Sumaridge tasting room review

Just off the R320, on the outskirts of Hermanus, lies Sumaridge, with sweeping views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley that stretch to Walker Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a spectacular location, owned by the Bellingham Turner family. The sandstone building is entrancing, framed by carefully manicured gardens overlooking a dam, and benches are dotted on the lawns.

 

When we pay Sumardige a visit it's a chilly winter's day, and what would be a welcoming fi replace has sadly not been put to use. It's a busy Saturday morning and the small tasting counter is rather crowded, so we ask the attendant whether we can sit at one of the tables overlooking the glorious view. She says she's too busy to assist us at the table, but we're welcome to take a seat and come to the counter to fill our glasses.

We sit at our table - by far a better choice - and soak up the impressive view as we work our way through the wines.

Of the whites, the one to impress is the Maritimus 2009 (R110), a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillion, that displays evidence of delicate wooding on the nose and a pleasant minerality on the palate. The Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (R70) is equally enjoyable, with lively acidity and a refreshing ‘zing', although we are eager to move onto the reds, for this is where Sumaridge really excels.

Not surprisingly, the highlight of the tasting is the Pinot Noir 2008, displaying typical cool-climate characteristics with delicate cherry aromas and a silky, well-balanced palate. It's on the expensive side at R180 a bottle, but we buy one anyway to stash in the cellar for a couple of years. The Epitome 2007 (R160) is said to draw together the best varietals of the Sumaridge location. We enjoy the hints of spice and chocolate on this well-balanced blend of Syrah, Pinotage and Merlot.

By this stage we're getting hungry, but the restaurant at Sumaridge recently closed its doors. (The tasting room now serves platters, which one can enjoy while tasting.)

As we finish our last drop of Merlot 2007 (R80), which we suspect could do with a bit of time in cellar, our hostess is nowhere to be found in the nowempty tasting room, although she does quickly reappear as we move to hover at the tasting counter, credit card in hand. Once we've paid for our wine, she vanishes again, leaving us in an empty tasting room (I'm tempted to stick an extra bottle or two in my handbag) as my tasting partner disappears to the loo. He soon reemerges and drags me down the narrow flight of stairs to chuckle at the long line of Ronald Searle caricatures adorning the wall outside the bathrooms.

Heading home we agree that, as they say, ‘location is everything'. A beautiful setting - paired with fine wines - seduces visitors at Sumaridge, so next time we'll be buying a bottle of wine to enjoy on a bench outside.

Sumaridge, R320, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
Open for tasting Monday to Saturday,
12:00 to 15:00.
Tel: 028 312 1097

NEIGHBOURS OF NOTE
Newton Johnson - This family-run wine farm is home to a restaurant called Heaven, indeed an appropriate name with its panoramic views. Order a bottle of the Domaine Pinot Noir 2008 with your meal.

La Vierge - The restaurant and tasting room enjoy spectacular views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Be sure to try the estate's Sauvignon Blanc.

OVERALL RATING: ★ ★ ★ ✩
WINES: Very good, although not all are pocket-friendly
SERVICE: Friendly, but could do with a few more hands on deck
AMBIENCE: Tranquil