On the slopes of Stellenbosch, you’ll find the gem TOKARA known for its wine, olive oil and art exhibitions.The farm has breathtaking views of rows of green, yellow vineyards rounding the property. We were invited for an afternoon at TOKARA to taste the newly released vintages in the reserve collection.
First up for the tasting, a glass of Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2015 which was a single varietal. Fruity notes of passion fruit, green figs and touches of cassis are the winemaker’s notes for taste. I loved the crispness of this white wine the most.
Director’s Reserve White 2014, a blend made up of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, is a beautiful gold in colour. An interesting mix of aromas and flavours come from baked apples, marzipan and a dash of nettles to name a few in this complex blend. I found this to be the heavier one out of the white wines.
Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2014 was a deep gold too. As a lover of Chardonnay, this was my favourite and I found it to be fresh and fruity. Developed from the vineyards in Simonsberg, the Chardonnay is bursting with the wonderful fresh summer flavours of papaya and pineapple with the lingering taste of lemon zest and marmalade.
Reserve Collection Syrah 2012 is also from the slopes of Simonsberg, this red blend is made up of Shiraz and Mourvedre.This dry and spicy was my favourite red wine of the day. In terms of taste, the herbs and white pepper add some spice to the mix of dark berries.
I found the Director’s Reserve Red 2012 to be very rich with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet franc. Director’s Reserve 5-year-old Potstill Brandy 2008, bottled in a flat, oval glass bottle which showed off the exquisite colour, knocked the breath out of me.
The light lunch was a mouthwatering affair perfectly paired with the TOKARA’s wines. First to be served up was a roasted hake paired with pommes puree, lemon cream and pine nuts with broccoli on the side. I found myself subconsciously taking smaller bites so that the meal wouldn’t end. It was very much the same with the dessert which was a chocolate mousse dressed with hazelnut dacquoise and beets along with orange buchu cream.
My favourites of the day were definitely found in the white wines with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay coming out tops. My choice out of the red wines would be the Syrah. Besides the wine, the food is worth a visit to the TOKARA farms too.
OF NOTE
Where TOKARA farm, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
Contact +27 21 808 5900, tokara.co.za
Photography Courtesy, Cassidy Emmanuel
