We are more than half way through 2016!
The much needed rain finally came and our vineyards got the message that it is time for them to have a short nap before spring.
Here at Wildehurst we have been very busy.
Chris Hurst celebrated his 80th birthday at the end of May and in his honour we released the maiden vintage of the Wildehurst Méthode Cap Classique 2014. It consists of 100% Chenin Blanc from the Swartland and was aged on the lees for 2 years. With its elegant bronze label it is definitely in a class of its own, so keep an eye out for it!
The limited edition Viognier 2015 (207 bottles produced) and The Wilde 2015 (309 bottles produced) were labeled and the first bottles sold.
The Viognier came from one extraordinary barrel kept aside when we started blending last year. We ended up bottling it as a single cultivar. It is a fruity and floral wine with a fresh acid and a touch of oak.
The Wilde is a new project that we are working on. It will be something different each year. Something to look forward to. This is the one wine where we will experiment with new cultivars and new techniques to produce something mindbogglingly different.
The Wilde 2015 is a 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier blend. The grapes were co-fermented, whole bunch (using the process of carbonic maceration) in a 500 liter barrel. After extended skin contact we aged the wine in two amphorae for two months. The product is a uniquely interesting wine reminiscent of a Beaujolais Nouveau. We were also proud to label our first The Wilde magnums!
The new Blush and Velo Rosé 2016 were also bottled in May and is being labeled at the moment!
On top of all of that hard work we are renovating the cellar slightly to optimize productivity, planning to open a Wildehurst tasting room in Riebeek Kasteel and planting a new vineyard in Koringberg in August this year.
To enjoy our lovely wines be sure to order here. If you recently enjoyed one (or more) of our wines, especially the new releases, please comment below to let us know what you think.
Cheers!