Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar

JOUBERT-TRADAUW

We pull into Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar on a lazy Saturday afternoon. It's an isolated location - although that's at least what us city-slickers think of anything located in the almost-desolate Klein Karoo. With just one other car in the dry, dusty parking area, all is quiet except for the sound of children playing in the distance, and we're not even sure if the tasting room is open. How does anyone make wine here in the middle of nowhere, we ponder.

 

Across the courtyard we spy a waitress serving a lone table of diners on the eclectic restaurant veranda and wander inside the tasting room where wine bottles adorn the counter and colourful artworks liven up the walls. It's peacefully quiet, and still we wonder whether they're closed when even the service bell elicits minimal reaction. Then, suddenly, winemaker Meyer Joubert pulls up in a plume of dust, leaps from his car and greets us like long-lost (and very thirsty) friends.

He's as passionate about his wine as any good winemaker should be, but he's also eager to find out what we think without imposing his opinions. He starts us off with the Unplugged R62 Sauvignon Blanc 2008, a good, easy-drinking wine selling for a reasonable R40. Although the Unplugged R62 Merlot/ Shiraz blend is also available for tasting, we move on to the more serious wines, falling under the Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar label.

The Chardonnay 2008 (R100) reveals buttery, toasty aromas which follow through to a full, but not overly wooded, palate with some minerality that is well-balanced with fruit. The Merlot/Cabertnet Sauvignon 2006 (R120) is pleasing with ripe, juicy fruit, while the Syrah 2006 (R120) impresses with a vibrant nose of spice, smoke and black fruit.

Meyer reveals that he follows a natural fermentation process, allowing nature to takes its course, and believes in minimal intervention in the cellar. He chooses to follow a more Old-World style of winemaking, resulting in fi nely structured wines. He continues to explain how the grapes ripen late here at Joubert-Tradauw and how important the terroir is in imparting unique characteristics to his wines. It's so rare for a winemaker to take time out to explain the intricacies of his viniculture practices that we can't help but feel privileged.

We had planned to head to Barrydale to have lunch at one of the assortment of restaurants, but Meyer convinces us to stay - the food at the restaurant next door is really delicious, he promises. And it is truly superb.

The kitchen serves hearty lunches and scrumptious platters consisting of local produce such as peaches and dried fruit, as well as some of the best bobotie you'll ever try. Tables are scattered outside on the patio, consisting of mismatched tablecloths, odd chairs and quirky centre arrangements. Portions are very generous and Joubert-Tradauw wines are served by the glass.

We leave with a bottle of Syrah and a few bottles of Chardonnay and vow to return to this oasis in the desert.

Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar
Open for tasting Monday to Friday
(10:00 to 16:00) and Saturday
(10:00 to 14:00).
Tel: 028 572 1619

NEIGHBOURS OF NOTE
You'll have to drive a fair distance (about 15 minutes along the R62) to find Joubert-Tradauw's closest neighbour
Barrydale Wines. Here you can taste Barrydale and Ladismith wines as well as potstill brandy.

OVERALL RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

WINES: Small, but quality range
SERVICE: Outstanding
AMBIENCE: Relaxed and homely