2009-09-28 – spit or swallow?

I forgot to add the disclaimer for the past few posts. Photos will come later, and some content may be edited. We're also doing a mass posting now, since we've been without the InterTubes since leaving Wild Spirit Lodge (we're in Stellenbosch now).

(Yes, there were lots of empty glasses to wash from last night ;-)

Today was the day of our Robertson wine district wine tasting tour. Our traveling companions, Mini Wolfgang and Mini Bobble, were especially looking forward to this part of the vacation, even more so than the two of us, we suspect. There was another couple – an Irish couple – with us on the tour as well. They had just gotten married – on September 12th hehe... (the Penguins' wedding date :)

We started at a boutique winery called Kranskop, and tried the Sauvignon blanc 2008, Chardonnay (5 months wooded) 2008, Merlot 2007, Shiraz 2007, and Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. These were all nice, but didn't have the “oomph” we were looking for. Perhaps the best part about this winery was the estate itself and the magnificent view from the veranda. They also have a teeny tiny dwarf poodle (OK, an enormous Great Dane, or was it a pony?) that was extremely friendly and wanted everyone's attention.

Our next stop was De Wetshof. The tasting room is located inside a very beautiful manor building. The Penguins had been to De Wetshof before, and it was no mistake returning. Their rosé (Danie De Wet 2009) and their dessert wine (Cape Muscadel 2007) were as delicious as ever. We also tried their Sauvignon blanc 2008, Riesling 2008, various chardonnay from unwooded to 12 months wooded, a red Bordeaux classic blend, and a Pinotage.

Bon Courage was next on the tour. They make a very nice Cap Classique (sparkling wine made according to the champagne method, but they cannot call it champagne). It was the Brut Reserve 2005, made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Nice and mineraly. Yum. We also tasted the Blanc de Blancs 2006 (also a bubbly, 100% Chardonnay), the Gold Reserve Chenin blanc (meh), and the “Like Father Like Son” white blend and Andre's Fame Chardonnay, both of which were quite nice and would be great with curry. Of the reds, we tried regular and “Inkara” versions of their cultivar. The Inkara Shiraz was especially impressive, and we ended up buying a bottle.

Springfield was next, and we tasted the Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Special Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Wild Yeast Chardonnay (unwooded), Methode Ancienne Chardonnay (wooded), and some reds.

The final stop was at Major's Hill, where we tried the Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Chardonnay 2008 (3 months unwooded), Pinotage, Shiraz 2006, Merlot 2007, and Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and 2006. It was quite cold in the tasting room.

After the tour, we all went back to Robertson Backpackers, and after resting a little bit ate dinner together with the Irish couple who were on the tour with us. It was a very lovely red Thai chicken curry. After dinner, we sat by the fireplace and finished our wine and drank some port before going to bed to be ready for the next day!