Hazendal Estate

Stellenbosch

Set in the picturesque wine-producing valley of the Bottelary Hills, lies Hazendal, one of the oldest and most beautiful wine farms in the Stellenbosch area.

Hazendal derives its name from the original owner, Christoffel Hazenwinkel, who originally came from Braunschweig, Germany in 1686 and served the Company as a beadle and messenger of the Court. Hazenwinkel was given 60 hectares in 1699 by Governor Willem van der Stel on which he planted the Estate's first vines. In 1728 Christoffel Hazenwinkel left South Africa to return to Germany after which Hazendal went through several changes in ownership.

In 1831 Izaak Bosman, who hailed from Paarl, bought Hazendal and five generations of Bosmans proceeded to cultivate the enlarged property of 145 hectares for the next 163 years before relinquishing it in 1994. Izaak's son Jacobus shifted the farm's focus from livestock to wine production and planted vines extensively, establishing on Hazendal the tradition of the Steen variety. His grandson, Piet, represented the dynasty from 1941 and during his reign the estate's Steen wine, in particular, became much sought after and was marketed country-wide by the Bergkelder of Stellenbosch.

In 1994 Russian born entrepreneur Dr Mark Voloshin, Chairman of the international Marvol Group, showed his confidence in the "new" South Africa with the purchase of Hazendal Wine Estate and his investment in the re-establishment of this historic property to its former glory. Particular attention has been given to the preservation of its cultural heritage e.g. the old wine cellar. In addition a modern, state-of-the-art wine cellar has been built which adjoins the wine tasting centre.

The Estate has 60 hectares under vine, including Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Hazendal's winemaker, Ronell Wiid, has won numerous awards, including the 'Diner's Club Winemaker of the Year Award' and she uses the most natural processes available to create distinctive, high quality wines.

We are excited to be representing such a fine Estate in the UK and we have no doubt these wines will be received with the enthusiasm they deserve.

White and Rosé

'Bushvine' Chenin Blanc (unwooded) 2007
Made from 30 year old bushvines, this wine continues to have a winning formula. With old wine concentration,this crystal clear, pale straw wine with youthful green tints has ripe tropical fruit on the nose, succulent tropical flavours, loads of juicy liveliness with or without food, plus the ability to age well for a couple of years. It nicely accentuates the sweeter flavours in mild cheeses and lighter meat dishes including ham and chicken. "There are very few front-ranking Cape Chenin Blancs that get to market without an overt dollop of oak... A truly noteworthy exception is the Hazendal Bushvine 2006. Packed with a Loire Valley Vouvray-like brisk acidity and fabulous fruit intensity" Michael Fridjhon 2007.

Chenin Blanc Wooded 2006
Made from 30 year old bushvines, the wine is a dark, deep straw-coloured wine with buttery soft vanilla and honeysuckle aromas on the nose. Matured in French oak barrels for 9 months, the wine has a good balance between the oak characteristics and fruit intensity on the palate and is complemented by a full, long aftertaste.

Sauvignon Blanc 2007/08
Lovely, tropical aromas which transfer beautifully to the palate where there is a perfect balance between acidity and fruit. The wine shows attractive varietal character with hints of guava and pineapple, but still has the firm acidity one looks for in a Sauvignon Blanc. It is a well-balanced, food-friendly wine that goes well with a variety of seafood dishes, especially shellfish, poultry and green vegetables.

Red

Pinotage 2007
Deep, dark centred wine has sweet blackberry and smokiness aromas on the nose that follow through nicely to the palate. The wine is then completed by a round finish and soft tannins. Its firm, full-bodied structure will hold up the wine for five to eight years.

Shiraz Cabernet 2003/07
A blend of 55% Shiraz (30+ year old vines) and 45% Cabernet (15 year old vines), the grapes were picked as ripe as possible to ensure good tannin levels. This deep red blend has an earthy, spicy, and upfront nose with aromas of smoked meat and ripe plums. The rich plum flavours translate to the palate and are met by blackcurrant and dark chocolate in the mid-palate. It has a bold tannin structure, a long finish, and a spicy aftertaste. The wine was matured for 12 months in French oak barrels and needs time to develop to its full potential (ideally 3-5 years). Pairs perfectly with roasted and grilled meats such as beef, venison, and rib-eye.

Cabernet Merlot 2002
A blend of 40% Merlot and 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, the classically fruit driven ruby red has an upfront nose and rich blackberry and raspberry flavours on the palate. It is a well balanced, medium bodied wine with hints of creamy chocolate. Wooded and ready to drink now or will mature for another 2-3 years. A great match with all red meat dishes particularly roast beef or lamb.

Merlot 2006
Produced from 8 year old vineyards, the wine has lovely cedar wood and cigar box aromas on the nose and delicious berry fruit on the palate which is well balanced by gentle oak flavours. It has a bigger, bolder flavour concentration which is due to vine maturity and a spicy frame marked by meaty ripeness with a combination of pepper and fruit. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Lovely ripe tannins make it accessible now, but it will age well. Also makes an excellent pairing with meat dishes such as duck, goose, and roasted beef or lamb.

Reserve Red (Cabernet Merlot) 2005
This classically fruit driven ruby red has an upfront nose and rich blackberry & raspberry flavours which translate to the palate. It is a well balanced, medium bodied wine with a hint of caramel and subtle herbaceousness. The pleasantly soft tannins give a long round finish. Ready to drink now, it pairs well with meat dishes such as roasted beef or lamb.

Sweet Wine

The Last Straw 2006
Made from 30 year old bushvines from Chenin Blanc vineyards, the grapes are hand picked very ripe and dried naturally on straw. The wine was matured in 300 litre French oak barrels for 12 months. Dried apricot and fruitcake flavours on the bouquet, with a rich palate crammed with dried fruits, and lightened by fresh citrus flavours.

Visit www.hazendal.co.za for further information on Hazendal Estate.