Secreting about Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch for most is recognized as either a university town or the area from which much of our
recognised examples of The Good Wine originate. Now, besides said recognized wines, there are
many lesser known examples of the said same. One particular day called for an adventure in
exploring a select few of these. 

Our day began at Beau Joubert with a taste of their unreleased maiden vintage of Pinot Noir MCC
(soft cheese with thick rind, slight spice) and an array f reds along with some interestingly suggestive
food pairings ("What would I serve you with?" "Crabs?") 

• Beau Joubert Shiraz (2010): 14 months Hungarian oak, blueberry chocolate, soft, young berry

 juice

• Beau Joubert Cabernet Sauvignon (2010): 14 months French & American oak, vines nearly 

50 years old. Cranberry juice, gravy powder, chicken gravy

• Beau Joubert The Ambassador (2010): Merlot, cab, Shiraz, new wood. Green peppercorns, 

cumin & masala, cinnamon, richness, meat gravy

• Beau Joubert Fat Pig Port (2006): Shiraz & merlot, 18,2% alcohol. Cherry tomato soup, 

paprika, liquid marshmallow, rich, dark chocolate, cozy cuddles. 

From here we strolled through the vineyards and across the road to the smallest commercial producer
in the area - Bein, who produce 15 - 18 000 bottles per vintage, workin on a "subsistence" production
basis of their single varietal - merlot. Alas, we were not welcomed with open wine bottles upon arrival
however but rather by 2 friendly donkeys and 2 even friendlier dogs who were all to accompany us
further through the vineyards to a picnic spot on a hill with views of the ocean, mountains and,
of course, vines. With a picnic laid out by the lovely owners, we were rewarded with wine after a brief
spot of recovery from the walk. 

• Bein Rose (2014): pink merlot, pinkness, salted strawberries, light masala, light fizz, richness, 

creamy strawberries with no sweetness. 

• Bein Merlot (2013): 60% new oak, petit Verdot & Malbec. Nettles & blue gums, chilled tomato 

soup, creamy cherry baked pudding with custard (*)

• Bein Little Merlot (2013): sharp cherries, cumin warmth, caramel, hardy butterscotch, peanut 

brittle, perfumed bluebells (**)

After a quick stroll down the hill, our adventure for the day proceeded to our last stop - Saxenburg, for
a safari tasting in a little lapa set up in the nature reserve which forms a part of the farm. 

• Saxenburg Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc (2013): artichoke hearts, goats cheese, 

spritzing, refreshing, limey. 

• Saxenburg Chardonnay (2012): toasted butterscotch, orange pith, slight soft zest. 

• Saxenburg Drunken Fowl Shiraz (2013): spicy mulberries, soft, smooth, baby wine, slight 

bitterness.

• Saxenburg Cabernet Sauvignon (2009): 12 months oak, 40% new. Peppered silverside, 

green peppercorns, soft with chalk tannins, comforting, your favourite old British uncle. 

•  Saxenburg Brut MCC (NV): 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot noir. Salt flakes, orange. Tastes 

much better than the label looks. 

With a last bout of giggles and cheese, we drew the day of discovering some of the secrets of the
area to a close. 

Until next time.