Continuing a proud tradition, the Constitution Road wines, Robertson Winery’s flagship range, continue to impress with the new vintage Chardonnay 2016 and Shiraz 2015 receiving recognition both locally and internationally.
ROBERTSON WINERY CONSTITUTION ROAD CHARDONNAY 2016
The vineyard: The grapes come from selected premium vineyards on Robertson Winery’s Wandsbeck farm. The vineyards are shy bearing and the berries are extremely small. “It’s an amazing vineyard. I have worked with many different vineyards in the Robertson Wine Valley over the past five years and this is the best for Chardonnay”, continues Jacques Roux.
The harvest:
The cellar: Only the free-run juice was used, partially settled for 12 hours and then racked off the heavy lees into new and 2nd-fill French oak. Natural fermentation took place in barrel, after which the wine was left on the primary lees and underwent malolactic fermentation in new and 2nd fill French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 18 months in barrel.
The wine: Alluring interlaced aromas of citrus, buttered toast, marmalade and vanilla are prominent on the nose. A zesty acidity counters the rich creamy texture on the palate, which exhibits layers of citrus, pear and butterscotch that linger on the finish.
The accolades: Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2018 – Double Gold
Chardonnay Du Monde 2018 – Silver
Vitis Vinifera Awards 2018 – Gold
The food: Eggs Benedict; Grilled prawns or salmon with garlic butter sauce; Fillet steak béarnaise; Grilled chicken with butternut coulis and sliced avocado; Toasted polenta with Brie and sautéed mushrooms; Sage-butter pumpkin ravioli.
The price: The Robertson Winery Constitution Road Chardonnay 2016 retails nationally at leading wine retailers for approximately R150.
ROBERTSON WINERY CONSTITUTION ROAD SHIRAZ 2015
The vineyard: The grapes are sourced from Robertson Winery’s top shiraz vineyards – two premium blocks on the Wolfkloof farm.
The cellar: A 10% saignée and two days of cold maceration took place in small open top fermenters. Once fermentation began, the skin cap was punched down or pumped over every six hours to ensure optimal extraction of flavour, tannin and colour. After fermentation the wine was left on the skins for 5-7 days extended maceration. Malolactic fermentation took place in 100% new 225- and 300-litre French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 36 months in barrel.
The wine: It has a radiant deep purple colour. Rich aromas of ripe plum and blackberries envelop warm spice notes and a hint of dark chocolate. The ripe, dark fruit found on the nose follows through onto the voluptuous, velvety palate and lingers on the finish. This opulent wine is bold, well-structured and exquisitely poised.
Cellaring potential: 7 to 10 years
The accolades: Michelangelo International Wine Awards –Gold
Syrah Du Monde 2018 – Silver
The food: Slow-roasted barbecue pork shoulder with plum sauce; Grilled pepper steak with onion and blue cheese; Herb-crusted rack of lamb; A hearty venison casserole.
The price: The Robertson Winery Constitution Road Shiraz 2012 retails nationally at leading wine retailers for approximately R220.
