Elgin Valley in all its pride and glory is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lush vineyards and juicy apple trees. This time of the year with the Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food Festival the valley is showing off with the most beautiful autumn colours and is ready for everyone to discover the gems produced in the valley.
Tucked away in the cool climate region of Elgin, just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, is where you would find one of the most picturesque estates around. This is Shannon Vineyards.
As you enter the farm you are greeted by a long oak-lined driveway and a view that is as pretty as a pucture. From grape vines to apple and pear orchards, the estate is abuzz with activity. Shannon Vineyards is owned and run by the Downes brothers, James and Stuart. It is not difficult to see how much love and passion goes into the estate.
The cool climate at Shannon Vineyards is symbolised by the cold morning mist rising up from the fresh water of the dam. This mist is expressed by the swirling design of their logo.
The estate grows 4 different grapes: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017
The nose shows citrus blossom a very subtle note of fresh herbs before lime, grapefruit and a little pineapple. The palate displays good fruit definition, fresh acidity and a suitably dry finish.
SÉMILLON 2016
A really complex nose of pear, yellow apple, white peach, just a hint of fresh herbs and subtle vanilla. The palate is rich and broad with soft but sufficient acidity.
The gold-skinned grape if Sémillon produces France’s most famous and revered sweet wines, notably Sauternes, and some of the greatest dry white wines of Australia. Often lacking the acid required to balance its weight, Sémillon is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc.
MOUNT BULLET – MERLOT 2016
The wine has a fragrance of ripe red fruits such as plums and dark cherries, with earthy complexity and yet still expressing minerality. Maintaining a good acidity lends to outstanding freshness with a well integrated ripe and seductive tannin structure.
The Shannon Vineyards Mount Bullet (100% Merlot) is named after the rugged dome on the mountain range above the vineyards, which is depicted on the label. The name Mount Bullet originates from Bullet Bay on the ocean side of the mountain range, where the round granite rocks, rolling back and forth in the surf banging against each other, create the effect of bullets being fired.
ROCKVIEW RIDGE PINOT NOIR 2017
Flavours of vibrant raspberry, strawberry, currant and cherry on the palate. The palate is full and persistent, boasting an elevated freshness that adds wonderful balance. Smooth tannins provide a glossy concentration on the mid-palate that results in a lingering finishing and a subtly spiced aftertaste.
Pinot noir is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from pinot noir grapes. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black.
Shannon Vineyards strive to produce wines of complexity and elegance.
General Information:
Tastings by appointment only.
Monday through to Friday.
Preferably 10h00 till 13h00.
Unfortunately not open over weekends.
Tel: 021 859 2491
Email: info@shannonwines.com
Categories: Cultivar, Elgin Valley, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Region, Shannon Vineyards
