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The
Stellenbosch Wine Route
The
wines of Kaapzicht
PO Box 5, Sanlamhof 7532, South Africa
Tel: +27 21 906 1620 Fax: +27 21 906 1622
E-mail: kaapzicht@mweb.co.za
Website: www.kaapzicht-wines.com
 Kaapzicht is part of the Bottelary wine route, a subregion
of Stellenbosch which specializes in Pinotage. South Africa’s
‘own’ grape variety has been grown in this area since 1959 (the
decade that this crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir was made), and
the famous Lanzerac Pinotage (the very first commercial release, I
gather) came from Bellevue in the Bottelary. This subregion has gentle
north-facing slopes and weathered granitic soils.
The Kaapzicht farm was bought in 1948, when it consisted of
mostly white varieties. Now it’s 30% white, 70% red and 146 of the
176 hectares are currently under vine, a substantial area. All the
wines here are estate wines, and they are split into three ranges:
Cape View wines are easy drinkers, then there are the Kaapzicht estate
wines, and at the top are the flagship Steytler range.
The tasting room is set within pleasant surroundings and I
got a friendly, competent reception at the cellar door. Prices are
given in Rands where applicable. Stockists in the the UK include
Andrew Chapman (www.surf4wine.co.uk)
Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc 2002 Stellenbosch
Pretty fruity nose with some character. Lots of interesting herbal
character here. Quite full and fresh. Very good+ (R15)
Kaapzicht Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Stellenbosch
Amazing tropical fruit, mango and guava nose: very unusual and
appealing. Lovely ripe fruit here, although it is still crisp and
fresh with good acidity. Very good+ (R19)
 Kaapzicht Cape View Chenin Blanc 1997 Special Late
Harvest, Stellenbosch
Unusual waxy, ripe nose with some floral notes. Thick and unsual
palate is quite viscous. Semi-sweet with lots of interest, but a bit
odd. Very good+ (R7.50)
Kaapzicht Cape View Classic Red 2002 Stellenbosch
A blend of Cinsault, Cabernet and Merlot, with 4% Chenin Blanc.
Ripe, sweet berry fruit nose. Lovely accessible fruity palate with a
herby, slightly meaty edge. Unwooded. Very good (R20)
Kaapzicht Cape View Estate Red Cabernet/Shiraz 2002,
Stellenbosch
Appealing, slightly meaty nose. Savoury and herbal with lovely
herb-tinged fruit. Savoury and meaty this is a lovely commercial
style. Very good+ (R28)
Kaapzicht Bin 3 2000 Stellenbosch
Bordeaux blend. Ripe, sweet berry fruit nose: rich and intense
with a spicy edge. The palate is ripe and rich; a very full flavoured
style with lots of ripeness. Very good+ (R38)
Kaapzicht Bin 3 2001 Stellenbosch
This has 9% Pinotage in it. Some mintiness to the fruit on the
nose, which is spicy and firm. There’s a slightly meaty, animal edge
to the spicy palate. Tasty stuff that’s a little more defined than
the 2000. Very good+ (R38)
Kaapzicht Shiraz 2000 Stellenbosch
Very pronounced herbal nose with a minty, sweet tea-like edge.
Ripe slightly stewed fruit with a sweet edge. Slightly quirky, but a
rich, appealing wine. Very good (R48)
Kaapzicht Merlot 2000 Stellenbosch
Sweet herbal nose with a caramel-like edge. The palate shows ripe
berry fruit: rich with a herby, spicy edge. Very good (R48)
Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Stellenbosch
Quite a ripe, sweet nose a savoury, meaty edge to the berry and
black fruits. Nicely savoury palate with some tannic structure and a
herbal edge. Very good+ (R60)
Kaapzicht Hanepoot Jerepigo 2000 Stellenbosch
I’m sure this sweet wine must be a favourite with the grannies
who visit the tasting room. Sweet floral nose is grapey and rich. The
palate is fresh, rich and sweet and quite nicely balanced, although
perhaps just a touch confected. Very good+ (R22)
Other
wineries visited in the Stellenbosch wine route:
See
also:
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