It’s hard to believe that we have already passed the first quarter of the year. This April has brought us the wettest weather in ten years, a perfect blessing for our vineyards after the harvest. I hope this promising start bodes well for next year’s vintage.
A successful 2026 vintage has been marked by generosity and equilibrium. The grapes are healthy, showcasing a wonderful balance between acidity and fruit expression. I’m confident that Hattingh and our international team have captured what nature intended for us this year.
Smooth operations in the cellar have defined this year so far. It has been no different from any other year in terms of cellar operations; everything has run smoothly and effortlessly. Thankfully, we have not experienced any Eskom power failures, meaning no need to start up the big generator.
This brings to mind Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore’s famous quote from Apocalypse Now. In our case, it’s the smell of diesel fumes, quite a relief compared to napalm!
A tangent to science often finds its way into my reflections. As I sit at my desk, my mind wanders to a memory from my Standard 6 science class. I recall learning about neutrons, protons, and electrons in their orbits, as described by Niels Bohr. I was fascinated by the concept that when an electron moves from a higher to a lower energy level, it emits light.
Years later, I encountered “free radicals”, a term that sounds like a rock band! These free radicals have been a part of my life ever since, and the concept of managing them in our bodies has become a popular topic of discussion.
The adage of “quality over quantity” should always see the light of day prevail, and this philosophy drives what we strive to achieve in our cellar.
Embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle remains central to my philosophy. I firmly believe in the Mediterranean diet and maintain that wine, in moderation, is beneficial for health. A few bottles in your home will, of course, always be welcomed by mind and body.
We are excited to share that new vintages have been released. I encourage you to look out for them, here are some exceptional wines waiting to be discovered.
An invitation to connect remains at the heart of Muratie Wine Estate. We are pleased to introduce our new Story Room. An intimate 12-seater space featuring a large dining table, comfortable lounge area and a fireplace, making it ideal for conferencing, small functions and private dinners. When you’re in the area or considering a small gathering, please reach out to us on info@muratie.co.za. If you’re interested in history and heritage, I would be delighted to share the rich story of Muratie with you.
Warm regards,
Dr Rijk Melck