Tulbagh’s history is practically as old as the South African wine industry itself, however it has never been a region associated with quality wine. However it is attracting a number of new investors keen to exploit the region’s potential. None more so than British investment bankers, George Austin and Jason Scott. Their interest in wine goes back many years and was developed by regular sorties to buy wine in the Mosel, Rheingau, Burgundy and Alsace whilst they were both working in Germany. With a desire to own a vineyard and make wine, they began to scour the globe in search of an ideal location.
Construction of the cellar started in February 2002 and at the same time the search was on to find a winemaker who could share the vision of working the farm organically. Chris Mullineux joined the venture in May 2002 straight out of Stellenbosch University, but although a novice, Chris’ passion was for the vineyards, seeing himself as a winegrower rather than winemaker - a philosophy that appealed to both George and Jason.
In creating the range it is the philosophy of all involved that each year the estate will look towards releasing a single wine that best reflects the environment and growing conditions of that particular vintage. This is to be called ‘Theta’, which apart from being the 8th letter of the Greek alphabet is a word used in financial jargon to signify the value of time. Theta 2003 is a straight selection of the 19 best barrels of Syrah. The Syrah/Mourvèdre 2003 is an 82/18% blend, with the latter component representing two barrels worth of wine (there would have been more but this was the cultivar of choice for the local troop of baboons this vintage). Both of these wines are certified organic
Prior to the 2004 vintage it was agreed that in addition to the estate fruit they would continue to buy in grapes, primarily from the Swartland and create a range of (none organic) negociant wines to be sold under the ‘TMV’ label. These are set for bottling later in the year, but include a straight Swartland Syrah and a cross regional blend of Syrah, Cinsault and Cabernet which will be sold as ‘Viktoria’.
Per case ex VAT
2003 Syrah/ Mourvedre A stunning nose of youthful, earthy, black/red fruit, showing fruit skin intensity. Luscious and elegant with herbs and a touch of chocolate. Dry, low acidity, medium soft tannins, medium bodied. Very intense and mouth filling with juicy red/ black fruits and herbs. Elegant and wonderfully balanced with a purity of character. Superb length with spice and terroir notes. (CG)
168.00
2003 Theta (per 6x75cl) Clean, liquor like aromas of pure blackcurrant with that incredible fruit skin intensity. Incredible depth with a touch of wood smoke and violets. Dry, low acidity, medium tannins, medium bodied with buckets of youthful, very ripe blackcurrant and herb flavours. Wonderfully balanced and harmonious, soft and juicy with an exceptionally long length. (CG)
172.00
2004 Swartland Syrah Very aromatic aromas of youthful tobacco smoke, integrated toasty oak, vanilla, blackcurrant, leafy herbs and liquorice. Very ripe with a great depth of sweet fruit. Dry, low acidity, low ripe tannins. Mouth filling and extremely juicy flavours of blackcurrant, tobacco smoke and herbs. Lovely length with a lasting leafy character. (CG)
156.00
2004 Viktoria Clean, youthful aromas of wonderfully herby, scrubby, leafy, blackberry hedgerow fruit, a touch of oak and a slight floral note. Dry, low acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium bodied. A lovely intensity of earthy, leafy, blackberry hedgerow fruits, superb length, lovely complexity and a great character. (CG)
110.00
Except where indicated all wines are priced per case of 12x75cl exclusive of VAT and onward UK carriage.
Delivery charges (exclusive of VAT):-
1 case - £10.95
2-3 cases - £9.50
4 + cases - FREE
E&OE. All wines are available subject to remaining unsold.
For export and all customers requiring the facilities of a bond the majority of our wines are available without duty under bond.
Current duty rates per 12 x 75cl,
still wines £17.50
sparkling wines £22.40
fortified wines £23.32
Anniversary Vintages We are frequently asked to source whiskies and Armagnacs for anniversaries and birthday.
So if you're looking for a particular vintage to celebrate a special occasion, look no further. Vintage whisky, armagnac & cognac.
