Since my first introduction to Avondale, I’ve found their wines rather enchanting. Over time, and the more I’ve learned about the farm itself, the magic has only grown, from the origin of the logo (the first drawing of the Earth as a part of the Universe) to the principles of the lunar calendar which apply so clearly to the taste of wines.
I was recently treated to a particularly special adventure to the farm itself. Shrouded in an air of old-world tranquility, one is immediately swept up in the atmosphere of the farm. Past the countryside garden & through the sweeping entrance, we were seated at a table on the verandah.
 
First, a welcome befitting of our surroundings – Armilla MCC 2009 with nose of rye toast and a sprinkle of salt, followed by a crisp palate of salty rye crust, this 100% Chardonnay bubbly spent 24 months on the lees during first ferment with 10% barrel ferment, followed by a further 3 years on bottle.
The name Armilla ties back to the biodynamic philosophy of the farm & artist-turned-winemaker Jonathan’s firm belief that if the moon can influence a body of water as vast as the ocean, surely it would influence people & plants that are mostly water-based.
From here, we moved to the Anima Chenin 2012 (Anima – Latin for Soul) which smelled of beautifully honeyed oranges with a soft & subtle palate & a hint of orange pith.  Whilst enjoying this lovely sweetheart Chenin, platter upon platter of cheeses, charcuterie, breads and crackers were laid out for just two of us to enjoy. From hard white to pungent blue and oozy Camembert to salami & Parma ham, olives, artichokes and what was fondly dubbed as ‘mummus’ – a tangy mustardy hummus. The description as a ‘pre-lunch snack’ may possibly have been the understatement of the millennium.
 
Well distracted by our table laden with goodness, we were brought back to our real task of tasting 6 of the 7 wines on offer by the farm (1 remains unreleased). Cyclus 2011 (Latin for cycle) filled our glasses next, a sweet honey melon-nosed white blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, Rousanne, Chenin & Semillion. While we sniffed, sipped and snacked, a few of the processes used to prepare compost on the farm were explained. One of said processes involves stirring compost concentrate into water for an hour, alternating the direction from clockwise to anti-clockwise every minute to emulate the harmony & turmoil of nature. 
Once the merits of recruiting voluntary sh*t-stirrers (of which we could suggest many) to help with compost-creation had been exhausted, we moved along to the Camissa 2012 (Khoi-San name for Table Mountain meaning “place of sweet water”, relating to the spring water used to water the vines).  The ever-so-pale pink Blanc de Noir had the nose of a posy of spring flowers & brought to mind images of little girls dancing in gossamer dresses.

We left the girls dancing & moved to the Samsara 2007 (Tibetan for ‘continuous flow’ meaning rebirth & reincarnation), a 100% Syrah with a musky, leathery nose followed by pink & white pepper with a snap of cayenne pepper on the palate.
Lastly, was La Luna 2007, a Cabernet Franc & Merlot led Bordeaux blend with 7 years of bottle age. It’s age certainly showed in the soft velvet mouthfeel, tasting of inky blackness & earth. The prominence of these characters was accredited to it being a Leaf day on the lunar calendar, a day which typically brings out the musty, earthy characteristics in a wine.
Wine in hand, it was time for a short walk to meet the ducks who make up the Snail Patrol before being herded back into their Duck Mobile & home for the afternoon. Post a short-lived cuddle with one of the Patrol, it was back to the table where, with a bottle of Armilla as ammunition, we enticed Jonathan to join us for a chat. 

Comfortably settled, donning his signature hat, Jonathan brought the day to a thoughtful end,  sharing further insights on the holistic practices on the farm, leading to an in-depth discussion of his various philosophies and kindly undertaking to measure each of our auras in turn. One glass more, and it was time for all to go. A truly special day shared by all.

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