Wädenswil meets Zurich: a double treat
Article by Karin Wild
How was this year’s Taste the Best? Two days full of top wines in Wädenswil, followed by the exclusive premiere in Zurich.
On the last weekend of September, KapWeine once again hosted the major event highlight “Taste the Best” – an unparalleled occasion. Over 100 of South Africa’s best wines were opened and made available for tasting to our valued customers in Wädenswil and also on Monday, September 30, in our new Tasting Room by KapWeine in Zurich Seefeld. I am always fascinated by the precision and outstanding quality with which these wines are presented.
Wines with personality
As always, I could rave about every single wine, and as always, I find it very difficult to choose. Each of these wines has its own story, its own terroir and its own winemaker, who tells his own personal story with his wine.
Today I have decided to introduce you to a few wines that particularly impressed me at this year’s “Taste the Best” and have not only found a place in my heart, but also in my wine cellar.
I would like to start with two wines from a very well-known winery, which I am sure most of you are also familiar with: the Diemersdal Estate in the Durbanville region, now run by the 7th generation. We had the pleasure of welcoming the owners, Tienie and Joanita Louw, to Wädenswil in person. Tienie is the head of the family, a calm and thoughtful man who runs the estate under the motto “Going to stay”.
A convincing duo from Durbanville
Once again, the Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve impressed me with its great fruitiness and freshness – with its citrus and lime notes, tropical fruit and complexity. It is not surprising that it is one of South Africa’s award-winning Sauvignon Blancs. Together with the Diemersdal Cabernet Sauvignon “The Journal” vintage 2020, it is just the right introduction to my “Taste the Best” heart wines.
Tienie tells us with great passion that the Diemersdal “The Journal” series is a reminder of past generations and a reference for future generations. Yes, with this 5-star Platter’s and 92-point Robert Parker wine, the benchmark for future generations is clearly set – and a great challenge.
Killer Deal >6 bottles
DIEMERSDAL
Sauvignon Blanc Reserve – 2022
CHF 16.90 instead of CHF 22.00
Killer Deal >6 bottles
DIEMERSDAL
Cabernet Sauvignon The Journal – 2020
CHF 39.00 instead of CHF 49.00
From sparkling wine to white wine
After this introduction to Diemersdal, let’s move on to my sparkling and white wine jewels. Let’s start with the MCC from Steenberg, Lady R Brut 2019 – how could it be otherwise – which has captured my heart and has now also been stored in my cellar since the “Taste the Best”. This sparkling wine was aged on the lees for 50 months before being disgorged and made available for purchase in December 2023.
Quick side note: If you are not familiar with terms such as “on the lees” or “disgorged”, then why not attend my MCC Masterclass seminar in December at The Tasting Room by KapWeine in Zurich Seefeld. I look forward to meeting you there in person and introducing you to the world of sparkling wines.
But now back to the Lady R: With around 60% Pinot Noir as the base wine and 40% Chardonnay, fermented in 600-liter barrels, the Lady R has a wonderful structure and elegance. Its creaminess and complexity, combined with minerality, fruit and freshness, make it a great, storable sparkling wine that doesn’t have to hide behind a first-class French champagne for a second. I am delighted to be able to accompany its development every time I uncork a bottle from my cellar.
Killer Deal >6 bottles
STEENBERG
Lady R MCC Brut – 2019
CHF 39.90 instead of CHF 54.00
Top Sale
LISMORE
Estate Cuvée Blanc – 2022
CHF 49.00 instead of CHF 59.00
Killer Deal >6 bottles
LOURENS FAMILY
Lindi Carien – 2022
CHF 24.00 instead of CHF 32.00
Powerful women and exceptional wines
I present to you another gem from a woman who never ceases to impress me: Samantha O’Keefe, the founder and winemaker of Lismore Estate. With her clear vision and uncompromising quality, she has managed to carry on and create outstanding wines despite major setbacks – such as the devastating bushfire in December 2019, which destroyed her entire farm near Greyton. One impressive example is their Lismore Estate Reserve Cuvée Blanc 2022, which received 95 Parker points.
The Cuvée Blanc consists of 90% Roussanne, supplemented by Viognier and Chardonnay. What I particularly like is the seductive aroma of orange blossom, yellow fruit and a hint of jasmine, accompanied by grapefruit and a long-lasting, fresh finish. An elegant white wine that will definitely be my companion for the coming festive season.
New discovery for white wine lovers
Before we move on to the red wines, I would like to introduce you to another outstanding white wine: the Lindi Carien 2022 from the Lourens Family. This sophisticated cuvée combines Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Colombar and Palomino from vines up to 60 years old. The Lindi Carien impresses with floral notes, ripe stone fruit and a hint of orange, rounded off by a slightly spicy finish. A versatile wine that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean dishes and vegetable variations – a real insider tip that no collection should be without.
Red wines with character and class
Among the red wines, one of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignons – with the 2018 vintage shown at “Taste the Best” – wowed me once again and reconfirmed what outstanding wines Erika Obermeyer makes. She is another strong woman on the South African wine scene and founded her boutique winery in 2016 with the aim of producing handcrafted, distinctive wines in small quantities that reflect the terroir and tell their own story.
She has definitely succeeded, as this Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 shows: powerful and concentrated, yet full of elegance and sophistication. The aroma of black fruits literally leaps out of the glass. At the same time, red fruits, cedar wood and a slightly earthy tone are also present – as if you had a Margaux in your glass. Simply an impressive wine that strikes the perfect balance between intensity and finesse.
A hidden treasure
Another highlight for me was the Syrah “Stars in the Dark” 2022 from Minimalist Wines. You don’t know it? To be honest, I didn’t have it on my radar either until “Taste the Best”. But since then, it has become one of my absolute Syrah favorites. Minimalist Wines recently set up its new city winery below Table Mountain in the Gardens district. Behind it is Sam Lambson, who has created a real insider tip with his Stars in the Dark Syrah. Even Jancis Robinson, the renowned English wine critic, gave it 17.5 points – a real compliment, as she rarely awards such high scores. A sign that this wine really inspires!
Strong and unique character
What makes this Syrah so special? It is the characteristic peppery note and the distinctive saltiness that is typical of grapes from the cool Cape Agulhas region. This is accompanied by a wonderfully perfumed scent of violets, which is almost only found in great Syrahs. The Porseleinberg 2021, another outstanding example, also enchants with this floral aroma. In the Stars in the Dark, juicy cherry notes unfold on the palate, accompanied by a subtle smoky note, wonderful concentration and fine tannins that end in a long, complex finish.
A wine for special moments
This Syrah is not an everyday wine – it is made for special occasions. Whether it’s a festive Christmas dinner or an elegant dinner, it simply always fits the bill when something special is required. A wine that I recommend to anyone who appreciates the depth and elegance of a great Syrah. And for the coming festive season: don’t forget to keep a place in your wine cellar for this favorite – it will delight your guests!
Top Sale
ERIKA OBERMEYER
Cabernet Sauvignon – 2018
CHF 49.00 instead of CHF 59.00
Killer Deal >6 bottles
MINIMALIST WINES
Syrah Stars in the Dark – 2020
CHF 29.00 instead of CHF 39.90
A light-footed pleasure for special moments
Wines of the heart – this keyword takes me back to my last travel report, in which I told you about Duncan Savage. A cool winemaker who creates his excellent garage wines in the trendy Woodstock district of Cape Town. At “Taste the Best” we had the opportunity to taste the 2022 Follow the Line – a 100% Cinsault with a velvety structure and an abundance of red berries that make it irresistible. If, like me, you appreciate lighter wines that can be enjoyed slightly chilled, then this gem from Duncan Savage will delight you too!
Power and elegance perfectly united
And last but not least, I would like to share my enthusiasm for the Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2020 with you. I have loved Tokara wines for years, but the 2020 vintage is a particularly harmonious Director’s Reserve for me, which has also been awarded 92 Parker points. The aromas of dark berries, ripe cherries, tobacco leaves and dark chocolate combine here to create a powerful yet elegant wine that impresses with its opulence, purity and length on the finish. A wine of the heart that is another highlight in any wine cellar.
Killer Deal >6 bottles
SAVAGE
Follow the Line – 2021
CHF 32.90 instead of CHF 44.00
Killer Deal >6 bottles
TOKARA
Director’s Reserve Red – 2020
CHF 34.90 instead of CHF 49.00
Open these wines and let yourself be inspired. Enjoy every sip and feel how the wines tell their stories. They are moments full of pleasure that make us pause, enchant and bring joy – wines of the heart that simply make life more beautiful.
Cheers and with all my heart,
Your Karin
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price from 09.10.2024.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes are subject to change.
