TOKARA’s Zondernaam Chenin blanc has developed a loyal following with the 2004 and 2005 selling out within a matter of months. The wine has an award-winning history with the Zondernaam Chenin blanc 2004 receiving double gold at Veritas 2005. The 2003, 2004 and 2005 vintages made the top 10 of the WINE magazine TOPS at Spar Chenin blanc Challenge in three consecutive years and therefore the Zondernaam Chenin blanc received Super Chenin status at the beginning of 2006.
The Zondernaam Cabernet sauvignon also has a glittering history with the 2002 awarded a gold medal at Veritas 2006.
The grapes for the Zondernaam Chenin blanc 2006 originate from 31-year-old un-irrigated Stellenbosch bush vines which were planted on decomposed granite soils with high gravel content. Fermented with natural yeasts the wine spent nine months in new and older French oak barrels to produce 7 500 bottles. The wine sells for R50 ex-cellar.
The wine has a deep straw color with intense stone-fruit aromas of peach and ripe apricots. It has a full rich palate of stone-fruit and honeysuckle with a slight tannic grip which adds to the wine’s structure. The finish is rich and creamy but dry with an acidity which gives the wine its great length of finish.
The Zondernaam Cabernet sauvignon 2003 is a blend of 85% Cabernet sauvignon, 14 % Cabernet franc and 1% Petit verdot. The grapes used to produce 81 000 bottles originated from TOKARA vineyards (30 %) with the balance sourced from neighbouring farms in Stellenbosch, the Banhoek Valley and Devon Valley. The wine sells for R62 ex-cellar.
The wine was bottled in December 2004, having spent 18 months in a combination of new French oak (40%) and older French oak barriques.
It has a rich plum colour and the nose is pure Cabernet fruit, with hints of cassis, cedar, fennel and lead pencil which show off the purity of aroma - and there is a touch of dark chocolate. There are firm yet rounded tannins and a lovely mouth feel which develops on the palate and leaves a satisfying combination of fruit and subtle oak flavours. Enjoy with grilled veal chops or roast pork.
TOKARA, which is nestled among vineyards and olive groves on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch, is open for tasting between 9am and 5pm weekdays and from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more details visit www.tokara.com or email wine@tokara.com or phone (021) 808 5900.