The FMC....

An "Earthly Chardonnay" ....

 An interesting feed form Anthony Hammilton Russel...

We have finally received our next 9 small 160 liter stoneware amphorae for the 2012 Chardonnay harvest.  This follows research we initiated in 2005 into the benefits of fermenting and ageing a portion of our Chardonnay in clay vessels instead of oak. It took us some time to find a South African potter able to produce these for us. An additional 9 amphorae have been commissioned for the 2013 harvest.

These small stoneware amphorae have been designed to deliver the same amount of “air-exchange” as a barrel but without (clearly) imparting wood tannin, oak flavour or flavours from the toasting. They are each lined with clay from our property before firing.

These amphorae are perfect for our oldest Chardonnay vineyards, where even at extremely low yields, the grapes ripen at much lower alcohols – 12% and even below. These vineyards produce wines that are all too easily overwhelmed by newer wood, or lack vibrant freshness in older wood. The lower alcohol wines from the amphorae are wines of great beauty, finesse and freshness, with remarkable density given the alcohol levels.

It is our intention that the amphorae fermented and aged Chardonnay component eventually makes up around 10% of Hamilton Russell vineyards Chardonnay. Our Chardonnay has been doing extremely well locally and internationally, but we are always looking for new ways to refine and “improve” our wines further. It is wonderful to see this long-standing initiative finally producing quality results.

We were really pleased when a recent (Feb 1^st, 2012) Wine Spectator Insider, reviewing a number of South African white wines, gave our 2010 Chardonnay the highest score – a 93 – and included it in their list of Hot Wines. These are the most exciting discoveries from their editors’ most recent tastings. This makes our 9^th consecutive Chardonnay score over ninety – or Outstanding.

This is how Senior editor at the Wine Spectator, James Molesworth, describes our 2010 Chardonnay -  “Lush and inviting, with layers of fig, persimmon, mango and creamed Jonagold apple fruit, all supported by finely beaded acidity that lends definition and length to the finish. More cut and length than just weight in the end.”

Well known South African sommelier, Miguel Chan, also liked our 2010 Chardonnay and scored it 94+ saying that it was “without a doubt one of the world’s top 25 Chardonnays, including top Burgundies.”  The panel of French judges at the 14^th Classic Trophy Awards rated our 2010 highly as well, giving it the trophy for best white wine.

We hope you are enjoying our beautiful Chardonnay 2011 (our 30^th vintage) which was released in December last year.

Up coming pop up wine tasting....

The end of March will see us host the first in a series of  "different" wine tastings on the KZN South Coast.

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.

Spier PC on taste....

Closing in on the festive season Faerie Glen will have some fine wines on taste daily. The last of the Spier Private Collection range will be going on the tasting barrel for the duration of the up coming December holidays.

These wines are truly distinctive and have acquired hoards of "bling" over the years. Sadly though the Spier PC range will no longer be readily available to the public in the not to distant future. They are set to tackle the tough international market as an export only product. Sure you may still be able to get your hands on a bottle direct from the farm, but on shelf they will be replaced by the equally respectable 21 Gables label.

That all being said it would be wise to get your hands on a bottle or two of these superb wines before they travel abroad. So if you are looking for a "Christmas stocking filler" and are in the area pop in to Faerie Glen where you will be able to taste and choose to your hearts content....

  

Get whipped .....

Now I know this is effectively a wine blog and the product I am posting on is not wine, but this I have found to be one of the most innovative liqueur concepts to be produced yet and I believe will soon be a country wide craze. The product, "Supreme Cream" is an alcohol infused whipped cream that comes in an aerosol can. And best of all you don't need to keep it in the fridge.

This stuff can be used in many funky ways.....

Make that usually dull Dom Pedro a fashionista,

Whip your favourite shooter into shape,

or

Touch up a choclate cake and let the 15% alc/vol turn your ladies tea on its head.



Flavours now availible at Faerie Glen Liquors and Fine Wine are Chocolate, Vanilla, Cherry and Rasberry. If initail sales are anything to go by, get some now while stocks last....

Back, a family with bling....

For a short while the wines of Hidden Valley and Lands End seemed destined to disappear from the KZN South Coast, this following some distrubution hic-ups. And whilst I thought it likely that just maybe no body would even know, well "suprise suprise". Within the past weeks we have had several enquiries about the whereabouts of some of the fine wines from these farms.

 I am now happy to say the wines are back in stock at Faerie Glen Liquor & Fine Wine, and to top it off they have arrived covered in various degrees of "Bling".

I was especially taken by what weighed heavily around the neck of the Lands End Syrah. This wine was infact delivered by mistake, but once I caught a glimps of the "prize winning jewels" I quickly made a space on the shelves for it. This shiraz has been a shiraz challenge winner, has a double gold Veritas, recieved a silver at the Old Mutal Trophy show and won a silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Having had a particular soft spot for the Lands End sauvignon blanc, I am keen to get to grips with this shiraz. I believe it will support the beef fillet I intend to braai over the weekend perfectly.....

So if you were are fan of any of the above and concerned they were never to be seen again, they are back, a "family of bling" ready to drink. Next time you visit Faerie Glen be sure to keep an eye open for Lands End and Hidden Valley wines.

A Good Cause ....

There are many wine farms (Estates) doing their bit for the "local community". In some circumstances this may be by taking on an organic approach, in others it may be relative to the many "hands and hearts" that work to ensure a superb final product. Then there are those that serve to enlighten us to the plight of creatures both great and small.

Recently I received some samples of "Splattered Toad" red and white.... and I am grateful I did.

This wine, from Cape Point Vineyards, may not be every one's cup of tea purely because of its extremely descriptive name and label. But there is however no denying that it truly enlightens one to the plight of  the creature they represent and very often the truth is not very pleasant....

This little critter, is the highly endangered Cape (Western) Leopard Toad and for a very short time every year "lust" takes it on a journey that edges them just one step closer to extinction. For less than one week of a year (around August) our usually harmonious relationship with the "leopard" is shattered as the breeding migration sees the toad trying the negotiate busy highways and bi ways in search of favourable breeding ponds.

Now understanding the label, having enjoyed the wine and considering one rand from each bottle sold goes to helping Amietophrynus pantherinus. I am happy to say that very soon Faerie Glen Liquors and Fine Wine will be making a space for the Splattered Toad on our shelves.

Brunia Shiraz....landed

Following my recent post Brunia laevis, I am now happy to advise that Willie Du Preez has sent us a couple of cases of Brunia Shiraz.

Originally only available from the farm, its great that this wine now can also be acquired on the lower KZN South Coast. It seems that this red is aspiring to chase down the recent success of its sister 2010 sauvignon blanc. When you kick off with a 4 star platter on your first attempt, I believe better things must surely follow.

Bling....

No, I am not referring to the jewels that dazzle necks, wrists and ring fingers of movie stars and rappers. I am referring to the silver, green, red or gold stickers one finds stuck all over award winning  bottles of wine.



Limited stock available at Faerie Glen at time of post

This is "wine bling", a mark of champions. Like the jewels that adorn the necks of the rich and famous  this bling can also hang heavily around the necks of select wine bottles. This is the equivelent of a traveling certificate of sorts. Does the bling sell the wine? Well yes I believe it does. These little "ruby, emerald, silver and gold" badges catch the consumers eye on what typically would look like just any other bottle.

If fact I have noted how some very clever label designers have incorporated elements on the label that at a glance could easily be miss interpreted as "bling". As a result these bottles have a tendency to prevail in the war of the wine shelves. So next time you stare up at those shelves in search of a bottle, look out for the bling, but at the same time beware of the "wise wine labels".

New Wines @ Faerie Glen

These fine wines have recently been added to our already extensive range at Faerie Glen Liquors & Fine Wine....

MR De Compostella

A joint venture between Bruwer Raats (from acclaimed Raats Family Wines) & Mzokhona Mvemve (first black Oenology & Viticulture graduate). This wine has recently scored 96 points in Roberts Parkers Independent Consumer's Guide to Fine Wine. The Bordeaux-style blend has been described by some of the best in the industry as, "magnificent, scintillating, seductive, sensational and as an adrenalin rush". This is a top end wine and deservedly so. Each of the 5 varietals are aged separately in barrels and must be able to be stand alone varietal wines. The varietals are  tasted blind and then blended in descending percentages from the highest to the lowest rating given. Apart from the fact that the construction of this bottles content is special to say the least, the score of 96 is best ever by a South African wine.

Platter 4,5 stars

Fairview Primo Pinotage

The Back Page of this bottle is one of those that says more than a lot about what is contained within. A selection of some of the finest wine (pinotage) of the vintage, from some of the most beautiful and unusual vineyards it is no wonder the "Primo' has recently won a ABSA Top 10 Pinotage award.

As Pinotage is South Africa's very own grape, there is nothing more "Proudly South African".

Platters 4,5 stars

The Back Page ....

Do you ever read "The Back Page" on the wine bottle? When thinking about the back label, ones mind immediately visualises the usual suspects: warnings, bar code and ALC. 14% BY VOL. If you are lucky some give you a splurge of the blend that is contained within. But then, on a select few, you get given a glimpse of the wines soul.

Take a bottle of Fryers Cove, Bamboes Bay....

From the front this appears to be just a regular bottle of wine, to many a good sauvignon blanc, but in fact so much more. 

Read the back page of this bottle and you are tantalized by several "bits and bobs", that very nearly transport you to its very origin. 

This is Doringbaai some 360 km up the West Coast from Cape Town and on the back page of this bottle when they say, "vines planted 850m from the see and 20m above sea level", they really do mean it. If fact, no need to float wine bottles in the bay here. In this harbour cellar the cooling process is done full time by water from the cold Atlantic Ocean. 

That all being said, whilst these vines may be "forged of the earth & tempered by the sea", they are handled by some of the most hospitable people I have met. My visit to Fryers Cove, I will never forget ....

18 out of 20....

"18 out of 20" this is what The Sunday Times, The Restaurant, scored local South Coast restaurant Casa Toscana.

For me there are two points that jump from the pages. These I believe are however in the wrong order, but never the less they sum up the place, its people and what it has to offer perfectly.

• At the end .....

"It's only fitting that earlier this year this little restaurant (one of only three in the country) received the "Hospitality Italiana" Seal of Quality award that celebrates and recognises Italian "ambassadors of taste".

• At the beginning .....

"The concept of siesta, or least an afternoon spent in the company of good food and wine, is taken seriously at this South Coast restaurant,"

A great bit of national press.

The Teacher ....

Growing up I would consider myself very blessed. Despite complexity within parent relationships, I was lucky to have "two" great Dads, one at each end of the life skills scale. Recently on my fishing blog, The Bassing Guy, I covered lessons learned from the mentor  on one side of that scale under the same heading. In today's posting I present the other ....

Bellow are some images from my Fathers cellar. Many items housed within collected over a time line very near the 38 years I have been around.

Some of the memorable pieces include several Pussers Rum decanters, a pewter encased Dimple Haig and almost all the commemorative Bells ever made.

Recently, Mr Dudley senior decided it was time to take stock. Very soon he realised that this "spring clean" was going to take a little longer than anticipated, about two days longer in fact. Apart from all the individual bits & bobs, the shelves also contained over 500 bottles of fine red wine and 100 odd bottles of port.

Reflecting on the images above, I know exactly where my passion for wine eminates. When questioned about my interest, the awnser is simple ....

"I have a fantastic teacher "

Thanks Dad

September wines to taste @ Faerie Glen

We currently have the following wines to taste in store for September.

• Savanha Sauvignon Blanc
• Spier Organic Sauvignon Blanc

• Spier Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc

• Savanha Merlot
• Spier Shiraz
• Spier Private Collection Pinotage
• Haute Cabriere Unwooded Pinot Noir

• Laska Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot





For tasting details and pricing, visit us at Faerie Glen Liquors and Fine Wine. 

The history of wine .....

Some time ago a close member of my family put pen to paper and compiled, this a "poetic" history rendition of how wine came to our beautiful country....

In 1652 …..
Jan, die man, van Riebeeck
Appointed for his age and expertise
Left at 33 on a ship from Holland
And sailed across the seas

He landed on our foreshore
De berg was omringd met ‘n wolk
And asked of his Dutch companions
“Weet je iets over dit klein bruine volk?”

Now Jan, die man, van Riebeeck
(May his name be truly Blessed)
Soon set the Hottentots to work
Indeed, there was no rest!

He proved a strong Commander
And was busy at the Cape
The buildings grew, the earth was rich
But alas, there was no grape!

In time the ships & settlers
Gave die Kaap a good, good feel
But Jan, die man van Riebeeck
Stayed “drogëbek” at his evening meal.

He wrote reams and reams of letters
At length to the oom called van Dam
The Secretary who had employed him...
Saying “Bringt dreuyff mit u as je kom”

He could see no reason for this ~
(Sec van Dam was an elderly man)
It took 18 months for his tired bones
To send a planting kit for poor Van

Jan, meantime, sent word back to France
And bartered hard with Spain
Until their twigs & slips arrived
“Nou maak ons de goeie wyn”

The frogs (oops, French) were quick to respond
Their cuttings were the first
(Muscat d’Alexandrine)
Would soon help quench the thirst!

Toil and sweat & labours tough
Gardener Boom’s back, it stayed well bent
But slowly leaves & fruit appeared
The climate was ‘heaven sent’

And so in Feb of 16 –
The year being 59
They made and poured the first of many
Johannes had made his wine!!

Time and glory passed
Rulers came and went
Co-ops were formed and power spoke
Of how to do what’s best

But nature had a trick to play
For too long things had gone so well
Phylloxera vastatrix, (an aphid), came ~
Not a drop nor a barrel could they sell

It was a sad and sorry sight
No matter how they fought
From farm to farm it did the rounds
Leaves limp, then grey, root rot

The best winemakers – including ours
Were immediately on the case
But two-thirds of the worlds greatest vineyards
Would not survive the race….

In 2009 ….
The sun shines fair at the Kaap de Goede Hoop
The cold chills the bones when it’s rains
Let’s toast and give thanks to Jannie
For the wine that flows in our veins!

Thanks Mom for the input....

Brunia Laevis .....

If this heading sounds Greek to  you, well you are not to far off the mark. The words "Brunia Laevis" are in fact the Latin name for one of the many fynbos species that form part of the Cape floral kingdom.

The common name for this silvery floral plant is "Vaal tol". What the name is also representative of is a small fine wine range produced by Cold Mountain Vineyards. I by no means use the word "small" in a derogatory manor. The first wine released under the Brunia label was a good 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, this has subsequently been followed by the 2010 which has just scored 85 points at the Old Mutal Trophy wine show.

How good is it for a wine (only the second vintage) to achieve the above score? Well consider this. Brunia came in 5th out of 66 unwooded sauvignon blanc entries, many of them from well known, well established estates.  Chatting to Willie du Preez, owner of the estate I am very eager to start stocking his newly released Brunia Shiraz, that is when it is ready to travel...so keep an eye on our shelves.