The Glass Collection....Glenelly

" The Glass Collection", not only an inspiration of some select wines from "Glenelly Estate", but true works of art held by, May de Lencquesaing.

Who? Where? What? I believe you may now be asking. Well read the following write up by Michael Fridjhon for Business Day and Financial Mail .....

It is too soon to say whether May de Lencquesaing's Glenelly estate in Stellenbosch is destined to join SA 's recognised pantheon of great wine properties. Certainly, the portents are all there. There are two very fine Chardonnays: the unwooded one is infinitely more interesting than most Sauvignon Blancs; and a wooded version, in which the creaminess of the mouth feel is more important than the fingerprint of the oak.

The two reds - a Bordeaux-type blend called Lady May and a Cabernet-Shiraz sold as "Grand Vin" - are both still in their infancy. However, everything about them suggests they will live up to the promise already evident in the whites.

The Grande Dame of Bordeaux (Madame de Lencquesaing is a former Grand Chancelier of the Académie du Vin de Bordeaux) began researching a vineyard acquisition in SA in the late 1990s. Unlike many newcomers, she had the history and the experience to traverse the learning curve by the shortest route. Her father's family were landowners in Bordeaux in the first half of the 20th century - not exactly the halcyon days of the Bordeaux trade. The Miailhes owned (or co-owned and managed) Chateaux Palmer, Pichon Lalande, Siran, Coufran, Avensan and Ducru Beaucaillou.

When she came into her inheritance in 1978, Chateau Pichon Lalande was technically insolvent. In little more than a decade, she transformed it into one of a handful of "Superseconds" in the Medoc. In 2006, she sold it to Champagne Louis Roederer, whose properties in the Medoc included Chateau de Pez. Now with the time to invest in her South African estate, she has done everything prudently possible to fast- track its establishment. Starting with the acquisition of a property bordering Rustenberg in historic Ida s Valley in Stellenbosch, to a complete replanting with properly sourced vineyard material, through to the construction of a functional cellar, it's all been very well done.

The employment of wine maker Luke O'Cuinneagain (who years before had worked at Rustenberg) seems particularly inspired. His unshowy but carefully crafted wines marry her French aesthetic with the reality of Stellenbosch fruit.

The only question that I believe now remains. Are you keen to try some?

Wine bottle CPR

Apologies for lack of posts. I have just started getting settled after a hectic couple of work months. Anyway I was recently sent this "clip" via email and felt it very aptly described a CRP lesson for wine. If more were to practise it, more about what lies within would be revealed.....

Thunderchild.....

"the background of our children are characterised by dark and threatening clouds that sometimes create the feeling of being pushed into the ground"

The children referred to in the sentence above are those whom currently find themselves in the Herberg Children's Home in Robertson. These children have and still do fight the storms that rage not only at home but also deep within. These children have been been subject to trauma, hurt and longing. But these children have also amazed at their ability to overcome the darkness....

"They are in the real sense true Thunderchildren."

In 2002, five hectares of vines were planted on a property adjacent the home. Today this fine Cab franc (37%) / Merlot (37%) / Cab sauv (26%) blend is made by sympathetic cellars and sold in aid of the children, with 100% profits going to them. Finally a year from when I first tasted this great wine, it has managed to find a "home" on the Faerie Glen shelves. When you buy a bottle of this wine, you know that  you are not only getting a fantastic product. You will know it is made with "love" for children that need it.... so be sure to look out for this one.



Toads have leapt in ....

Following my post "Good cause" I can confirm that the toads have leapt in and onto the Faerie Glen Liquors and Fine Wine shelves.These well priced wines from Cape Point Vineyards are availible in a crisp clean Sauvignon Blanc that will support any chicken of seafood dish. 

The red on the other hand, a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, is very aptly discribed by Platters Wine Guide as a, "amiable braai mate". So next time you are browsing the multitude of wines availible in search of something new at a good price, listen out for a "rrrribit" and know with this choice you will be supporting a good cause.