Saronsberg Private Cellar
Tulbagh, South Africa

Saronsberg Estate is steeped in history but when building the new cellar they were faced with a real challenge. Instead of trying to recreate old Cape Dutch charm a spot with panoramic views was chosen and seven majestic oaks to juxtapose with a modern building. The tasting room links an ultra modern stainless steel fermentation cellar and the traditional wood maturation cellar. Expansive glass panels afford a view of operations in both these cellars from the tasting room with its huge fireplace.

"I am sure there are easier ways of making wine, but I doubt there is a better way," says winemaker Dewaldt Heyns.

At the 2008 Swiss International Airline Awards an array of judges - including international wine writers, sommeliers and wine masters - awarded Saronsberg the most successful winery and three gold medals.

In addition to its beautiful setting this farm was selected for its diverse terroir (soil types and climate). Owing to these differences we set upon replanting much of the existing vineyards, utilising the different micro-climates to their full potential to produce unique terroir-driven wines.

The soil consists of mainly shale with phyllites underlying virtually all the soils on the foot slopes and valley floor. Old river terraces are covered by rounded gravel and boulders. Red to yellow clay loam soils have developed from Pre-Cambrian age Malmesbury shales on the east-facing slopes.

Suplemental irrigation is sparsely used since they have adapted a regime of keeping vines under moderate water stess, thereby concentrating the the flavours by inducing smaller berries.

All vineyards are planted to ± 1 hectare blocks, separately managed with an average yield of 5 tons per hectare. Green harvesting is vigorously applied to balance yields and maximise flavours and extractions.

 

Provenance Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The wine has a translucent colour with a green edge, showing prominent tropical, gooseberry and fruit-salad flavours, followed by hints of grass and a flinty aftertaste. R62.50 p/b R374.99 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120

Saronsberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The wine has a translucent colour with a green edge, showing prominent tropical, gooseberry and fruit salad flavours, followed by hints of grass and green pepper. R82.45 p/b R494.71 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120

Provenance Shiraz 2007 The Provenance Shiraz has a deep, dark colour with soft ripe plum, red berry and floral flavours. R97.08 p/b R582.49 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120

Provenance Rooi 2008 The wine has a deep, dark colour with soft ripe plum and red berry flavours with undertones of wood spice. The oak is well balanced with elegant and accessible tannins. R97.08 p/b R582.49 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120

Saronsberg Chardonnay 2007 The wine has a light straw colour and flavours of butterscotch, nutty caramel, pear and lime. R99.74 p/b R598.41 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120

Saronsberg Seismic 2006 The wine has a deep, dark colour and ripe berry flavours with delicate herbal, fynbos and spice undertones. R198.17 p/b R1189.00 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120

Saronsberg Full Circle 2007 The wine has a deep, brooding colour complemented by dark, ripe fruit flavours with delicate floral and spice undertones. R211.46 p/b R1268.79 per 6 bottles VAT Incl. 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120