The deserving wines were the Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Franc 2015, the Cape of Good Hope Laing Groendruif 2020 (Semillon of the Year), the Cape of Good Hope Altima 2020 and the L’Ormarins Brut Rosé 2016. This is the 3rd consecutive year that the Cabernet Franc and Groendruif wines have been awarded the coveted 5-star rating. These latest accolades reaffirm the team’s commitment to quality, producing the best possible from their vineyards and building an impressive track record for their wines. Already part of an impressive lineage with consistent high scores for previous vintages, the grapes for the Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Franc 2015 were carefully selected from vineyards planted on specific sites. The wine showcases aromas of fruitcake, cassis and spicy flavours, with intriguing floral nuances on the finish. On the palate, the wine holds the promise of berries with added vibrant spice and graphite notes resulting in a wine with an elegant and refined finish. This noteworthy wine can be added to your collection, by purchasing directly at the farm or via the estate’s online shop at R610 per bottle.
As part of the Old Vines Initiative, the Semillon grapes for the carefully cultivated Cape of Good Hope Laing Groendruif 2020, were sourced from Henk Laing’s farm, Trekpoort – on the Skurfberg mountains near Clanwilliam. An extraordinary textural wine with a lovely interplay of stone fruit. Vibrant lemon zest brightness carries through to a tangible flinty feel with a long and rich finish. The Cape of Good Hope Laing Groendruif 2020 is already sold out, but be on the lookout for the next vintage release which will be available through the estate’s Cellar doors and online shop soon at R120 per bottle. A recipient of the SA Woman Wine & Spirits Award, the elegant and statuesque L’Ormarins Vintage Brut Rosé 2016 is made from a blend of Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) grapes. A hand-crafted wine is best described as having a fine vigorous stream of bubbles. The nose is filled with a mingling of cherry and strawberry notes combined with biscuit and light candy floss on the nose. The crisp palate underpins red berry and citrus flavour finishing with creamy sourdough and subtle smokey flavour in a long defined and poised tail. Available online or directly from the Tasting Room at R190 per bottle.
Another award-winning wine in the collection and completing the stellar 5-star lineup is the Cape of Good Hope Altima Sauvignon Blanc 2020. The Altima vineyard is situated in a pristine valley north of Villiersdorp and is surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1km from the valley floor. During the winter months, these mountains are typically covered with snow and, coupled with the elevation of 600 to 700m, equates to a very cool climate. This unique terroir produces wines with high natural acidity and upfront aromas. The wine is best described as displaying appealing tropical fig and pear aromas with granadilla and lemon zest, adding brightness and vivacity, with exquisite ripe tropical flavours in the mouth. A vibrant and lively wine with well-integrated acidity. The palate is textured and round, finishing on a light, dry flinty note. Although the 2020 vintage is already sold out, the 2021 vintage is available online, or directly from the Estate’s cellar doors at R140 per bottle.
For more information on these superb wines visit www.rupertwines.com.