Wednesday, 28 November, 2012
Eikendal
Eikendal, the prominent Stellenbosch cellar on the foot of the Helderberg renowned for its elegant Bordeaux-style red wines and fine Chardonnay, has raised its all-round winemaking talent with no less than seven impressive local and international awards added to its lineage in 2012.
The latest of the five top performing wines that contributed to Eikendal’s ‘star-studded year’ is the newly released Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, which has already been crowned twice. This ‘gentle giant’ scored a gold medal at the 2012 Veritas Awards – South Africa’s premier wine competition – and international wine judges were equally impressed with this full-bodied, elegant red, when the 2010 vintage excelled with gold medal status at the annual MUNDUS Vini International Wine Awards 2012 in Germany. In addition its predecessor, Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, was rated amongst the country’s finest at the Top 100 SA Wine Challenge for 2012.
Another red gem that shot to fame this year is Eikendal’s flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, Classique 2009, which streaked ahead of its competition with double trophy glory at the Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2012. This highly acclaimed wine won the Old Mutual Trophy for the Best Red Wine as well as the Riedel Trophy for the Best Bordeaux-style Red Blend. The estate’s white flagship, the elegantly wooded Eikendal Chardonnay 2011 also showed its mettle at this competition and walked off with a gold medal.
Earlier this year the Eikendal Merlot 2009 clinched gold at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 in the UK.
Perfectly positioned on the famed ‘golden slopes’ of South Africa’s red wine production area, Eikendal maximises its favourable terroir and close proximity to False Bay to produce great wines. The red varieties in particular, benefit from the cool conditions which allow slower, optimal ripening of the grapes. Eikendal’s location is also a premium pocket for producing exceptional Chardonnay with strong regional and varietal integrity, showcasing the best characteristics of the cultivar.
“2012 was an exceptional year for Eikendal. Whilst it still gives me great satisfaction to see people enjoying our wines, accolades such as these somehow remind me how much I truly love what I do and where I am. I’m glad to see that the wine on which we have built our reputation over the past 30 years still make us proud,” shares winemaker Nico Grobler.
More information on the Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010:
Described by the winemaker as ‘a wine that is more classic and refined in character rather than gutsy and powerful’, the latest vintage Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is a full-bodied, yet superbly smooth red that satisfies with a remarkable concentration of fruit and ripe tannins.
The first immediate impact is the bouquet – a sultry smack of bright red currant and black mulberry fruit harmoniously backed by lingering spice and tobacco nuances. Alluring with a deep garnet lustre, the wine unfolds gentle layers of earthy aromas and herbaceous tones, while a silky smooth mouthfeel is balanced by a lingering fresh acidity on the finish.
Barrel-maturation took place over 16 months to give the Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 its richly layered fruit aromas and roundness. This wine shows great ageing potential and holds promise for further improvement over the next 8-10 years.
Recommended food partners: Try it with venison, succulent rump steak Mediterranean dishes or guinea fowl. It will go perfectly with your Sunday roast.
Recommended retail price: R110 per bottle directly from the cellar or at selected="true"="true"="true" wine outlets countrywide.
For more information or wine orders contact Eikendal at Tel: (+27)21 855 1422 or email: info@eikendal.co.za.