Wine Tasting - Gabriëlskloof

I attended another unique tasting at For the Love of Wine. Meeting Catherine & Barry Anderson, who together bring a large piece of Gabriëlskloof to life, added to the event.
Stories of hand crafted artisan stone walls, restoration of an original farmhouse and planting of vineyards in deep, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil and Table Mountain Sandstone add to the "terroir" of the wine.

I particularly enjoyed the Vertical aspect of tasting offered. 

Two Whites - A subtle Sauvignon Blanc versus a Semillon led Sauvignon Blanc Oaked Blend.

Then a Shiraz made from 7 different clones of Shiraz versus the Swartberg Shiraz both blended with Mourvèdre & Voignier to compliment the wine and matured in Oak for 12 months with the carefully selected Swartberg having an American component.

Ending with The Blend, which is a Cabernet Sauvignon led Bordeaux blend versus Five Arches, which is a much bolder oak matured Reserve Bordeaux blend.

The evening was rounded off with a tasting of the 4 years in a row SA Olive Gold Award winning intense Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced & processed on the Estate from 5 varieties of Olives . Interesting discussion around the health aspects of Olive Oil ended the evening.

Overall a great tasting from passionate wine-makers who believe that 

"behind every wine is a good story".

A Hopefield Dining experience.

Birthday months are something I always look forward to and a trip out to the Addo/Sunland area for a SKÅL meeting at Hopefield Country House, the home of the Piano Boys,
had me drooling just looking at the Menu on arrival.

Bubbly was there to kick off proceedings, as every birthday deserves bubbles. Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut has a tingle on the tongue with biscuit on the palate and a lingering aftertaste.

The gourmet symphonic proceedings began with a waltz of Peanut Humus on Ciabatta followed by a  symphony of flavours, The Mint-spiration in the Pea Soup served with a Chilli prawn skewer, was delightful for a Spring lunch, and the hint of chilli on the baby prawns evoked a tantalizing tango.
 

It was washed down with an almost perfect Veritas and Platter award winning Millenium Bordeaux Blend from La Motte. The hint of mint on the palate paired perfectly. And the delightful subtle cinnamon was also the consummate lead for what was to follow.

The Twist of the Cape Malay Spiced Duck Babotie served with Couscous was something one would expect to find in any top 5 Star restaurant.

Once the Hustle had died down Dessert appeared. A perfect Samba with the Espresso Chocolate Mousse taking the lead.

The bold Raka Figurehead Cape Blend completed the partnership and while the aromas of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the room the Baby Grand Piano in the corner sprang into life with everyone singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY BIRTHDAY MEMORABLE.