Atmosphere
With a hotel-like visage, Steenberg marries modern architectural designs with grand pieces such as the 360 degree tasting bar and hanging glass “grapes” that catch the light beautifully.
The premises is home to both the tasting room and their reknowned restaurant Bistro1682, self-described as the "tapas and bistro-style darling of the dining world".
The Spring weather meant that we could sit outside and were immediately given a glass of the 1682 Chardonnay MCC (smelt like apples with hints of almond biscotti) along with some charming flattery from the tasting assistant who showed us the tasting options we could choose from. We never needed to ask for assistance, and were treated like royalty from the moment we sat down.
The weather was stunning but even with a cold, wintery day, the bar has a large amount of stools around it for counter tasting and there is a secular tasting lounge with a large fireplace and comfortable couches. (The Victorian-style lamps they have need to be in my house...I'm giving you fair warning Steenberg!)
Bottles of Steenberg wine cover the walls and you can buy branded items which would go nicely in your (my) kitchen.
The toilets looked like they had alien smallpox but are currently under maintenance so that they fit the rest of the decor.
Network access is severely limited and there is no real wifi acces (sa problem with the whole of the Constantia Wine Valley) BUT, they are changing this which is exciting.
This is a definite spot for couples, it's lovely *blushes* - not so much for large groups and children.
Taste
We chose to do two tastings, the Classic (R20) and the Flagship (R40) but you can also opt for a food and wine pairing as well.
Klein Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2014 - entry level wine with grassy characteristics and a hint of papaya.
Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2013 - concise and concentrated. Earthy tones (the burly male of the Sauvignon Blancs) and subtle minerality. This wine pairs amazingly with * curry.
Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - 10% wooded with green almond nose, sugar snap peas and a lingering finish.
Semillon 2012 - I adore this cultivar. It's like the rich aunt that visits and brings with her an explosion of gifts and kisses and then leaves abruptly (Semillon never seems to linger on the finish for me). The Steenberg version is a perfect food wine and has hints of honeysuckle, nutmeg and vanilla seeds.
Pinot Noir MCC - cherry, sherbet, only 3000 bottles made but I don't think I would pay the R330 price tag.
Rose Shiraz 2014 - unassuming.
Chardonnay 2014 - banana-heavy nose and smooth finish.
Merlot 2011 (Steenberg) - eucalpytus and raspberry nose. Finish of ripe cherry.
Nebbiolo 2012 - perfumed, light grapefruit and warming nutmeg. Absolutely divine. On my wish list at R225
Catharina 2012 - 66% merlot, 3% shiraz and 21% Cab Sauv. Beautifully smokey and one of the reasons to love Constantia Red Blends.
Sound
Staff who know what they are talking about and who don’t reel off one-liners in a monotnomus tone are quite hard to come by but at Steenberg, they know their stuff and they know how to interact with guests. Zelda, our tasting assistant, was a gem. If I asked her what balling each of the wines were picked at, she'd know.
In-house selling would have been a nice touch; suggesting lunch specials at the restaurant might have kept us there a bit longer.
Little touches
The Sauvignons were all poured together which meant that they were a little warm. We asked if we could have them colder and that wasn’t a problem at all - we even got full glasses!
Best Feature: Attentive staff and a lovely setting to sip and enjoy an extensive wine collection.
Head there if you want: Gorgeous wines. There is something for everyone and the tasting options mean that you can spend a full afternoon at Steenberg.