Known as the King of Babylon, the story of Nebuchadnezzar is one of power, wealth, luxury and success. Nebukadnesar (Afrikaans) is therefore a fitting name for Babylonstoren’s very first flagship red wine, which was released towards the end of 2014.
Those who’ve paid a visit to this historic farm, situated in the Drakenstein Valley between Franschhoek and Paarl, will know that there are very few wine establishments that can compete with Babylonstoren’s exquisite beauty and magical attractions.
Owner Koos Bekker and his team’s passion for excellence is evident in the estate’s wines and the Nebukadnesar 2012 is no exception.
“The Nebukadnesar is a simple and honest reflection of the terroir at Babylonstoren,” says cellar master Charl Coetzee. “Its realisation is a credit to the efforts of every individual who nurtured it from the vine to the bottle.”
Babylonstoren wines are made simply, in a state-of-the-art winery, to highlight the soils and climate where its grapes grow.
This incredibly moreish Bordeaux blend – with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc the dominating role players – was designed to celebrate the diversity of Babylonstoren and its garden. All five cultivars were made separately and matured in new French oak barrels for 12 months. The blend was then created and returned to barrels for another 12 months.
It’s the intriguing nose of ripe summer mulberries with some tobacco and the enduring finish that separate the Nebukadnesar from so many others. The carefully designed label also adds a dash of uniqueness and expresses the essence of Babylonstoren: the flower represents the garden; the bird, nature and the pipe represents the farm.
The Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar 2012 is priced at R270 a bottle and available directly from the cellar door.
Nebukadnesar joins the Babylonstoren Chardonnay, which together make up the flagship range. The rest of the portfolio consist out of a Chenin Blanc, a Mourvedre Rosé, a Viognier, the Babel Red Blend and a Shiraz.
A visit to Babylonstoren is highly recommended. Those who wish to get better acquainted with the farm’s winemaking philosophies should undertake the newly upgraded, one-hour cellar tour. It provides insight into the farm’s history, wine growing heritage, new olive oil production plant, winery and barrel cellar and includes an olive oil and wine tasting along the way.
Babylonstoren is open 7 days a week from 08h30 – 17h00. The daily cellar tour starts at 12h00 and booking is essential. The R10 entrance fees guests pay at the gate are donated to the Babylonstoren Trust.
Stay in touch with Babylonstoren by joining its exclusive Wine Club and enjoy the benefits it offers. This includes amongst others complimentary entrance to the farm; special discount on wines; accommodation at the farm hotel; free delivery nationwide; and, invitations to special launches, social events and tastings. As a member, you’ll also pay nothing for you and a group of up to 10 people to taste wine and do the cellar tour. For bookings or to sign up as a member of the Babylonstoren Wine Club, call 021 863 3852 or send email to [email protected]
