The Old Vine Project, begun by viticulturist Rosa Kruger with support from businessman Johann Rupert in 2005, was formalised last year – Jaco Englebrecht consulting on viticulture and André Morgenthal, formerly of WOSA, heading up communications.
Last night, the two presented a public tasting as part of the University of Stellenbosch’s annual Woordfees, the line-up including some notable examples of wines from old vines paired with a Leipoldt-inspired menu by chef George Jardine.
On show were Cape of Good Hope Laing Semillon 20
14, Old Vine Series ‘T Voetpad 2015, Old Vine Series Mev Kirsten 2015, Mullineux CWG Semillon Gris 2013, Naudé Old Vines Cinsault 2014 and AA Badenhorst Barbarossa 2015 – a more striking group of wines hard to imagine.
The one wine not previously reviewed was the Rupert-owned Cape of Good Hope Laing Semillon 2014, grapes from Henk Laing’s farm, Trekpoort, situated on the Skurfberg Mountain between Lamberts Bay and Clanwilliam, two blocks involved one approximately 40 years old and the other 60.
The nose showed straw, lime and lemon, green apple and fresh herbs. The palate meanwhile was rich and broad with a certain waxy quality. Of the wines presented, it seemed the “safest” and as ever with this range, you’re kind of want to see what would happen if the winemaking team really cut loose.
