Wine Lovers

Day 1… the air-conditioning renders the sizzling atmosphere a ‘cool place’ to be  in Singapore.

11am. The buyers and traders from all over Asia stream in and almost all of them linger at our Singapore/South African stand. Our wines flow. The chilled 2009 Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc (2009 at S$48 and Joostenberg Fairhead at S$48 are an instant talking point among the refined connoisseurs and wine loving public). Our wooded Chardonnay (Isabella from estate Muratie) is favourably compared with the very finest the ‘old world’ has to offer.

Our selection of reds gets the nod from even the renowned Wine Masters in attendance. Many had previously visited South Africa and the nose brought a flood of sentimentality along with it. Our Catherina blend from the esteemed Steenberg estate in the Cape Coastal region was instantly revered as superb (possibly the 5% addition of Nebbilio grape rendered it original). Our Ansela Van Der Caab blend of Cabernet and Merlot was ranked comparable with the very best classic Bordeaux wines. Boschkloof’s “Conclusion” with its chocolate and elegant tobacco aromas (Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Verdot and Shiraz) was an ‘exquisite ‘keeper’ and could stand its ground (with or without a meal) to compliment its subtlety. The 2000 bottle only limited edition of Muraties’s flagship and dedication to the wine estate owner’s late father “Ronnie Melck” Shiraz at S$88 per bottle astounded the serious wine specialists with its absolute perfection. The lingering finish of this immaculate wine lasted long after the hall shut down. The many who savoured this offering and took a few bottles to grace their personal collections can be proud toady as they will be in 15 years by their acquisition and investment.

Our ‘traffic stopping’ Noble Late (100% Chenin Blanc) 375ml treasure appealed and was the perfect ending to any palette. At S$48 a bottle, it’s understandable why it would be our biggest seller at this expo.