Landskroon

On Day Four we left Stellenbosch and headed for the Paarl District, which has a tradition of being both prolific in production but also extremely diverse, thanks to its varied micro-climates and ideal soil conditions. We arrived at Landskroon whose wine making tradition dates back to the late 17th Century when the French Huguenot settlers came to the Cape. Landskroon has 1,440 acres of which some 700 acres are under vine. This flagship label stands out among the fine wine estates in Paarl, South Africa. The town is dominated by the Paarl Mountain to the east, and the monolithic rock appears as a black pearl after a shower of rain.

Paul and Hugo de Villiers gave us an excellent tour of the cellars, followed by a wine tasting as we gazed across picturesque vineyards to the ocean, clearly visible in the distance. More than 75% of the vineyards are red vines although a full selection of white and red varietals showed extremely well. They are quality wines at affordable prices. An excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinotage, Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Pinotage, all are retailing at $13 to $16 in the U.S.A. Then came the desert wines.

Paul de Villiers is the ninth generation of winemakers in his family and has received the most prestigious Diners Club Award as the best winemaker in South Africa in 2000 for what is without a doubt, one of, if not the best Port in South Africa. The Port has developed a huge following across America, including such notables as Robin Leach (of the Rich and Famous, who reviewed it as the best Port he has ever tasted at under $22 US retail). The 1998 Landskroon Vintage Port has power and refinement. Ripe plums, blackberries are in the bouquet, a smooth and lively palate with an attractive dry finish. It is an excellent companion to chocolates, raspberries and cherries and a traditional accompaniment to blue cheese and walnuts.

This remarkable portfolio also includes my favorite; a remarkable Jerepico (fortified) Morio Muscat which last year won the grand trophy for the best fortified wine in the entire Southern Hemisphere at the Atlanta Georgia International Wine Competition. Mild gold straw color with swirling jasmine, honeysuckle, with Muscat perfumes. Well integrated with delicious grapey flavors and simply spectacular served chilled! Think liquid crème brulee.

Eikendal

It is Day 5? Only day 5…I can hardly believe it!

With tears in various eyes, we leave Lanzerac and head for Franschoek, the valley of the French Huguenot's. But not before visiting Eikendal in Stellenbosch. This Swiss owned Estate has over the many years gathered a significant word of mouth following in Europe as a provider of elegant high quality estate wines.

Eikendal is set in a picture postcard setting where hot dry summers with cooling afternoon ocean breezes assist the acclaimed South African female winemaker Lizelle Gerber, craft such wonderful wines. Total annual production is only 25,000 cases. Eikendal is well known for their 4 star plus rated Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lizelle guided us through yet another top notch tasting. The quality across the board was first class. What stood out was Classique,” a superb Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet (75%), Merlot (35%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). The Classique had deep ruby hues, redolent with cassis, liquorices, spicy cedar and coffee on to an equally complex palate. Classic elegance is balanced with a rich fruit profile and a long bright spicy, mocha finish. Eikendal is certainly poised to be considered one of the very best estates in South Africa.

Considered one of the Cape's best kept secrets, look for more to unfold with this creative winemaker. The chardonnay and Classique are quite well known, and will be marketed as Eikendal's flagship wines.