Welcome to the Western Cape Wineries - a kiwi's opinion blog

I originally set up this blog to help foreigners have an enjoyable experience when visiting the western cape wineries in South Africa.

I realised that it is very difficult for a tourist to choose where to go and which wineries to visit, when you have 600+ wine producers to choose from.

When I first moved to SA December 2010, my palate struggled to adjust to SA wine, b
ut after living here for a while and after visiting over 100+ wine estates, I have found many wines which I really like and can highly recommend.

Admittingly, when you come from another country it is hard not to compare the wine in SA to what you are used to back home. However, once you realise they are not the same (they have their own characteristics due to the different soil, climate etc) and appreciate their wines for being SA wines, it will improve your opinion and experience of the wines immediately.

If you are staying in SA for a while, don't dispair, your palate will change, and you will soon find yourself liking SA wine over your home countries wine!!

I hope my blog will help wine lovers have an enjoyable wine experience while in SA.

Please note: I am not a wine connoisseur. The comments I write about the wine is mostly for my own benefit of having them on record.



Sunday, 30 June 2013

Rijks - Christmas in Winter

Our first stop on the Sunday of the Christmas in Winter Festival in Tulbagh was Rijks. We had a nice tasting here. They have some good wine and the service was good.


As you can see in the photo above, the weather was not as nice on the Sunday for the Christmas in Winter Festival, but I am glad the Saturday had the better weather of the two days!!

 
The ladies who served us at Rijks were very pleasant, welcoming and friendly. There is plenty of seating inside and outside. They have a nice range of good quality wine.


We tasted a number of wines. My tasting notes on the wine:

Fascination Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2008, R90 a bottle. Floral and light on the nose. Smooth on the palate. The Semillon was in barrels where as the SB was only in stainless steel tanks. It was a pleasant wine.

Chenin Blanc Touch of Oak 2011 at R80 a bottle. This was lightly wooded. Had slight pineapple taste with some stone fruit tones (peach and apricot). Gorgeous fruity nose, light, citrus fruity tones.

Private Cellar Chenin Blanc 2009 at R120 a bottle. Very lovely, pungent fruity flavours with tones of peach, apricot and apple. It was nice.

Chardonnay 2008 at R90 a bottle. Spent 12 months in barrels, 70% new oak and 30% 2nd and 3rd fill. I noticed honey and nuts on the nose, slight roasted tones, nice but a bit heavy, probably best with food.

Pinotage Touch of Oak 2011, R105 a bottle. Has that stem taste and slight powdery texture. It was light with nice berry flavours. Can serve this wine chilled. Dark cherries on the palate. 

Private Cellar Pinotage 2009, R160 a bottle. It was a little heavier than the touch of oak pinotage. There was a bit of coffee on the nose, a little dry on the palate. Probably best with food.

Shiraz Touch of Oak 2010 at R100 a bottle. Gorgeous pungent fruity nose, a little dry, light, little spicy, fruity, easy drinking.

Private Cellar Shiraz 2007 at R150 a bottle. A little more serious than touch of oak Shiraz. Spicier and fruitier. Heavier, little dry, probably best with food also.

Overall we had a nice experience here. They have good quality wine and friendly service. I would recommend visiting this estate.



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