It is winter in Cape Town, which means red wine abounds! So over the next few weeks, I will be sharing a few of my top red wines. Today I am starting with two of my favourites from Landskroon Wine Estate.
Landskroon Wine Estate
Well known for its red wine and port, Landskroon Wine Estate, is located on the south-western slopes of the Paarl Mountain. Initially established in 1692, the farm is now owned by the families of Paul and Hugo de Villiers.
Paul de Villiers believes that both the soil and climate of Landskroon estate, are perfect for producing Shiraz, which also happens to be his favourite grape varietal. Paul is the fifth generation to carry the winemaking flag at Landskroon, in 2004 he released two new vintages the Paul de Villiers Reserve and Shiraz, within its Paul de Villiers Range of limited release wines. He drew his inspiration from his late father and winemaker Fanie Geyser. These exceptional wines represented nine generations of experience and winemaking tradition on the estate.
Landskroon Red Wine
I received two red wines from Landskroon Wine Estate to try. One is the 2015 Paul de Villiers Shiraz and the other a 2016 Landskroon Merlot. Shiraz is usually my varietal of choice, but I was keen to try the Landskroon Merlot.
I would not call myself a wine expert, but rather a wine lover with a good palate. At least that is what people tell me! In my reviews, you will find aspects of the winemaker’s tasting notes, my thoughts on the wine, as well as my recommendations for food and wine pairings.
2015 Paul de Villiers Shiraz
From The Vine
Specially selected Shiraz grapes are picked at optimum ripeness, destemmed and transferred to open fermentation tanks. Once yeasts are added, the juice, along with the skins are allowed to ferment at controlled temperatures.
Maturation
The wine spends 18 months in 87% New American oak and 13%, 2nd fill French oak.
In Your Glass
The wine in your glass is dark and full-bodied, with lovely rich berry fruit flavours. Although berry fruit is dominant, you can also expect and pepper, as well as hints of spicy oak. For me, even though this is a full-bodied red, I would love to taste this vintage in a few years, as I think it will age very well. The Paul de Villiers Shiraz sells for R116 per bottle making it, in my opinion, reasonably priced.
Food and Wine
My ideal food pairing with the 2015 Paul de Villiers Shiraz would be a lamb dish, such as a lamb stew or lamb shank. For the non-meat eaters, I would suggest either a mushroom pasta or risotto.
Awards
The 2015 Paul de Villiers Shiraz has been awarded Gold at Michelangelo International Wine Awards, Silver Veritas 2017 and Silver at Paarl Wine Challenge. It also received the 4 Stars from Platter’s Wine Guide 2018.
2016 Landskroon Merlot
From The Vine
The Merlot grapes are picked, destemmed and transferred to open fermentation tanks. After adding selected yeasts, the juice, along with the skins are allowed to ferment at controlled temperatures.
Maturation
The wine spends 12 months in 225L French and American Oak barrels, with a small percentage of new oak, and the remainder aged in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels.
In Your Glass
In your glass, you can expect a full-bodied plummy wine, with rich berry flavours. There is also a hint of spice from ageing the wine in oak barrels. I found the Merlot wonderfully smooth, with soft tannins, making it exceptionally “easy drinking.” At the cost of R71 per bottle, it is excellent value for money.
Food and Wine
My first choice for food pairing would be a chicken dish, such as my Tray Baked Chicken. I would also pair it with one of my favourite cheeses Boerenkaas.
Awards
The Landskroon Merlot’s accolades include Gold Vitis Vinifera Awards 2017 and Bronze Veritas 2017.
Images: ©2010 – 2018 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. {Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner}
Disclosure
No compensation was received for writing this post, I did, however, receive two complimentary bottles of wine, from Landskroon, for review purposes. We have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. Care has been taken to ensure that all information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. These are, however, subject to change at the establishment’s discretion. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
Leave a Reply