Its 21 May. Its International Chardonnay Day. A day to celebrate. Especially during deprivation enforced lockdown but even more so when cool climate Hemel-en-Aarde is your playground. Currently a bit low on fermented grape juice, I have 2 bottles of golden great Chardonnay on ice. Ataraxia and Creation. Both had its content stored in French… Read More Chardonnay Day
Thursday is International Chardonnay Day! Every year the Thursday before Memorial Day. Now I’ll know when Memorial Day is for what its worth. My preparation has started. Riedel Chardonnay glasses polished, wine thermometer found, Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnays chilled… what next? Wait I suppose! This afternoon a bottle of Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 2016 arrived beautifully wrapped… Read More Chardonnay Mission
Seychelles has been on my travel list for a while. I’ve got the travel guide, look at flights every once in a while, but it remains a wish. The closest I get to this Indian Ocean island is to appreciate the art of Michael Adams at Hemel-en-Aarde winery La Vierge. Owner Peter Clarke has been… Read More Contemporary Seychelles by Michael Adams
It’s no secret that I enjoy fine wines. And it’s not just about what’s inside. A well designed label and bottle can be very convincing. Then there is the small matter of stemware. It matters too what type of glass you serve my wine in. Clear glass in a shape that complements the variety is… Read More Wine Served Just Absolutely Right
Domaine Des Dieux won the prize as South Africa’s Best Cap Classique last week in the annual Amorim Cap Classique Challenge. Owner Sharon Parnell, daughter Megan and Wine Ambassador, Shane Mullis, are 3 of the personalities most visible in this business who received the same acknowledgement in 2014. The Domaine des Dieux Claudia Brut MCC 2012,… Read More Domaine des Dieux – Hemel-en-Aarde Sparkle
The area known as Hemel en Aarde falls under the appellation of Walker Bay and is divided into three wards: Hemel en Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley and Hemel en Aarde Ridge. The Bosman De Bos Estate is situated in the Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley where their vineyards are planted between indigenous […]… Read More New Kid On The Hemel-en-Aarde Block – Tasting Bosman Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2016 – Greg Sherwood MW
Fridays are always good. But last night was extraordinary. The amount of old white wines tasted on a casual evening superseded any other tasting I remember. First up was a Hemel-en-Aarde Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay. A 1999 vintage. Beautiful! A linear, clear taste that’s undeniably Chardonnay doing Hermanus and the Walker Bay appellation proud. The Decanter Vintage… Read More Fine Wine Friday
The first Benguela Cove vines were planted 13 years ago on this 200 hectare lifestyle estate in the Overberg. The vineyards have a good view of the Atlantic Ocean and the bot River lagoon. Last night I had the opportunity to taste the latest releases from my favourite, the Méthode Cap Classique, to the Syrah.… Read More Benguela Cove, Vineyards with Ocean Views
Today Hemel-en-Aarde is well-known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But it is the area’s Pinot Noir that stands out when it comes to awards and recognition. What other South African winegrowing region can lay claim to dominating a category such as Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir? Considering Platter listings and trade reviews confirm that the vineyards bordering… Read More Pioneering Pinot – Hamilton Russell Vineyards
The first weekend of 2018 was celebrated with great friends and equally great drinks. Friday night was get-together-night and I shared a meal with no fewer than 3 South Africa winemakers. Needless to say there were many liquid options. I remember the following wines that I drank with braaied chicken and summer salad: Ataraxia Sauvignon… Read More Weekend Wines
Frieda Lloyd Explores 