A total
of 45 Cape Blends – which had to consist of at least 30% or at most 70% of SA’s
indigenous red wine cultivar Pinotage – from 35 producers were entered in this
year’s contest. The maiden vintage Spirit of Malverne 2011, a powerful blend of
Pinotage (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) and
Shiraz
(17%), soared as a 2013 Cape Blend Top Five winner, with winemaker Suzanne
Coetzee winning a trip to a wine country abroad.
Suzanne
was given full carte blanche to handcraft a wine that best portrayed her style
and the innovative spirit of Clos Malverne, nestled in the Devon Valley outside
Stellenbosch and this ‘no holds barred’ challenge gave birth to this winning
blend.
“Clos
Malverne’s owner, Seymour Pritchard gave me the freedom to create a new wine
for our Limited Release range, without any prescriptions, restrictions, or
preconceived ideas of its style and taste. It was humbling, nerve-racking and
liberating all at the same time and so Spirit of Malverne was born,” shares
Suzanne.
The
name is derived from Seymour’s yacht, Spirit of Malverne, which he personally
built more than two decades ago, on the exact same premises where Clos
Malverne’s popular restaurant cum tasting room is situated today, to sail
around the world.
Available
in limited quantities, Spirit of Malverne 2011 is the first Clos Malverne Cape
Blend in which Pinotage as oppose to Cabernet Sauvignon rules, which lends a
fragrant fruit character to the wine. It unfolds notes of cassis and
stewed fruit at the fore uplifted by the supple blackberry character of the
Cabernet whilst the smack of Shiraz adds finesse to
this elegant newcomer which lingers with sweet spicy nuances on the palate. The
wine spent 18 months in new barrels (80% French oak and 20% American oak) and
is well-structured with close-knit yet juicy tannins.
“This
wine reminds me of a woman, flawless in her youth whilst her character and
unique features make her even more beautiful as she ages gracefully. A Sofia
Vergara when you drink it now and a Sofia Loren when it reaches its full
maturation potential in the next five to seven years,” adds Suzanne.
The
elegant yet full-bodied Spirit of Malverne 2011 is a superb meat partner. Try it
with a grilled rump steak topped with gorgonzola and tomato chutney; Springbok
loin enriched with a dark chocolate chilli sauce, or a star anise infused slow
roasted pork belly with sweet potato mash.
All Clos Malverne
wines are exclusive to the cellar or high-class restaurants only, but with the
estates virtual wine shop one can gain access to the entire range which is
available for online purchase.
To order your
Spirit of Malverne 2011 contact the estate at Tel:
(+27)21 865 2022 of besoek www.closmalverne.co.za for more
information. The wine retails at R280 per bottle and stock is limited.