One of the very special vineyards that they have helped to developed is over 1000m above sea level in the spectacular Swartberg mountains. This vineyard is one of the most easterly in the country and although it is possible to take your life in your hands and navigate a small airplane through the valleys to a dusty runway, the preferred method is the massive 700km drive from Cape Town. The vineyard is so high up that they are regularly plagued with frost even during the summer and have to light fires in the vineyards to protect the grapes! Incredibly, the farmer at the site breeds and raises ostriches but apparently has to sell them on before they are 6 months old because they can become stunted by the severely cold nights!
This is wine making on the edge of viability and the conditions here throw up huge challenges with the constant threat of loosing the whole crop in a single night, but they also provide big rewards in the form of intense flavours, high natural acidity and beautifully balanced wines.
A wonderfully intense Riesling nose, very flinty and minerally with a slight sensation of being sweet even though the wine is dry on the palate. The nose follows through to the palate. Well balanced with a nice, full mouth feel, concentrated flavours and good acidity. Floral with hints of coriander and crunchy apples. Pleasant, lingering aftertaste.