paarl has earned international acclaim for its white and red wines. Winemaker Niel Bester has the benefit of working with Paul Pontallier of Chateau Margeaux fame in producing classically styled but accessible wines.
The vineyards
Grapes were sourced from two different, trellised vineyards in Simondium. The younger of the two vineyards was monitored until the grapes showed an abundance of grapefruit and green pepper flavours, while the older yineyards was allowed to reach a higher level of maturity before the grapes were harvested.
The vines, ranging in age from 10 to 23 years old, were grown in Hutton soil between 300m and 500m above sea-level on the south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg.
The winemaking
The grapes were hand-picked at the end of February between 22,7° and 23,93°
Balling and were fermented at 13°C for 8 days, receiving 4 hours’ skin contact.
The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks on the lees for three months and received no wood contact.
Winemaker’s comments
Winemaker Niel Bester says this light green wine with a straw-yellow tint has pronounced fig and tropical aromas on the nose with a grapefruit and tropical fruit palate. It has a full richness in the mouth with a long lingering aftertaste. He suggests serving it with a variety of dishes such as pastas, fish and white meat.
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Plaisir de Merle
Chardonnay Paarl 2003
Flashy style, with lots of fig, butter, pineapple and brioche
aromas and flavors. Lush palate, with a soft, creamy finish. Could use
a little more zip, but will certainly have fans. Drink now. 700 cases
made. (JM)
Plaisir de Merle
Shiraz Paarl 2003
Ripe blackberry and cassis fruit with racy acidity and a
minerally, smoky finish. Solid. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases made.
(JM)
Nederburg 2003 Western
Cape Pinotage
87 Points
Saturated with plum and blueberry fruit, this smooth,
smoky pinotage is soft and relatively light. Pair it with the dark meat
of game birds or turkey.
2005 Nederburg
Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape
A Best Buy
This wine has a vegetal character, but tropical fruit
flavors are just as dominant. Intense flavors and aromas, lively acidity
and a warm finish make this an ideal match for oily foods. Imported by
Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.
2003 Nederburg
Pinotage
Western Cape
A Best Buy
This ruby-red wine has a lot to offer. It offers vanilla,
spice, Maraschino cherry and cola in the nose, while the palate is packed
with more cherry, vanilla, a mild minerality and some lemon notes. It
finishes smooth, with coffee and spice. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby &
Co.
2002 Nederburg
Shiraz
Western Cape
A Best Buy
On the nose, plum and juicy berry are joined by cocoa
powder and vanilla. With ir, grilled meat aromas emerge. The palate starts
out a bit sweet with vanilla, but quickly picks up fruit, spice and charred
meat notes. All this in a package that is soft without being simple.
