For the team at Eikendal, wine is the essence of civilisation and life. During 2012, Eikendal raised its all-round winemaking talent with no less than seven impressive local and international awards.
Just before the start of the holidays, I had the opportunity to meet Eikendal’s winemaker Nico Grobler, whose wines impressed the palates of several high profile wine judges and oenophiles during 2012.
Winemaker at Eikendal – Nico Grobler
Nico was only 13 years old when he decided on his future career. Having grown up in Gauteng, he had never been exposed to the wine industry, but this did not stop his dream of becoming a winemaker. After finishing his studies in 2005 he joined Eikendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch and today Nico – and his wine-loving fans – are reaping the rewards of his dedication, passion and talent.
While enjoying an exceptionally tasty 4 course lunch, prepared by resident chef Mark Radnay, Nico shared some of his person highlights of the past year.
“2012 was an exceptional year for Eikendal. Whilst it still gives me great satisfaction to see people enjoying our wines, accolades such as these somehow remind me how much I truly love what I do and where I am. I’m glad to see that the wine on which we have built our reputation over the past 30 years still make us proud.”
The latest of the five top performing wines that contributed to Eikendal’s ‘star-studded year’ is the newly released Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, which has already been crowned twice.
Another red gem that shot to fame this year is Eikendal’s flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, Classique 2009, which streaked ahead of its competition with double trophy glory at the Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2012. The Classique 2009 won the Old Mutual Trophy for the Best Red Wine as well as the Riedel Trophy for the Best Bordeaux-style Red Blend.
The estate’s white flagship (and also my person favourite) – the elegantly wooded Eikendal Chardonnay 2011 walked off with a gold medal at Old Mutual Trophy Awards.
Earlier this year the Eikendal Merlot 2009 clinched gold at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 in the UK.
Apart from Eikendal’s palate pleasing factor, the wines also offer extreme value for money, with most of them retailing at just under or over R100.
The wines of Eikendal was certainly one of my most exciting discoveries of 2012 and I’m pretty certain that Nico and his team will continue their award winning steak during 2013.
