#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Steenberg

What is a #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip without popping in for some bubbly at Steenberg? A stone throw away from the city, it's easily accessible if you can't travel out to the winelands, or the perfect stop en-route to the city. A true Constantia gem that delivers every time! 

One thing that has stood out for me on every visit to Steenberg, is the passion & enthusiasm of the team. These people really have a love for wine & they are eager to share their knowledge & love with visitors to the estate. 

Kick off the your visit with a tasting & jump straight into a flight of bubbles to tickle the taste buds. 

 - 1682 Chardonnay Brut NV

Light in colour with a delicate mousse. A fresh nose with crisp hints of Granny Smith apples & soft white peaches. Lively on the palate with flavours of lemon, sweet citrus & fresh croissants. A lingering fresh finish that makes this the perfect bubbly to go with your breakfast. 

 - 1682 Pinot Noir Brut NV

Pale pink in the glass, exuding fruity aromas of raspberry & strawberry alongside a sweetness of red apple & toasted brioche. A fine mousse which brings out more of the berry flavours on the palate, that add to a somewhat creamy texture & dry lingering finish. The longer you leave this bottle, I'd expect some more savoury characteristics to develop making it a great bottle to serve at a pool party or at the dinner table. 

 - Lady R Cap Classique 2016

A gorgeous pale copper tint in the glass accompanied by a nose of freshly peeled red apples, almonds & citrus with a slight hint of dried herbs. A soft & creamy palate that is complemented by a refreshing acidity with a touch of cinnamon spice. Truly elegant bubbles that add to a refined texture with a soft lingering finish perfect for those special occasions. 

Next up I'd suggest you try a flight of Sauvignon Blanc on offer.

 - Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc

 - Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc

 - Steenberg The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc

Constantia Sauvignon Blanc really just hits differently & Steenberg is top in it's class when it comes to showcasing the varietal in it's true form whilst providing a pure expression of the unique terroir that proves you can age white wine for a few more years in order for it to truly evolve into it's full potential. 

Each of these have similarities, but also have stand out points that make them so unique & different. From that Cape Gooseberry freshness with lime & white blossoms to the Elderflower, asparagus & Fynbos. The crispness & acidity that softens with each bottle into a more creamy texture. A lingering minerality follows in each, that makes the cool climate Sauvignon Blanc just so much more beautiful. Ageing from the Sauvignon Blanc from 2-5 years, the Rattlesnake from 5-7 years & The Black Swan between 10-20 year.

Finish off tasting the white wines with the Steenberg Semillon. A pale gold liquid in your glass with aromas of lime & light hints of apricot. Following onto the palate alongside some citrus & roasted almonds with a rather elegant mid-palate of fruit. A bright acidity with citrus & floral notes lingering on the palate on the aftertaste. (One of my personal favourites.)

Lets delve into a glass of red or 2 too. In the next post that is. So now it's time to sit & enjoy the beautiful tasting room with contemporary finishes whilst overlooking the water feature & admiring, what I consider to be, a piece of art that hangs from the ceiling above the tasting island in the centre of the tasting room. Sip on some more wine whilst a wine ambassador tops you up & tells you a bit more. 

#WineRoutingWithLloyd is driven by the #KiaSonet

Quick 6 for #CapClassiqueDay

A quick pick of 6 Cap Classique's that are up for drinking this #CapClassiqueDay - 1 September 2021!

This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Cap Classique! From modest beginnings to becoming one of SA's leading wine sectors.

It was only in 1971 when Frans Malan, owner of Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch, from that harvest made the 1st natural bottle fermented sparkling wine in SA using Chenin Blanc. It was in 1973 that the first Cap Classique was released "Kaapse Vonkel" by Simonsig. Today there are over 250 SA producers in the Cape winelands that have a Cap Classique under their label. 

Moving from Chenin Blanc, nowadays - majority of Cap Classiques are made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier, and range from 12 to 60 or more months lees contact.

My quick pick - (In no specific order.)

1. JC Le Roux Brut
Not something that you would easily find, JC Le Roux now only produce the Scintilla Cap Classique, which is just an interesting bottle from this producer that is more well known for producing Sparkling Wines. 

2. Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Brut

A firm favourite that never disappoints - there is always a bottle or 3 in my house; you know - just in case you get that urge for a glass on a Wednesday eve. Fresh, crisp & full of flavour with a beautiful lingering aftertaste. 

3. Krone 2016 Kaaimansgat Blanc De Blancs

Something I recently tried - I must say, the Chardonnay grown in Kaaimansgat proves that the terroir plays a big role in the development of the unique characteristics of the varietal. A big yes for this one from me. 

4. L'Ormanrins 2013 Blanc De Blancs

Perfectly paired with fresh Luderitz oysters on a hot summer day! Always on point and refreshing. 

5. La Motte 2013 Vintage

This baby holds a special place in my heart & it's really where my love for bubbly developed. Unique flavours & aroma's alongside a texture like no other. 

6. Wildekrans 2016 Brut Rosé

The wild card in the pack. Rose petals & strawberries, with a creamy finish & fine mousse. A delightful candy floss finish. 

There are so many more options to choose from, so best you make a move & pop a bottle of bubbly in celebration of 50 years. Share your #CapClassiqueDay moment with us on social media. 

Top 5 for #SauvignonBlancDay 2021

A much anticipated day of year for many wine lovers - today & the whole weekend, #SauvignonBlanc will be flowing in many households. So I thought I'd let you know what #SauvignonBlanc I'll be sipping on over the next few days - each deserve a special mention. (In no particular order...)

1. La Motte - 2021

In all honesty - a go to wine for me. You will ALWAYS find this in my house. (And this is the brand new vintage, which was only harvested in February 2021!) As you swirl your glass - a light straw colour, with glints of green & an initial nose of fresh green apples & gooseberries. Intense tropical flavours of passionfruit & pineapple develop on the palate & end off with a clean lemony finish. Balanced with some good body & concentrated flavours that linger in a refreshing aftertaste. On it's own, or with food it's comes highly recommended. 

2. Robertson Winery - 2020

Last year's vintage, but easy to drink all year round - giving fresh with aromas of bell-peppers & green apples, followed by tropical fruits notes of mango & granadilla on the nose & palate. A gentle acidity giving it that zesty crispness on the finish. A very good wine to enjoy with seafood to complement those fresh salty flavours. (I'd recommend even snacking on some freshly oven baked asparagus whilst sipping on this bottle.)

3. Steenberg Rattlesnake - 2019

The newly released lightly wooded wine is multi-layered & gently textured. A rich & alluring mouthfeel from that touch of Oak & Concrete contact during fermentation. In the glass, a light golden hue as it swirls & aromas of fresh asparagus & Cape gooseberries with hints of lime. All following on the palate with a beautiful balance of acidity & minerality that lingers just long enough. Definitely erving this bottle alongside a creamy pasta. 

(See more about the Steenberg Rattlesnake 2019 #SauvignonBlanc here.)

4. Groote Post Seasalter - 2020

Take me back to the ocean! A beautiful fresh & crisp, zesty fruit-filled nose. Colours of light green & yellow bounce around in your glass between those accompanying flavours. On the palate, grapefruit & lime develop to add that touch of acidity, but then you have that smooth feel from a touch of Semillon that balances it all out. A cooling minerality that pulls through on the clean finish. It's in then name - served nicely chilled with a seafood feast.

(See more about the Groote Post Seasalter 2020 #SauvignonBlanc here.)

5. De Grendel Koetshuis - 2019

A complex & multidimensional pale straw colour wine that has a fresh & invigorating nose of melons & creamy pears. A vintage that follows a severe droughat during 2018 provided for concentrated flavours & allows for the wine to develop in the bottle & in your glass. (So it's a wine that you could keep for another 3-5 years before indulging.) Flavours on the nose, develop on the palate & a smooth finish & lingering aftertaste. Imagine this with fresh seafood salads & lighter meats accompanied by a creamy white wine sauce. 

#WineRoutingWithLloyd

Debut of Cellarmaster Elunda Basson's 1st Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc

As South African's we love a good Sauvignon Blanc, & soon you'll be able to fill your glasses with Cellarmaster - Elunda Basson's very first Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc, in a new style, that expresses its timeless elegance with a new refined look. 

Elunda joined Steenberg back in June 2019, & has since then set her sights on securing Steenberg's place a producer of Top Tier Sauvignon Blanc. "With the 2020 vintage, I am finally able to share my 1st Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc sporting a brand new elegant look." says Elunda. The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2020 & the Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2019 are the 1st to make their debut with the new labels. Still giving prominence to the iconic Steenberg swan whilst reflecting quality, elegance & esteem. The new packaging will be extended further into the range later in the year. 

Steenberg has always been synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc that offers great complexity and individual expressions of the farm's unique place in the Constantia Valley.

The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Embracing beautiful qualities of a Constantia Sauvignon Blanc with a bouquet of Cape gooseberries, nettles, capsicum & white blossoms. A cool-climate wine, that lends itself to soft yet lively entry & giving it an enduring length. On the palate; citrus zest & elderflower, with a distinctive lingering minerality. 

At a recommended selling price of R145.00 - ready to drink now & for another year or 2. Serve it with fresh summer salads or seafood. 

The Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2019

A textured & multi-layered, lightly wooded wine with a rich & alluring mouthfeel, thanks to the fermentation of some of the wine in French Oak & Concrete Egg-shaped vessels. Cape gooseberries & fresh asparagus on the nose, accompanied by hints of capsicum and lime. An elegant & creamy wine with a hint of acidity, finishing off with that distinctive lingering minerality.

A recommended selling price of R170.00 - ready to drink now & I'd even stock up and keep a few bottles for 3-4 more years. Serve this with fresh seafood or a creamy pasta.  Both wines are slightly more on the pricey side of the list, but most definitely worth it.

Check out www.steenbergfarm.com online.
#WineRoutingWithLloyd

Top 10 Wines for turning 30

So I'm turning 30 this year! Actually in 2 weeks time, on the 23rd of July. I was going to travel to France to sip on Champagne & indulge in some foreign wines as a spoil. However, here we sit with the Corona Virus epidemic that has hit the entire world harder than expected & unfortunately, I had to cancel my 30th birthday trip and now I'll be celebrating alone at home. 

So, instead I've decided to share my top 10 favourite wines, that I'll be sipping on over the next month, with you. (This is honestly no easy task to narrow down a list to only 10, so it's taken some real thought & hard decision making.)

So in no particular order...

1. Ataraxia - Pinot Noir (Hemel en Aarde)

I remember sharing a glass from the 1st unlabeled bottle of 2017 with winemaker; Kevin Grant on a #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip back in 2018. The wooded red wine seems to reflect the light, whilst the nose promises a blend of ripe cherries, fresh earth & oak. And that's exactly what follows through on the palate with a soft ripe red fruit aftertaste & finish, making it an everyday wine for me. 

2. La Motte - MCC (Franschhoek) 

A beautiful mix of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir culminating in a heavenly fermented glass of fine bubbles. Soft on the palate, with a burst of flavour. Hints of citrus & baking brioche on the nose. Finishing off with a freshness that cleanses the palate to prepare it for the next sip. 

3. Steenberg - Semillon (Constantia Valley)

Aromas of honey mixed with white stone fruits hit your nose on the first smell and slowly carry through to the palate with roasted almonds developing alongside soft fruits. At the Steenberg Garden Party, I discovered that the aftertaste is everything, combining citrus & floral spices that linger the perfect amount of time between sips. Definitely a wine that's only going to get better & more complex with time. 

4. Flagstone - Dark Horse Shiraz (Stellenbosch)

Mysterious in every way possible. Like the Dark Horse. A 100% Shiraz that embodies all the best characteristics thereof. As the name suggests, a dark plum colour fills your glass with a complex combination of aromas that fill your nose - dark black fruits & dark chocolate with subtle undertones of spice. All of which follow through on the palate developing from the tip of the tongue right through to the back of the mouth ending in a smooth winning finish. 

5. Holden Manz - Cabernet Franc Reserve (Franschhoek)

A discovery that Gerard Holden introduced me to at the Winter Sculpture Fair is a rich & elegant wine that legitimately hits all the right spots. A Burma ruby has got nothing on the red that fills your glass. Ripe raspberries mixed with tobacco leaves, lavender & fresh black fruits take over as the aromas develop. And on the palate, a smooth wine with balanced savoury flavours mixed with those fresh black fruits. (Not opening my last bottle for another 8 years at least.)

6. De Grendel - Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc (Durbanville)

Another #WineRoutingWithLloyd first. The first stop on the very first trip back in 2018 too. Pale straw  with glints of green and gold as the light passes through the glass. Something between a mix of ripe pineapple & creamy melon on the nose & the palate, that gives the wine added longevity to age for another 3-5 years whilst the complexity develops too. 

7. Waterford - Kevin Arnold Shiraz (Stellenbosch)

A firm favourite dating back to 2016 when I met Kevin Arnold at a private tasting with friends. And since then, it's always been on my list. A rather complex wine on both the nose & palate with ripe red & dark fruits, somewhat earthy yet fresh. Touched off with plums & spice it makes for perfect drinking & a velvety smooth finish that's only going to get better with age. 

8. Le Lude - MCC (Franschhoek) 

There really is just something about MCC that comes out of the Franschhoek Valley. The Le Lude Non Vintage MCC I discovered on a tasting with then winemaker - Paul Gerber back in 2012/2013, just when Le Lude came onto the scene. Finer bubbles in a South African MCC I have not experienced. An elegant bubbly with aromas of citrus blossoms & fresh lime. Hints of sweet nougat & roasted almonds. But a fresh taste & feel on the palate developing flavours of grapefruit, lemon & pears. Then the aftertaste not only leaves you with wanting more, but also with honey & vanilla. 

9. Leopards Leap - Culinaria Chenin Blanc (Franschhoek)

#WineRoutingWithLloyd was started to discover the unique & what I found at the Chef's South African Table with the then head chef - Pieter de Jager gave me some new found respect for Leopards Leap. A Chenin Blanc that is very well defined with aromas of ripe white peaches, melons & hints of spice. A vibrant acidity in the wine complements all the flavours, but best part is the oak on the wine gives it that extra bit of structure that's going to ensure this wine ages real well if you can keep it on the wine rack for long enough.

10. Mullineux Quartz Chenin Blanc (Swartland)

A white wine that has been made to age! An interesting straw colour, with glints of a lemon yellow as you swirl your glass. The quartz ensures the beautiful mineral character hits the nose alongside some ripe citrus. These follow onto the palate with added white peaches & a somewhat creaminess whilst finishing off nice & fresh. 10 to 20 years will only give the wine more opportunity to develop enhancing flavours in the bottle.

So here's to sipping on some real good South African wine & celebrating 30 years. 

#SteenbergGardenParty

Just around the corner. Are you all ready for the Steenberg Garden Party? It's coming back to Joburg again this year.

So head on out to The Kitchen - L'antico Giardino, The Forum Company out in Lanseria on Saturday 5 October between 12:00 & 17:00 to sip on some of the best wine to come out of Constantia.

You'll have the opportunity to stroll through the magical gardens of The Kitchen - L'antico Giardino, The Forum Company in Lanseria whilst sipping on bubblies & wines from Steenberg Vineyards at the all-inclusive outdoor experience. 

Tuck into a harvest table that is laden with the freshest culinary delights & listen to the laid back live music in a relaxed al fresco lounge area at what has always been a stylish afternoon. 

Some of the wines that will be on offer for the afternoon include their ultra-elegant MCC, their crisp & refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. But if you're up for some more serious reds, you'll have be able to delve into those too. Be adventurous in your journey of discovery with Steenberg's signature cool climate wines. 

For only R600 per person, you'll have unlimited wine tastings, food & live entertainment. The day is all about enjoying delicious wines, relaxing with friends & discovering Steenberg Vineyards. So round up a group of friends, arrange that Uber van & get those ticket from Webtickets here now. 

Hope to see you at the #SteenbergGardenParty.

#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Steenberg (Part 1)

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.