" Minimal intervention is the art " according to Michael Bucholz, the man charged with the ultimate responsibility for the art of Zonnebloem Red wines.
" It's not so much what you put in, its what you leave out, the cultivar expression from the grape is the goal; minimal filtration, delicate use of wood, these things must integrate to create a balance. That's the art."
Michael Bucholz - Red winemaker
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2001
The grapes are harvested in the Devon Valley , Stellenbosch Kloof and Helderberg regions from vineyards planted on south and southwest facing slopes to create cooler microclimates. The vineyards in Devon Valley and Stellenbosch Kloof are trellised on a five-wire hedge system and received supplementary irrigation. The vines are between 15 and 20 years old and planted on Richter 99 rootstock and grapes were hand-harvested at 24 degrees; Balling from mid to end March. The yield was 8 to 10 tons/ha.
THE WINEMAKER'S COMMENT
Winemaker Michael Bucholz describes this full-bodied wine as an intense ruby garnet in colour. Furthermore, hints of spice and tobacco are evident with an attractive middle palate, which has a slight tannic edge.
He recommends maturing the wine to greater benefit but says it can easily be enjoyed right now.Recommended maturation potential five to eight years. Serve with roasts or grilled red meat dishes.
Risidual Sugar 3.0gl
Alchohol 3.0gl
Total Acidity 3.0gl
pH 3.0gl
MERLOT 2001
The grapes for this wine are sourced from trellised, dryland vineyards in the Devon Valley , Jonkershoek and Stellenbosch Kloof areas of Stellenbosch. Mostly South-West facing, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes to ensure slow ripening and concentrated fruit flavours.
THE WINEMAKER'S COMMENT
Zonnebloem winemaker Michael Bucholz describes the Merlot as slightly tougher than previous years, which bodes well for further maturation.
The wine has a dark chocolate and minerally core with a dry tannic comeback for the finish He recommends drinking it either on its own or with rich ox-tail stews, chicken curries or red-meat dishes.This wine has a four to six year maturation potential.
Risidual Sugar 2.20g/l
Alchohol 14.25%vol
Total Acidity 5.87g/l
pH 3.54
SHIRAZ 2002
The grapes are sourced from trellised vineyards in Stellenbosch Kloof, Helderberg and Durbanville. Mostly Southwest facing slopes, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes to ensure slow ripening and concentrated fruit flavours. Vintage conditions resulted in smaller than average berry size, leading to low juice recovery but strong varietal flavours and intensity of colour.
THE WINEMAKER'S COMMENT
Zonnebloem winemaker Michael Bucholz describes this ruby-coloured wine as showing traces of dried fruit and smoke on the nose with soft tannins and succulent berry fruits on the palate. Although approachable while young, it has the structure to age well over the next four to six years.
He recommends drinking it either on its own, with game or red-meat dishes.
Risidual Sugar 3.0gl
Alchohol 3.0gl
Total Acidity 3.0gl
pH 3.0gl
PINOTAGE 2002
The grapes for this wine are sourced from trellised, dryland vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Kloof, Somerset West and Jonkershoek regions.
Mostly South-West facing, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes to ensure slow ripening and concentrated fruit flavours.
THE WINEMAKER'S COMMENT
Zonnebloem winemaker Michael Bucholz describes it as soft tannined and ready for early drinking, despite its full-bodied structure. He says its liqueur cherries and chocolate on the nose and palate are complemented by nuances of wood.
He recommends drinking it either on its own or with poultry, game or red-meat dishes. Maturation potential five to eight years.
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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.
" Minimal intervention is the art " according to Michael Bucholz, the man charged with the ultimate responsibility for the art of Zonnebloem Red wines.
The grapes are harvested in the Devon Valley , Stellenbosch Kloof and Helderberg regions from vineyards planted on south and southwest facing slopes to create cooler microclimates. The vineyards in Devon Valley and Stellenbosch Kloof are trellised on a five-wire hedge system and received supplementary irrigation. The vines are between 15 and 20 years old and planted on Richter 99 rootstock and grapes were hand-harvested at 24 degrees; Balling from mid to end March. The yield was 8 to 10 tons/ha. 
The grapes for this wine are sourced from trellised, dryland vineyards in the Devon Valley , Jonkershoek and Stellenbosch Kloof areas of Stellenbosch. Mostly South-West facing, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes to ensure slow ripening and concentrated fruit flavours. 
The grapes are sourced from trellised vineyards in Stellenbosch Kloof, Helderberg and Durbanville. Mostly Southwest facing slopes, they derive the maximum benefit from cooling maritime breezes to ensure slow ripening and concentrated fruit flavours. Vintage conditions resulted in smaller than average berry size, leading to low juice recovery but strong varietal flavours and intensity of colour. 
