Waterkloof's Circle of Life
By owner Paul Boutinot's own admission, the name might be "kitsch", but Waterkloof has just unveiled its maiden vintage of the Circle of Life to an appreciative audience of winos.
The white blend, according to winemaker Werner Engelbrecht, is "an expression of nature's ability to renew itself every year and its annual cycle a metaphor for birth, production, death and rebirth once again at the advent of a new season."
But what of the actual composition? The 2009 vintage consists of roughly 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Semillon, says Waterkloof owner Paul Boutinot, although he won't reveal exact amounts.
"This wine is just at the beginning of its life and will only improve and become more complex as time goes by," says Werner, and a tasting reveals this to be the case. Lively acidity and flavours of melon and tropical fruit give way to good minerality and a persistent finish.
The Circle of Life red is due for release in September, although Paul and Werner wouldn't reveal any details as to the components of the blend. Given the superb quality of the white, we await the red with great anticipation!
The Circle of Life 2009 will retail for approximately R140.
