BEYERSKLOOF
Monday 27 February 2017
http://beyerskloof.co.za/

Experience: 4/5
Wines: 4/5

Little more than 24 hours previously, at the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, I had sampled over 30 wines during a very long and hot afternoon. This Monday evening, in the shaded, cultured garden at the Vineyard Hotel, just 4 wines were on offer for tasting from Beyerskloof.

The wines for this informal, mini-tasting were well chosen to show off the Beyerskloof selection, ranging from entry level to flagship: an easy-drinking dry rosé, a single variety Pinotage, and a low and high price Bordeaux blend.

I was surprised to learn that Beyerskloof was bought by Beyers Truter and his Johannesburg business partners only in 1988, given the immense history of the Cape winelands. However, I read after that the farm had belonged to his ancestors for five generations until 1895.

My favourite wine was the premium Field Bordeaux blend. It had all I expected. Deep ruby red and full-bodied, the nose was plentiful with dark berry fruits and delicate spiciness. The finish was complex, smooth and long.

The Vineyard tasting gave me a taste of Beyerskloof. This is another vineyard on my list of places to visit for a full tasting.

Wines tasted (bought *):

Rosé:

2016 Pinotage Dry Rosé – R55

Red:

2014 Synergy Cape Blend (34% Merlot, 33% Pinotage, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon) – R85
2015 Pinotage Reserve – R125
2012 Field Blend (77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot) – R230