On Tues 4th August, media and trade were hosted by CEO Gerard Holden to an impressive tasting and Master Class of their Reserve Range at the farm. We were taken through their current releases as well as dipped into a few older vintages. The farm really seems to have its vineyards planted in all the right places, as we heard from French (Corsican) and seasoned CellarMaster Thierry Haberer time and time again. He confirmed that their wines are made in the vineyard and Master of Wine, Greg Sherwood, recounted how special it was to walk through the vineyards with him. We were reminded how the 2018 vintage was affected by the terrible drought in the Cape that year (Remember Day Zero?!) - and the flavours were really intensified. The farm has good access to water which ensures the vines did not suffer too much. I loved the Grenache Rose, and the Old Vine Chenin, planted in 1982. We went through a considerable flight of wines, accompanied by Thierry and Gerard's explanations and a delicious 3- course meal. A most unusual starter tantalised all the senses: Textures of Carrot (carrot sorbet, carrot bisque, citrus cream & ginger meringue). A perfect pairing to the Old Vine Chenin. The reds were largely focused on Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, with the most unusual flagship wine, the Elysium, being an unusual blend of Syrah and Merlot. This was clearly a cause of much confusion and mirth, as Thierry sneakily kept it away from Gerard in a few barrels until he and 2 Masters of Wine discovered it. It is now a seriously highly-rated wine!Click HERE to watch Gerard tell the story of the Elysium.