One of the estates that I was probably most excited to visit was Steenberg. Situated just behind Table Mountain, or more accurately, Steenberg Mountain & a mere 30 min drive from Cape Town City, this estate is steeped in heritage.
Originally 'Swaaneweide' - The Feeding Place of the Swan, established back in 1682 & it sure has come from very humble beginnings & grown into one for the most prestigious & luxurious estates in South Africa.
So I popped in for a wine tasting & well, let's just say that they have a tasting menu that will have you coming back for more every time. With a total of 6 different tastings that you can indulge in their Sparkling Wine Range, Fleet Range, Estate Range, Flagship Range, Icon Range & even do a Proprietors Collection Tasting. To see more about these tasting, check it out here.
I was spoiled & got to do an extensive tasting from all the ranges, whilst relaxing at the outdoor terrace next to the infinity pool. And it's most definitely a lot to talk about, so I'm going to get down into detail about some of my favourites, & then leave it up to you to go try out the rest.
By now, you should know that I'm all for bubbly, so I started with tasting the MCC's.
Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay MCC - pale lemon colour with a very delicate mousse, with fresh granny smith apples on the nose, crisply moving on to the palate with hints of honey, toasted croissants & pistachio's. With a lingering refreshing finish.
Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir MCC - a beautiful fresh pale pink glass with strawberry sorbet, citrus blossoms & toasted brioche coming through on the nose. A nice crisp yet creamy mineral balanced palate with hints of ripe pink grapefruit. Also with a lingering refreshing finish.
Steenberg Lady R MCC - a gorgeous pale copper hue in a glass. Aromas of apple blossoms, honeysuckle & raspberries with a delicate creaminess on the palate that is complimented by the crisp acidity. A bubbly with such finesse & bubbles that create a structured, yet elegant texture.
The Semillon - almost a white gold colour with a very interesting nose. Aromas of citrus, pears, vanilla & yellow stone fruits. On the palate you'll get hints of honey followed by fresh fleshy apricots & some dried herbs in a fruit concentrated wine, rich in creamy texture with a slight bit of spiciness that lingers on the palate. I rate that this is a complex wine that will definitely age very well.
Magna Carta - concentrated flavours or white blossoms, melons & white stone fruits that start on the nose & carry through to the palate to reveal an elegantly structured wine of 40% Semillon & 60% Sauvignon Blanc. The spiciness from the oak & the zesty acidity definitely give this wine a backbone. A gorgeous fresh, almost full bodied wine that I imagined will really pair well with so many foods & is certain to age really well.
The Catharina - named after the first owner of the farm back, Catharina Ras. An intense ruby red colour fills your glass, & as you swirl aromas of blackcurrants, cedar wood & smoked meats touch the nose, accompanied by ripe black cherries, fynbos & star anise. On the palate you're bound to get some spice & savoury flavours from the Syrah, some strawberry from the Merlot. Then the Petit Verdot is there to add some body. A wine with a nice balance of acidity & minerality.
Then they pulled out this beauty. Not even knowing anything about it, or what it actually was.
Capensis - one of the most complex & expressive Chardonnay's that I have ever had. (Probably the best wine, to date, that I have ever had in my life to be truly honest.) This is the one wine that still stands out, & when people as me what was your favourite. This is the one that always comes to mind. With lemon zest, white truffles & bergamot on the nose, accompanied with hints of lilies & vanilla beans. Onto the palate the creaminess just unfolds with slight flavours of a soft lemon. A beautiful texture & well balanced wine that is a must try.
I even had to book into the hotel for a night stay. That's coming up in my next #WineRoutingWithLloyd article.
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