" Zonnebloem white wines are varietal wines, so my aim is to express the variety at its best, with the fruit sourced from various vineyards. It is very important that the wine shows fruit, and that the flavours are typical. Given the time-honoured reputation of Zonnebloem, I also aim to provide excitement, the wine should grab your attention standing proud above other white wine.
Making wine in large quantities is challenging so it is vital to make sure the fundamentals are adhered to during processes like filtration to ensure that quality wines are produced. Let the wine speak and have trust in your taste.”
Louw Engelbrecht - White winemaker
ZONNEBLOEM CHARDONNAY 2003
TASTING NOTES
Winemaker Louw Engelbrecht describes this straw-coloured wine with a tinge of gold as showing marmalade and toast on the nose. Its flavours, however, show minor notes of citrus. Instead peach and pear come to the fore, backed by toastiness from barrel fermentation and ageing in wood.
IN THE VINEYARD
Grapes for this wine were sourced from low-yield, trellised vineyards in and around Stellenbosch, including Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch Kloof, Koelenhof, Brandwacht, Helderberg and Polkadraai. All these vineyards received supplementary irrigation.
THE HARVEST
The grapes were harvested between mid-February and very early March. Picked at between 22,5° and 25° Balling, on taste, backed up by chemical analysis, they were physiologically ripe with prominent varietal flavours but still firm.
IN THE CELLAR
Each vineyard was individually vinified. Just over half the intake (54%) was fermented in mostly new small oak at between 22°C and 30°C, for between 2 and 4 weeks. The balance was fermented in stainless steel tanks at between 13°C and 15°C for seven days. In both instances, the wine was left on the lees for 6,5 months.
BLEND INFORMATION
100% Chardonnay
FOOD SUGGESTIONS
He recommends enjoying this wine, very slightly chilled, on its own or with chicken and fish dishes, with delicately spiced or fruit-based sauces.
ZONNEBLOEM SAUVIGNON BLANC 2003
TASTING NOTES
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2004 - Silver Louw Engelbrecht describes this as a wine of concentrated flavours, with a hint of green pepper, tropical fruit and a flinty character which make for a light-bodied wine with a delectably prominent fruit character.
IN THE VINEYARD
Grapes for the wine were sourced from vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch Kloof, Devon Valley , Bottelary Hills and Helderberg regions.
THE HARVEST
The grapes were hand harvested at 21° - 24° Balling.
IN THE CELLAR
Each vineyard block was individually vinified and the juice was fermented cold at 13°C in stainless steel tanks with 2,5% fermented in 300 litre French oak barrels. It was left on the lees for two to three weeks to impart depth of flavour.
BLEND INFORMATION
100% Sauvignon Blanc
FOOD SUGGESTIONS
He recommends enjoying this wine, very slightly chilled, on its own or with chicken and fish dishes.
ACCOLADES
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2004 - Silver
To See the Most
Current Information
click on the logo
below...
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.
" Zonnebloem white wines are varietal wines, so my aim is to express the variety at its best, with the fruit sourced from various vineyards. It is very important that the wine shows fruit, and that the flavours are typical. Given the time-honoured reputation of Zonnebloem, I also aim to provide excitement, the wine should grab your attention standing proud above other white wine. 
TASTING NOTES 
TASTING NOTES
