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SPECIAL REPORT ’S IN K T A IM T S E C A G R STEENBE NS OF 91+ WITH 12 DISTINCTIO
In a major coup for cool-climate Constantia wines, Steenberg Vineyards has achieved 91/100 or more for no less than 12 wines in Tim Atkin’s South African 2017 Special Report. Breaking the venerable 90+ barrier across its entire range with five white wines, four reds and three Méthode Cap Classiques is testament to Steenberg’s resolute focus on quality and consistency in expressing its terroir. Top scorer, on 94/100, is Steenberg’s flagship white blend, Magna Carta 2016. Next up among the whites is Steenberg Semillon 2016 on 93, with Rattlesnake and Black Swan 2016 Sauvignon Blancs both on 92 points, and the estate Sauvignon Blanc 2017 on 91. Leading the pack for the red wines with 93 points are Steenberg Catharina 2015 and Nebbiolo 2015, followed by Merlot 2015 and Syrah 2015, both on 92. Steenberg’s grande cuvée, Lady R 2012, is top of the pops with 93 points among the Steenberg MCCs, with both the 1682 Chardonnay and 1682 Pinot Noir scoring 91. Atkin, a British Master of Wine and accomplished wine commentator with extensive experience when it comes to South African vineyards, tasted almost 1 700 local wines for his 2017 Special Report, now in its fifth year.
THE 2017 GOLD T A ST O P E T O O R G R GOLDEN HAT-TRICK FO Groote Post, the historic family estate in the cool-climate Darling Hills, is the proud recipient of a golden hat-trick at the 2017 Gold Awards, winning gold for its Sauvignon Blanc 2017, The Old Man’s Blend White 2017 and The Old Man’s Blend Red 2016. Groote Post Sauvignon Blanc 2017: Groote Post has become almost synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc since its maiden Sauvignon Blanc was launched to high acclaim in 1999. The 2017 vintage is a beautifully crisp wine. On the nose, fragrances of white stone fruit with quartz-like minerality greet you, and a touch of asparagus rounds it off. The palate has great length, showing green fig and gooseberry flavours. Groote Post’s The Old Man’s Blend Wines: The Old Man’s Blend range came into being in 2001 at the behest of Groote Post’s “Old Man”, Peter Pentz, who asked the family to blend him a red wine to enjoy as his winter evening tipple. The enormous popularity of The Old Man’s Blend Red established a Groote Post tradition, with The Old Man’s Blend White subsequently added to the range. Groote Post’s The Old Man’s Blend White 2017: This fresh Sauvignon Blanc-based summer wine, with Chenin Blanc and Semillon, displays tropical fruit notes. A fresh acidity livens up the palate with a finish of guava and green apple flavours. Groote Post’s The Old Man’s Blend Red 2016: A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc, with prominent cherry, mulberry and cedar wood notes and soft and ripe tannins giving an elegant finish. 48
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