Paarl

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting notes: This Sauvignon Blanc smacks of rich passion fruit and other tropical flavours which are well balanced by a fresh grassy edge and summer freshness is provided by a crisp acidity. The Flutterby range has recently been added to SAA’s prestigious in-flight wine list.

On the palate this wine presents tropical litchi and fresh fruit aromas with integrated green pea and ripe fig flavours. The wine delivers a good ripe fruit expression with a smooth crisp finish.

This Sauvignon Blanc is bursting with rich passionfruit and fresh tropical fruit flavours, this is nicely balanced by a fresh grassy edge and crisp acidity.

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Shiraz

Background: Old vineyard blocks of bush and trellised vines are situated in the northern area of Paarl where the soil and climatic conditions are ideal for premium Shiraz, Boland Cellar’s signature red grape variety. Deep red, well-drained Hutton soils situated further away from the coastal areas produce dark wines which are full-bodied and richly structured. The intense dark Shiraz grapes, produced in these conditions, are ideally suited to make complex wines with lengthy barrel maturation. The grapes are hand-picked in the middle of the harvest season, usually before the end of February.

Tasting notes: This finely crafted wine expresses exceptional Shiraz attributes with richly structured ripe black cherry and blackcurrants as well as ripe plums. A bold wine with complexity and intensity, this Shiraz Reserve offers black pepper spice with savoury notes, combined with balanced and integrated oak nuances.

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Merlot

Tasting notes: This beautiful red wine is dominated by rich black berried fruit wrapped in soft tannins that gives a silky mouthfeel. Gentle oak ageing provides a further layer of flavour and complexity.

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Pinotage

Background: Coffee-style Pinotage is a unique and proudly South African innovation. The combination of well toasted oak for a few months and the characteristic Pinotage fruit flavours, create a style of red wine that has richly layered coffee and chocolate flavours, balanced by ripe red berry fruit. This style has attracted an enormous following in South Africa and abroad in recent years. Hence the name being a play on the words pinotage and cappuccino, the espresso-based coffee drink originating from Italy.

Tasting notes: Cappuccino by name, Cappuccino by nature. Michelangelo Awards – Double Gold and the Toneleria Nacional. (Coffee style Pinotage)

This wine displays layers of dark prune, plum and ripe blueberry flavours, with a prominent toasted French oak finish, reminiscent of Mocha Java ground coffee. Due to the careful extraction of Pinotage fruit flavours, the oak is well integrated and delivers a wine with a delightfully smooth and lingering finish.

Award: Platters 2023 - 3 stars

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Chenin Blanc

Background: The cellar’s signature variety, Chenin Blanc, is sourced from old vineyard blocks of bush-vines from the northern Paardeberg region where small yields are harvested in mid to late February from partially water-stressed vines. The shale and granite soils play an important role in imparting structure and minerality to this complex wine. These old vines are well adapted and fairly resistant to strong winds and hot conditions.

Tasting notes: Tropical peach and apricot pungency. The palate packs still more of a peachy punch with a creamy texture too. Somewhat fuller bodied than most, there’s a pineapple acid tang to it too. Well made with good length.

This wine shows exceptional Chenin Blanc expression and elegance in a ripe and complex style. The seamless harmony of ripe melons and stone fruit with hints of tropical flavours blend together with creamy ripe textures, creating a wine of distinction and elegance.

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Chardonnay

Background: The vineyards are situated in the surrounding Paarl and cooler Coastal regions. Chardonnay vines prefer colder winter temperatures and are planted on the lower south-facing slopes. Chardonnay grapes ripen in the early to mid-harvest season, producing grapes with crisp acidity and firm fruit structure. The combination of selected vineyards and the use of different planting clones are intended to add complexity and character to the final blend.

Tasting notes: A very pure style of Chardonnay with no oak and showing hints of Chablis.

This Chardonnay expresses flavours of fresh citrus, pineapple and tropical notes. An elegant unwooded wine which reflects this varietal in a fresh, ripe and crisp style.

Region: South Africa, Paarl

Grape variety: Chenin Blanc

Tasting notes: This is a typical fresh, crisp, fruity style of wine that is masterfully blended from Chenin Blanc grapes ripened in different climate conditions. Presenting layers of lime, citrus and fresh guava aromas.