Webersburg truly a rare gem to be savoured slowly
WINE shows are a great way to sample new wines and revisit old favourites all in one place, in a short space of time. The wine lover's elusive goal is to find that rare gem – something absolutely great, possibly little-known, that stands out from the crowd.
Family-owned and -run, focusing on limited production and ageing potential, Webersburg certainly fit that bill at the recent "Wine Affair" mini-show hosted by For the Love of Wine in Stanley Street.
The 217-year-old estate in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch was a new face on the block, and a new experience for even some seasoned wine-lovers at the show.
Winemaker Matthew van Heerden was the South African Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year in 2011, nominated as one of the top 10 winemakers in the world, and received a Best in the World award in 2002 for his chardonnay at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London.
Those accolades certainly reflect in the wines, which are just outstanding – the product of an unhurried ageing philosophy that sees small quantities produced from low-yielding vineyards, with careful attention to detail and a focus on releasing the wines when they're well matured with "elegant ageing potential".
All the wines have intense, complex flavours with rich fruitiness.
"I'm dedicated to the pursuit of utmost fruit purity, quality and making site-specific wines that reflect a true sense of place," Van Heerden said.
His unhurried approach is reflected in the 2008 Brut MCC, matured on the lees for up to 34 months, delivering a balance of complexity and depth, and fresh crispness. It's delicious with its classic biscuit edge, ripe citrus and floral fruitiness.
Webersburg's Sauvignon Blanc has previously been rated one of the top 10 Sauvignon Blancs in South Africa, and it's not hard to see why.
The 2013 tasted at the show, is a big Sauvignon Blanc that almost tastes wooded, although it's not. It has some straw and grassy notes, toasty and creamy, and rich with gooseberry and citrus, with a touch of crisp minerality. All beautifully balanced and just a gorgeous mouthful – or more.
The star has to be the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon – a beautiful deep, heady nose of rich fruit and oak, opening into intense ripe berries and fruit tastes, and a lingering finish. Bottle-matured for two years before release, it's very drinkable now and will only improve with age.
Webersburg is available at For the Love of Wine.
- A Vine Time, with Samantha Venter
