Phambili
A Gem from South Africa
We present for your enjoyment some of the finest wines from South Africa. These wines were developed for the US palate and market by Adrian Garforth Master of Wine, one of less than 264 MW's world wide.
South Africa has a unique Mediterranean climate which enables the production of unique and complex wines that still retain the fruit character that consumers find so appealing.
If you've never tried a Pinotage, now is your chance. Pinotage is a hybrid grape synonymous with South Africa. Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes first developed by Professor Al Peroldt at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. The delicate Pinot Noir coupled with the sturdy Cinsault makes Pinotage a desirable wine for any occasion.
Phambili means "Moving Forward" in Xhosa one of South Africa's official languages. Phambili wines are part of a "BEE" Foundation. The Back Economic Empowerment project in conjunction with the Phambili Workers Trust, set aside monies from the wine sales to enhance the community in which they live. This is a good thing, or as they say in Xhosa Kulungile- enkosie (thanks).
Tasting Notes: Phambili Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc
Phambili Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc has drawn something from all of its components. There is a clear, pale green tint and a touch of tropical fruit from the Chenin, luscious citrus from the Chardonnay and a discernible hint of peach, from the Viognier. The aftertaste is crisp and clean.
This blend of Chenin Blanc (45%) Chardonnay (45%) and 10% Viongier is a melting pot of great fruit flavor. Sourced from the Wellington region of the Western Cape. Only free run juice is used in this blend with an Alcohol of 13%, residual sugar 5g/l and an acid of 6.5g/l.
Serving Suggestions:
Lovely, luscious citrus and tropical fruit, leading to a soft creamy palate. An excellent match with chicken and white meats and wonderfully refreshing on its own.
Tasting Notes: Phambili Pinotage
Phambili Pinotage is a balanced, flavorsome wine with an excellent combination of dry tannins and oak flavors. The varietal trademark is unmistakeable — notes of rich creamy banana and sun-ripe plums. A ripe fruit laden palate with soft tannins opens up to provide a long fruity finish.
100% Pinotage, Alcohol 14%, Residual Sugar 5g/l, Acid 5.7g/l, these stats and the free run jucice presents a Pinotage for wine lovers. Winemaker Christian Visser ages the Pinotage in oak for 12 months.
Serving Suggestions:
Rich, banana and sun-ripe plum notes, lead to a ripe fruit laden palate with soft tannins and long fruity finish. Ideal with pizza and pasta dishes.
Tasting Notes: Phambili Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
The 2004 Phambili Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (Winner of the Warren Winiarski Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon, IWSC 2003) is packed with blackberry, cassis and mocha aromas. The palate is full, yet harmonious and supple, with agreeable dry tannins and lingering complex aftertaste.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a single eight year old vineyard that yields less than ten tons per hectare (2.47 hectares/acres), after full malolactic fermentation the wines are aged in 80% French oak and 20% American oak for twelve months. Alcohol is 14%, Residual sugar is 2.5g/l.
Serving Suggestions:
A big wine, packed with blackberry, cassis and mocha notes, leading to a long complex finish. Full bodied yet supple; ideal with red meat.