Waterkloof Wines

A delicious South African Chenin from the guys at Waterkloof, made with the care and attention normal reserved for wines of twice the price.

This sought ­after wine has fine, mineral Chenin characters with gentle ripe apple aromas, honeyed aromatics and delicious greengage and citrus lemon acidity on the long finish. A South African wine with great finesse and style

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

False Bay Wine

‘Wild Yeast Fermentation’ refers to the practice of letting the naturally occurring yeast in the environment to run the fermentation (rather than using cultured yeasts). Although wild yeast fermentations require closer care and attention by the winemaker, the results are a more complex and interesting wine.

Super great value for money red from the guys at Waterkloof.

Hints of dark fruits, chocolate and eucalyptus leading to a heady mix of fruit, rich chocolate and plums supported by soft tannins.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Grapes: 100% Pinotage

ABV: 13.5%

False Bay Wine

Food match: Braaied meat!

A fine pale-coloured rosé with delicate aromas of pomegranates and raspberry and a distinctive flintiness. There’s finesse and elegance on the palate with flavours of soft red fruits, a gentle silky texture and a lingering fresh acidity on the finish.

If you ask someone what is their favourite wine, most would mention a red or a white. Very few would give a rosé. But, (for us) South Africa has taken the 'common' rosé and turned it into an art form. 

Such a delicate and perfumed rosé. Take a bit of sophisticated Provence rosé, give it a little hint of international dynamic, a little bit of relaxed "take me as I am" S'African personality and the result is this deliciously drinkable rosé from Stellenbosch.

Country: South Africa

Region: Schapenberg, Stellenbosch

Grapes: Mourvedre

ABV: 13%

Biodynamic and Organic

Waterkloof Wines

Winemaker Nadia Barnard:

In October 2022 Penny had the great pleasure of visiting Waterkloof Estate on the slopes of the Schapenberg, Stellenbosch with a few colleagues from the UK wine trade. They spent the good part of two days being driven around this beautiful, sustainably managed piece of land by winemaker, Nadia Barnard. All of the vineyards on the estate are farmed following organic and biological principles. Here at Cellar Door Wines we've always been huge fans of Waterkloof wines. It is always lovely to taste Nadia's wines in Saint Albans, but to be able to do so at Waterkloof, with the woman herself, was extra special. Tasting wine at the place of its birth explains the why and the how of its individuality. The people behind the vineyard and winery are also key components in the equation. The Cape and Waterkloof has such diversity of wine style with a great price quality ratio.

Crushed laurel on the nose with more than a nuance of residual seaside salt.... or if you want a less pretentious description...bl**dy delicious!

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

Vegan, Vegetarian friendly

Biodynamic

Waterkloof Wine

This has a big and textured palate with stone fruit and fennel hints – it is rich and minerally, showing even a slight rocky quality about it. As bracing as the wind through the vines at Waterkloof.

Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004 this majestic and fully-fledged biodynamic estate is perched high on top of hill overlooking the Western Cape’s False Bay and produces delicately fine wines with a real sense of place.

Champions of Biodiversity and Sustainable Biodynamic Farming.

A hugely compelling wine. Deeply refined single estate expression showing bounds of character, finesse, length, breadth and structure - it really does have it all! A classically styled wine with notes of cassis and cedar. The seamless, elegant palate is encased by fine tannins.

A harmonious and integrated blend that combines the spiciness of the Syrah, the fresh fruits of the Petit Verdot and the juiciness from the Merlot. The beginning is fresh and fruity with good acidity, evolving into riper flavours and herbaceous notes, with elegant tannins and fine, bright acid in the finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: 56% Syrah, 27% Petit Verdot, 17% Merlot

Organic, Biodynamic

Waterkloof Wine

WATERKLOOF estate was founded in 2004, ending Paul Boutinot’s persistent and uncompromising 10 year search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. Located on the south-facing slopes of Schapenberg Hill near Somerset in the Stellenbosch district of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region, Waterkloof shares its magnificent Atlantic views with free-roaming peacocks and other natural fauna and flora attracted to this haven. Certified by Demeter in 2015, their vineyards are of only a few in the Cape to boast official biodynamic approval and status. The estate has 56 hectares under vine and Tim Atkin’s Cape Classification currently ranks Waterkloof as 5th Growth level. With production around 165,000 bottles per year, Waterkloof make “honest wines” from their unique biodynamic coastal site. Respect for nature, traditional winemaking practices and minimal intervention are all key to their success.

 Wild yeast fermentation, low yields and ageing in large French oak foudre are what defines this savoury and appealing Syrah. Full yet elegant with bramble fruits and also some earth and meaty aromas. The palate is structured and elegant with fine tannins and a refreshing natural acidity. Ideal with spicy dishes, red meats and rich Mediterranean dishes.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Grapes: Syrah/Shiraz

ABV: 13.5%

False Bay Wine 

An elegant rendition of this normally unruly varietal. Features raspberry, dark fruit and herbal notes whilst an almost meaty, wild aroma can be detected on the nose. Typical vigour expected from this varietal, with a high concentration of fine tannin and a surprising lightness of touch helped by the lower alcohol.

Country : South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grape: Mourvèdre

ABV: 13.5%

Waterkloof Wine

Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including: soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvedre is from a single, windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) block 250-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Mourvedre is one of the few varietals with enough wind-resistance to plant as bush-vine on Waterkloof. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bunches are sorted and whole-bunch fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in old 600 litre barrels then ageing for 16 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine. 6 barrels made.

Lifted, perfumed, red berry nose with peppery, smoky notes. Ripe and fleshy on the palate with fine, fresh plummy fruit leading to a long, savoury, structured finish.

Country : South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grape: Syrah

ABV: 14%

Waterkloof Wine

Hand-picked and hand-sorted. Whole bunch wild yeast ferment in an old open-top French oak fermenter. Foot-treading and manual punch-downs followed by 24 months ageing in old 600l French oak barrels. No additions other than sulphur.

The third release under the Waterkloof label, an elegant, northern Rhone-ish Syrah with lovely purity of crushed red berry fruit. Supple and plush but built to last.