It started very innocently with water (still or sparkling) as we, the invited wine journalists and others, got together on the beautiful Saxenburg estate just outside Kuilsriver for a presentation of Saxenburg’s “superb 2007 red and 2008/10 white private collection vintages and of course the SSS 2005”. And, the invitation added, “the Saxenburg Private Collection Cap Classique”.
I believe the water right at the start was an effort by the Buhrer family, in whose very capable hands Saxenburg has been for the past 21 years, to keep our livers from imploding as they were well aware of what awaited us in the cellar!
After our livers received a thorough cleansing, we were ushered into the cellar where cellar master Nico van der Merwe awaited us, ready and eagre to take us through some of the exquisite wines made here.
Caption: The Private Collection Shiraz turned my taste buds into raving lunatics, while the SSS ... Well, the less said, the better!
Needless to say, we started off with the Saxenburg Private Collection MCC 2008, made from 85% chardonnay and 15% pinot noir grapes. Now I’m not a great sparkling wine fan, but this one really got my taste buds going and I gave it a 70% on my score sheet, which is very good in my book.
This was followed by the Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2010, which also scored 70%, but which I’m sure will improve with a bit of bottle ageing. It’s a fresh wine which invites you to drink more than you should! The PC Chardonnay 2008 took my breath away with its wonderful, refreshing taste, with just enough wood to enhance the wine rather than dominate it. It got 80% on my sheet.
From here on it was all red! The PC Pinotage 2007 was followed by the PC Merlot 2007 and the PC Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. All three were very drinkable, but I would leave them in the bottle for another few years as they should develop and improve further with bottle ageing.
And then came the coups de grâce! First our glases were filled (well, not filled really, just teased!) with the Private Collection Shiraz 2007 which immediately made me think of possible space in my small cellar! It got 80% on my score sheet. But while I was still fondling the shiraz with my tongue, fresh glasses were teased (again!) with the Saxenburg Shiraz Select 2005, and had I not been seated, my socks would have been blown off! I resisted the temptation and gave it 90%!
Caption: Cellar master Nico van der Merwe enjoying a Saxenburg red in the Guinea Fowl Restaurant.
With our taste buds still in festive mode, we were led into the Guinea Fowl Restaurant on the estate for a lunch that would put the cherry on the cake.
We kicked off with Fresh Line Fish Trio - marinated Vietnamese style, Rooibos tea smoked and grilled – served with Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (if the 2010 vintage turns into this, I need to make space in my cellar!). Then followed a fondue with a difference as the main course: Fondue Chinoise (an experience I recommend). With is was served the Chardonnay 2008 and that wow wine, the SSS 2001! Dessert was Chocolate Surprise served with Le Phantom.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end (WHY?) and we all left for our respective destinations fully aware of the wonderful experience we were privileged to share on that wintry Friday.
For more information on the Saxenburg range of fine wines, call 021-903-6113, send an email to info@saxenburg.com or visit www.saxenburg.com.
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