For Eikendal Vineyards and Cellar Master, Nico Grobler, 2017 has been a stellar year, achieving more success than most winemakers and producers hope to achieve in a decade. Grobler’s vision, perfectionism, attention to detail and revolutionary approach to grape growing and vineyard management have culminated in the extraordinary wines that caught the attention of judges and opinion formers.
The year started with the Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 winning the much coveted Platinum Award at the National Wine Challenge. The Bordeaux-style blend Classique 2014 and Janina Unwooded Chardonnay 2016 were hot on its heels with a Double Gold. Eikendal’s flagship white, the Chardonnay 2015, kicked off with a Gold Award from the renowned British wine magazine Decanter and a 90/100 score from USA’s leading critic, Robert Parker. Parker also awarded 91/100 to the Classique and Charisma red blends (both 2014) and 90/100 for the Pinotage 2015 and Chardonnay 2014.
In August, British Master of Wine Tim Atkin singled out no less than eight Eikendal wines in his annual South Africa Special Report. The Classique 2015 and yet to be released Cabernet Franc 2015 came out tops with 95/100 followed by the Charisma 2015 (94/100) and Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Merlot 2015, Pinotage 2016 and Chardonnay 2015 (93/100). The Charisma 2015 also scored 91/100 in Winemag’s Red Blend Report.
September saw more accolades roll in with the Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 claiming Double Gold status at South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious awards, the Veritas, whilst Gold medals went to the Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Classique 2014 and Chardonnay 2015.
Grobler is fast becoming one of the Cape’s foremost Chardonnay producers. This was highlighted by his Chardonnay 2016 clinching pole position with 95/100 points in the 2017 Prescient Chardonnay Report.
The year ends on a high note with a phenomenal six Eikendal wines achieving 4½ stars in the 2018 Platter Wine Guide and the Charisma 2015 earning an enviable 5-star rating.
“Our focus these last few years was to unlock the Eikendal terroir, therefore the winery’s 2017 achievements come as no surprise. It takes a great piece of land, influences from False Bay, dedicated people and lots of passion to achieve great things. Eikendal has it all and even more than that, Eikendal has a massive heartbeat! I am proud of our land and our team. This is only the start,” shares a super stoked Grobler.
Eikendal, conveniently situated between Stellenbosch and Somerset West on the R44, is renowned for its internationally acclaimed wines. Visitors can enjoy a Wine Tasting of these award-winning wines; the all-new Cheesecake & Wine Pairing: a Cookie Tasting for the young ones; Fly Fishing; Tractor Rides, and a popular kids play area. Cucina di Giovanni @ Eikendal offers languid lunches and dinners, and visitors have the option of extending their Eikendal Experience by spending the night at the Eikendal Lodge.
Eikendal’s Tasting Centre is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. For any queries, contact Chantal-Lee at +27 (0) 21 855 1422 or send an email to info@eikendal.co.za.
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