Out and about in Jonkershoek Valley

A ward in the Stellenbosch district, Jonkershoek Valley boasts a small number of producers - but some pretty big names.

South Africa's Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises "geographic units", "regions", "districts" and "wards" in order of size from biggest to smallest.

INTRODUCTION
A ward in the Stellenbosch district, Jonkershoek Valley boasts a small number of producers - but some pretty big names. Steep mountain walls result in a unique micro-climate: an average rainfall almost double that of the rest of Stellenbosch and a slightly cooler average temperature. Strong south-easterly winds in summer help to prevent disease and restrict yields. Red wines in particular are characterised by fine, elegant tannins and good natural acidity.

WHAT TO DO
• Catch rainbow trout at Jonkershoek Flyfishing, where a hatchery was established in the late 1800s (now a national monument). The Trout Café specialises in trout dishes and other light, seasonal meals, plus there's a freshwater aquarium. Tel 021 866 1011.
• Hike through the spectacular Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, where there are five trails of varying degrees of difficulty and length, or go for a walk and picnic in the wild flower garden at nearby Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve. Tel 021 866 1560.

WHERE TO STAY
• The five-star Lanzerac Manor and Winery is one of South Africa's prettiest hotels, with five types of suites. A recent addition is the Lanzerac Spa and Wellness Centre. Tel 021 887 1132.
• Auberge Rozendal Wine Farm is a family-run country inn with 16 en-suite guestrooms, each combining European comfort with traditional African styling. Tel 021 809 2600.

WHERE TO EAT
• There are a number of dining options at Lanzerac: the Governor's Hall Restaurant for à la carte elegance, the Lanzerac Terrace for alfresco meals and the international buffet (Sundays only) in the Lady Anne Courtyard. Tel 021 887 1132.
• For French country flair, Auberge Rozendal's restaurant is open seven days a week and offers a set menu of seasonal dishes with produce from the farm's biodynamic garden. Tel 021 809 2600.

WINES TO TRY
Alongside are some of WINE magazine's favourite wines from Jonkershoek. The selection is by no means exhaustive - space constraints mean only a finite number can be featured, while we also want to showcase examples spanning different price points rather than simply those that are most highly acclaimed. Nevertheless, they provide a good introduction to what the ward has to offer.

REDS WORTH CHECKING OUT

KLEIN GUSTROUW CABERNET
SAUVIGNON MERLOT 2006
Cellar price: R85
Visits: by appointment
Tel 021 887 8039

Why we like it:
This small farm has been something of a best-kept secret but that's set to change since its acquisition by business tycoons Jannie Mouton and Markus Jooste. Ripe berry fruit and chocolate on the nose and palate.

LANZERAC MERLOT 2007
Cellar price: R89
Visits: Mon-Thu 08:30-17:00, Fri & public
holidays 09:00-16:00, Sat 10:00-14:00,
Sun 11:00-15:00
Tel 021 886 5641

Why we like it:
Ripe plummy fruit on the nose and palate. Full bodied with plenty of oak, this is made in a modern style and needs time in the bottle before showing at its best. Lanzerac Estate is
also home to a five-star hotel.

LE RICHE RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003
Cellar price: R300
Visits: Mon-Fri 10:00-12:30, 14:00-16:30,
Sat & public holidays by appointment
Tel 021 887 0789

Why we like it:
An undisputed benchmark in the Cabernet category. This wine shows cassis, graphite and some herbaceous nuances on the nose. The palate is full bodied but pure and balanced and
not at all overdone. Long, dry finish.

NEIL ELLIS VINEYARD SELECTION
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
Cellar price: R190
Visits: Mon-Fri 09:30-16:30,
Sat & public holidays 10:00-14:00
Tel 021 887 0789

Why we like it:
Though winemaker Neil Ellis is South Africa's pioneering negoçiant, sourcing top-quality grapes from around the country, this wine is very much from Jonkershoek. Cassis and some dusty oak notes on the nose, while the palate shows good fruit expression, some herbal nuances and fine tannins.

ROZENDAL 2001
Cellar price: R85
Visits: by appointment
Tel 021 809 2600

Why we like it:
From a tiny biodynamic vineyard in suburban Stellenbosch. No wine made here for a few years but more mature vintages are still available. Shy on the nose and medium bodied on the palate with dark fruit and some herbal character, fresh acidity and fine tannins.

STARK-CONDÉ THREE PINES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
Cellar price: R185
Visits: Sat 10:00-14:00 or by appointment
Tel 021 887 3665

Why we like it:
Gold medal winner at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2008, this wine is rich and full on the palate with sweet, ripe fruit and welljudged oak. Production was extremely limited - our bottle was number 4 785 out of 5 472. 22 months in French oak, 70% new.