Eikendal
Situated in the Cape Wine lands of South Africa the barrel-vaulted cellar buildings of Eikendal Vineyards form a distinctive landmark on the R44 route, positioned between the historic university town of Stellenbosch and the residential suburbs of Somerset West. Since 1981 the 76ha large wine farm has been under the ownership of the Swiss company Substantia AG. The company recognised the great potential of the area and wasted no time in modernising and extending the vineyards and the cellar facilities.
The cooling, moistening effect of the breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean combined with the excellent soil structure of Eikendal’s vineyards form ideal conditions for growing noble vines such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Straddling the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range, some of the Cape’s finest wines are produced here.
737789 Eikendal ‘Mon Desir’ Blanc de Blanc Méthode Cap Classique Sparkling 2005
Matured in bottle on the lees for two years, this wine shows intense yeasty, biscuit characters. Dosage used was some excellent Noble Late Harvest of the same year and sugar was adjusted to 5g/l. Sparkling wine made according to the Cap Classique method is at its best with a bit of maturation, and will keep for at least 5 years.
730731 Eikendal Chenin Blanc 2008
This aromatic Chenin Blanc is medium to full-bodied. Lots of ripe melon and pineapple aromas and flavours, but you’ll also find some attractive fruitiness that reminds of peaches, apricots and litchi. The oaked component gives the wine good structure, body and a lovely roundness on the palate. 60% barrel fermented in French oak, 30% new.
719872 Eikendal Reserve Chardonnay 2008
Two different sites were used to create this superbly balanced wine. One site had grapes grown on alluvial sandy soils, the other had grapes grown on mineral rich, red decomposed granite soils. The previous contributing a high profiled flavour spectrum, with abounding sweet fruit; the latter, minerally stealth, lengthy acidity and a promise of longevity. Eikendal Chardonnay is a classic well-balanced wine packed with rich fresh lemony, vanilla and toasty oak flavours. The fine complexity added by oak maturation has created a wine of distinction. Matured for 7 months in French oak barrels. Cellar for up to 5 years from vintage.
724771 Eikendal Cabernet-Shiraz 2004
This wine has a deep, dense cherry red colour. The nose shows an initial lift of rich plums, spices and liquorice aromas, all framed with stylish vanilla oak. The palate is with deep, dark fruits, black as chocolates and heading into bramble and briar. A generous wine with a rich silky texture that finishes with long, slippery tannins.
719873 Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Rewards of a richer array of complex palate flavours follow the soft & understated sea spray, savoury & earthy bouquet of this deep garnet Cabernet. Nuances of cracked pepper, pencil shavings and a minerally, fresh meat character; combine with firm day tannins, refreshing acidity and well judged wood treatment. The wine is well balanced with a lingering savoury & red-fruited aftertaste.
719875 Eikendal Reserve Shiraz 2004
Very deep opaque crimson in colour. Complex aromas of roast meats, spices, bacon, tar, prunes, plums and blackberries, with hints of anise, mint, earth and exotic spices. New characteristics emerge each time you return to the glass. Sweet rich complex, concentrated and dense with chewy textured tannins; very long and memorable. It shows a rich, well-structured body and an elegant long finish.
719876 Eikendal ‘Classique’ Blend 2005
Eikendal Classique is an elegant, well-balanced Bordeaux style blend. Marvellous full flavours are entwined throughout, with strains of oak, spice, chocolate, tobacco and mint, all leading to a very smooth finish. It shows a rich, well-structured body, and fine tannins. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc
724774 Eikendal Noble Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2006
This liquid golden asset is a brilliantly concentrated Noble Late Harvest made from Chenin grapes. The honeyed bouquet is layered with sun dried peach and apricot aromas and the typical flavours of Botrytis cinerea (ripe pineapple). On the palate there is a taste explosion of ripe pineapples. It is an elegant but flavour packed wine with a good fruit and fresh acidity for long ageing.