#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Spookfontein Wines

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is home to some spectacular spots. Spookfontein being one I recently discovered on my #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip.  

The farm, dates back to 1847, & derived its name from the 'myth' that when the natural springs in the mountains are flowing, you'd be able to 'see' a "spirit" or "Spook" as we would say in Afrikaans. (There was no flowing water in the mountains during my stay, so I can't confirm nor deny the legend.)

Spookfontein is considered a boutique wine estate within the valley, with only 14 hectares of the 313 hectare size farm, being under vine. I took a drive with current winemaker Nelis Uys & he showed me some of the spots on the farm & more specifically the incredible terroir in which he is cultivating vines.

Nelis is quite the character & originally wanted to be in a rock band. But then his interest in wine started growing to the extent that he ended up as a winemaker. Tasting wine out of the barrel was an exciting walkabout in the cellar. Moving from each varietal & tasting how the characteristics are developing whilst aging from one vintage to the next. His passion for wine is very evident in the way that Nelis speaks about his future vision & where he wants to take Spookfontein - so it's definitely a farm to keep on the radar to see what's coming. 

On the winelist here are the usual characters you'd expect - Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rosé. But special #WineRoutingWithLloyd mention should be made:

1. Merlot Rosé - The colour on this Rosé, is nothing like I've ever seen before. It's intense pink in the glass! A stunning wine for the summer with those ripe red cherries & strawberries on the nose. Hints of Turkish Delight. Whilst on the palate, a refreshing minerality with a well balanced acidity finishing off with a lingering taste of those red fruits. 

2. Pinot Noir - well, the area is famous for the Pinot, but again - there is a fresh earthiness on the nose to this one, that adds to the textures. Cherries & Raspberries flow from the nose to the palate, finishing off with a lingering minerality. 

3. Sauvignon Blanc - a vibrant glass of tropical fruits with very distinct herbal notes on the nose, which follow onto the palate to develop into those cool climate stone fruit flavours. A surprising freshness accompanied by a lingering finish. 

4. The Phantom - a Merlot dominated Bordeaux-style red blend ripe with those dark fruits - blackberries & black cherries, on the nose. Whilst soft & gentle on the palate thanks to those extra months in French Oak. A fine tannin structure that is balanced with that fruit forwardness & a velvety finish. 

#WineRoutingWithLloyd driven by the #KiaSonet