This "Cabernet Sauvignon specialist" derived its name from the Dutch of the 1700s, when people referred to the property belonging to Dutch East India Company employee Martin Melck at the time, as "de plaats waar de leeuwen knorren" - the place where the lions roar. Melck gave the property to his daughter as a wedding gift and it has been in the Van Niekerk family ever since.
Co-owner Hansie van Niekerk remembers his family making non-labelled wines in the cellar dating back to the 1930s, but it was not until 1997 that the farm bottled its maiden Cabernet Sauvignon under its own label - a wine that made its mark with a Veritas Double Gold medal.
Today the Van Niekerks rate Cabernet Sauvignon as the farm's flagship cultivar; one that has earned them multiple Veritas accolades: four-star ratings in Platter; a Gold at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards; the Best Cabernet title at the SA Terroir and Winemakers' Choice awards, and four- and four-and-a-half-star ratings in Wine Magazine over the past decade.
The newly released 2007 Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is made from two clones on the farm, one lending typical Cabernet characteristics and the other more minty flavours to the wine.
Following time-honoured winemaking traditions, and steering clear of the commercial route, Albertyn matured his 2007 vintage in French oak for 20 months although only 30% spent time in first-fill barrels, as he prefers the natural fruit to prevail above an overly pronounced wood character.
This red is said to be the perfect choice with your Christmas or Sunday roast and it also complements venison, ostrich and tomato-based pastas exceptionally well. Or squirrel it away in your cellar for another three to five years to reach its full potential.
The Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 is available from R98.95 per bottle directly at the cellar door or at leading wine outlets nationwide.
For more information or wine orders contact Knorhoek Estate on +27 (0) 21 865 2114/5 or go to www.knorhoek.co.za.
