Friday 20 April 2012

Avondale: Terra Est Vita

Avondale is a family owned farm situated in Paarl, South Africa. The estate is organic certified and keeps a holistic view of the vineyard ecosystem. Their attention to detail is impeccable bordering on engendered perfection.


They aim high with their 6 wines, ranging from R122 to R277, with a seventh flagship (blended red) to come. Each wine has a story that is encapsulated by their titles.


The MCC, Armilla (R179 , non vintage), is 100% Chardonnay with lovely crisp flavour and feel.

Their two whites are quite interesting, Anima (R163, 2009) is a Chenin Blanc which has a slight sweet aroma with a taste of yellow berries. The Cyclus (R204, 2009) is a white blend of 60% Viognier with Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon making up the balance. The Cyclus has a much more open aroma than the Amina, with a complex taste and many layers of pear, apricot, light wood and slightly higher acidic finish. Both wines were delicious, and would be even better in a chilled decanter.

The Rosé, Camissa (R122 , 2010), it is 84% Muscat de Frontignan and 16% Mourvedre. These big flavour grapes make this wine the most surprising, with it's beautiful copper colour, sweat Turkish Delight aroma, and off dry crisp flavour.

The current red range consists of, Samsara (R277, 2006), and La Luna (R277, 2006). Samsara is 100% Syrah, with pepper and wild berries on the nose and dark fruits and cloves on the palate. La Luna is a Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This had an big earthy nose but a lovely layered palate of dark berries. Both these wines where very well balanced with controlled tannins.


Over all the range was very enjoyable, as one would expect for the premium prices, and the estate sounds like an interesting stop if you are in the Paarl area. I wait with baited breath for the release of the flagship Navitas.


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