Cloof Wines strikes gold in Germany with 2006 Lynchpin

Cloof Wines of Darling in the Western Cape has more reason to celebrate! Its Lynchpin 2006 took gold at the 16^th International Wein Trophy competition in Berlin recently.

Cloof’s Lynchpin 2006 is a blend of 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc. The merlot vineyards yielded only 2,5 tons/ha, while the cabernet franc vineyards yielded even less at 1,5 tons/ha!

Christopher Van Dieren, Cloof’s wine maker, says they are delighted with this coveted award for one of their premium wines.

“We are seeing a significant growth in demand for our wines in both the on- and off-trade, which is good news for the more than 16 different styles of award-winning wines within our portfolio. In addition, we have a unique and fresh approach to providing added value services to the trade. 

“Our focus and reputation is on producing quality wines at true value for money, a trend which is growing fast throughout the world, and we will continue to produce stunning wines.”

The overall impression is gorgeous, says Van Dieren, with all the taut elegance to be expected from cabernet franc and the tart richness of merlot. Barrel maturation took place in French oak, of which about 75% was new, giving the wine a very classic (well-balanced) tannin structure. The aftertaste lingers for a good while, ending in a lip-smacking, appetite-inducing freshness.

”We believe the cabernet franc plays the critically important role in this blend. It is therefore the lynchpin, hence the name of the wine.”

The merlot vineyards were planted in 1998 and the cabernet franc was planted a year later, both on east-facing slopes. No trellising is used and the soil consists of decomposed granite and tukulu.

The Cloof Lynchpin 2006 sells for R100 per bottle, or R500 for 6, at the cellar. For more information, please visit www.cloof.co.za.

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