Eikendal releases Platter 5 Star vintage of flagship – Classique 2011

NEW PRODUCTS

Nov 15th, 09:23

Eikendal, a reputable Stellenbosch cellar renowned for consistency in producing quality wines, has just released the Platter 5 Star vintage of its flagship red wine – Classique 2011 – a new release that has already earned the enviable reputation as one of South Africa’s top Bordeaux-style blends.

This classic, oak matured symphony of Cabernet Sauvignon (46%), Merlot (42%) and Cabernet Franc (12%) that embodies the estate’s understated elegance, is the latest addition to the cellar’s elite range that has earned Eikendal a myriad of local and international accolades throughout 2013.

In addition to the 5 Star success of the Cab-driven Eikendal Classique 2011 at the 2013 Platter Wine Guide Awards, the estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon has also proven itself in the global vineyard this year, with prestigious awards and listings, both locally and abroad. On home turf the 2010 vintage clinched Double Gold glory at South Africa’s ‘Wine Oscars’, the Veritas Awards, whilst the latest 2011 vintage scooped Gold at the authoritative International Wine and Spirit Competition in London.

Another eminent red with an impressive track record is the beguiling Charisma, a fruit-forward Shiraz-driven blend. The 2011 vintage soared with a double trophy triumph at the 2013 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show by winning overall Best Shiraz-based Blend and The Old Mutual Discovery of the Show, while this sell-out success also attained a Double Gold medal at the 2013 Six Nations Wine Challenge. Its successor, the latest 2012 vintage, achieved Gold status as a young wine at the 2013 Veritas Awards, while the Merlot 2011 bagged a second Gold medal for Winemaker Nico Grobler and his team at this highly contested challenge.

“The rise of a small giant. This is how I describe the success of Eikendal. In life one has a few defining moments and for Eikendal the year 2013 was definitely one of them. As winemaker, I am obsessed with quality and it is good to see that we are achieving great success across the range and varietal spectrum. It represents a strong endorsement of Eikendal’s unwavering commitment to quality,” explains Nico.

Eikendal maximises its perfect location on the foothills of the Helderberg and its proximity to False Bay to produce great wines. The red varieties in particular, benefit from the cool ocean breezes which allow slower optimal ripening of the grapes.

More about the newly released Eikendal Classique 2011:
The Eikendal Classique 2011 has all the full fruit flavours of a classical Bordeaux-style blend, with everything held in check, well-mannered, pure and elegant. It is not your typical, wood chewing robust red but a sensual yet substantial one that reflects the character and quality inherent in the grapes.

The three individual components spent 16 months in oak barrels (60% new custom made French oak) before they were blended together. The wood influence seeps through adding complexity to this wine which culminates with a velvet finish, while fine, silky tannins provide great potential for further ageing.

“Our Classique 2011 echoes the message of the terroir, the winemaker, the passionate farm worker and the quality of the vintage. It is a stylish melange of all the small influences and circumstances that shape this wine. It carries a strong message of elegance, finesse, balance and purity,” shares Nico.

The wine reveals perfumed and invigorating red fruit notes lusciously melded with more masculine hints of lead pencil, salty leather and earthy tobacco. The palate is all about concentration, tightness and length.

The Eikendal Classique 2011 is a stellar choice with red meat such as fillet medallions or springbok carpaccio whilst vegetarians can enjoy it with wild mushroom risotto or smoked aubergine and mozzarella stacks. Or serve this with a rich chocolate and berry tart – YUM!

The wine is available at around R180 per bottle at selected fine wine outlets countrywide. For more information or wine orders contact Eikendal at Tel: (+27) or email: .