Steenberg Vineyards ends 2010 on a high note
Tuesday, 23 November, 2010
Steenberg Vineyards
Steenberg Vineyards ends off the year on a high note having received the
coveted John Platter 5-Star rating (for 2011) for both the Steenberg
Magus 2009 and Steenberg Magna Carta 2009.
Well-known for producing excellent 'food wines', Steenberg has achieved no less than 10 Platter 5-star awards since 2002, mostly for its Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, and more recently also for its' Bordeaux style white blends that also included the Woolworths Reserve Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2009.
Underscoring the successful working partnership between General Manager/Cellar Master John Loubser, and winemaker JD Pretorius, the Magna Carta 2009 is an expression of the very best of what Steenberg can produce. "It is our great declaration of quality, terroir and elegance with a blend made up of 60% Sauvignon Blanc from our 21-year old reserve block, and 40% barrel-fermented Semillon," says Loubser. The 2009 is only the second vintage of the iconic white blend, the maiden vintage (Magna Carta 2007) also having earned five stars in the John Platter Guide 2008. Magna Carta 2009 will be released around March 2011, at a cellar door price of R435 per bottle.
"Wild and herbaceous with piercing minerality, a full vibrant palate and hints of passion fruit and tangerine", the Magus 2009 is elegantly balanced by subtle smokiness and a creamy texture. It was Loubser's entry in this year's Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Auction, where it proudly upheld Steenberg's reputation as one of the top producers of Sauvignon Blanc. The Magus 2009 achieved an average price of R233.33 per bottle, exclusive of VAT.
The two 5-star achievements come shortly after Steenberg Vineyards celebrated the 1st birthday of its new cellar door venue, and was named Global Winner Wine Tourism Services in the Great Wine Capitals' Best of Wine Tourism Awards for 2011. Boasting an unsurpassed cellar door wine tourism experience with a Wine Tasting Bar, Tasting Lounge and Bistro Sixteen82, it was not only singled out as the only South African amongst nine international winners, but also took top honours in the South African region by winning two of the seven categories, namely Architecture, Parks and Gardens, and Wine Tourism Services. This exquisitely styled, multi-sensory food and wine destination was opened a year ago (on 13 November 2009), and among the unique services that set it apart, a touch screen in the tasting room enables visitors to rate and review the wines they taste, on the spot.
Inter-leading from Steenberg's Wine Tasting area, the sophisticated yet informal culinary experience at Bistro Sixteen82 is offset by an ambience that exudes casual friendliness with décor that embodies opulent and contemporary chic, a combination that has established this eatery as one of Cape Town's 'hot spots' over the past year. With festive season now on the doorstep, this is the ideal time to escape to this gourmet paradise in the tranquil Constantia Valley sit back and raise a glass to toast the end of yet another very good year!
John Loubser and JD Pretorius
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