Like DNA, excellence is an inseparable part of Eikendal Vineyards near Stellenbosch; its very essence, the purity expressed in the blend of sublime terroir, choice fruit and meticulous skill. This is the foundation that has again seen to a steam of awards across all varieties in its wine portfolio.
Every variety across the Eikendal range with vintages 2013 to 2015 was decorated in independent, authoritative competitions and assessments this year. In the past two months alone, awards have been given to no less than seven of its wines.
Cellarmaster Nico Grobler ascribes the evolution of Eikendal’s success to have begun in the vineyard.
The magic has always been in the terroir. Viticulture and winemaking give the wines their focus. We’ve always known Eikendal’s capability for something special. What excites me is that we are still not at the peak; great things lie ahead for Eikendal.
He describes Eikendal as a combination of modern viticulture with old world winemaking.
The focus in the vineyard is to create maximum fruit and structure in the grape berry with as much concentration as possible – in the cellar it’s all about preserving those flavour we worked so hard for and ensuring we maintain freshness, elegance and finesse, with that focus we have that modern yet old world touch which appeals to palates worldwide. It also shows in our achievements in the sense that it is worldwide and not just focused in one place.
Eikendal’s vineyards are situated at around 155m above sea-level, in the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain; the oldest is approximately 20 years old. Add to this the climatic sweet spot in which Eikendal finds itself and the result is endless potential.
Most recent Awards by Eikendal
• Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (Tim Atkin 93);
• Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (Veritas Gold in 2015 and 2016, Six Nations Gold, National Wine Challenge Double Gold) – an estate classic, the wine is a special vintage that produced very tightly structured wines;
• Charisma 2014 (Tim Atkin 94) – a blend of Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese with intense fruit on the nose that follows through on the palate;
• Charisma 2013 (Top 3 Shiraz Blends, Laurium Capital Signature Red Blend Report 91, National Wine Challenge Double Gold, Six Nations Double Gold and 2nd overall in class);
• Classique 2013 (National Wine Challenge Double Gold);
• Classique 2014 (Tim Atkin 95, Veritas Gold, RisCura Red Hot Awards 91) – a flagship wine and perfect example of the years of hard work, dedication and obsession imprinted on Eikendal wines;
• Merlot 2013 (National Wine Challenge Double Gold);
• Merlot 2014 (Tim Atkin 93, Six Nations Gold) – a wine with aromas of violets, plums, blackberries, cherries and peppery spice; and, a full, round and soft palate;
• Pinotage 2015 (Tim Atkin 93) – a perfumed wine with notes of pomegranate and fresh strawberry on the nose; and, a tight mineral core with good length;
• Pinotage 2014 (Top 100 Wines Double Platinum);
• Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (Tim Atkin 90, FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 20) – great elegance and balance are hallmarks of this wine, notable for its aromas of tropical fruit, melon, Cape gooseberry, guava and a green grass;
• Chardonnay 2014 (Tim Atkin 92);
• Chardonnay 2015 (Prescient Chardonnay Report 93) – a wine packed with freshness and minerality, showing crisp, ripe pears, honeysuckle, orange peel, apples and honey on the nose. The palate is linear, with a creamy, fruity finish of great length; and,
• Janina 2015 (Higgo Jacobs Top 6 Unwooded Chardonnay Report) – a wine with characteristics of citrus, pineapple and peach, with lovely crisp green apple.
P.S.: Eikendal wines are available from the farm and leading wine retailers countrywide.
Directions to Eikendal Wine Estate
R44
Stellenbosch
7130
021 855 1422
