The wines we drink: L’Avenir Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

A cosy Friday winter evening at a wine farm in Stellenbosch was just what we needed after the miserable winter weather that hit Cape Town last week.  The folks at L’Avenir invited us for a 4-course meal prepared by the fabulous Matt Manning of One Ingredient paired with their wines.  Think lush lawns, crackling fireplace, warm hospitality, decent wine and elegant food; oh and a very comfortable bed.

IMG_9149 Our accommodation in the L’Avenir Country Lodge was comfortable, had everything we needed (including pillows that we so comfortable, fellow guests were debating how to fit them into their small overnight bags).  Rates for the low season start at R1,545 per room for 2, so no excuse to not stay over.

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During our delicious meal, we tasted (no, consumed may be a better descriptor) a fair bit of the L’Avenir Blanc de Blanc (R190), Brut Rosé (R160), both their Chenin Blancs (the single block Chenin Blanc is a must-taste) and the Pinotage that they are so well-known for.  A visit to the new L’Avenir Pinotage Lounge heralded the uncorking of a 2004 from the farm and the winemaker Dirk Coetzee, who’s been on the farm for 7 years now, gave us a short overview of the history of Pinotage making on the farm – fascinating stuff.

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Back to the wine: Standout of the evening was our after-dinner tipple: The L’Avenir Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (R95).  Showing why Cabs from the Simonsberg Ward in Stellenbosch are so highly rated: Perfectly balanced nuances of blackcurrant, leather and spice set against a background of fresh fynbos character.

Pinotage Lounge

Dirk Coetzee

The Pinotage Lounge & Wine maker Dirk Coetzee

What a lovely farm; what lovely people.  Find an excuse and go – there will be a wine that you love!  Look out for more “wine & dine” evenings on the farm, especially during the winter months.

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http://www.lavenirestate.co.za/

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