The Event: A Winemaker RAW experience with South African KWV winemaker Izel van Blerk

The Date and Time: Tuesday August 5, 2014   6PM to 8PM

The Event: A Winemaker RAW experience with South African KWV winemaker Izel van Blerk

The Venue: iYellow Wine Cave (Queen and University)

The Target Audience: wine media and regulars of iYellow Club

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available via LCBO or private order.

The Quote/Background: Angela Aiello had initiated a meet and greet series, between her some of her club members and the wine media. This time it was Ms. Van Blerk from KWW. We briefly chatted (she had to see everybody one on one) on her winemaking skills – she's been woith the company for awhile but now she is in charge of the brands we tasted. I had commented to her on how the Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay had gradually lost its oak component over the years since 2005 (it was 50% oak aged by last year) but this new vintage was terrific. She pointed out that it was now 75% barrel aged.

The Wines: I did not try the Paarl Cape Ruby port, nor the Paarl Five Star Brandy.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-KWV Cathedral Cellar Brut Methode Cap Classique 2010, +296426, $16.95

-KWV Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2012, +328559, $15.95

-KWV Contemporary Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013, +544668, $9.45

-KWV The Mentors Chenin Blanc 2012, +18689, $24.95 PO from Von Terra

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-KWV Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, +328839, $15.95

-Cafe Culture Coffee Mocha Pinotage 2013, +292466, $12.95

-KWV The Mentors Canvas 2011 [2/3 shiraz, rhone blend] +348839, $24.95 PO Von Terra

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-KWV Contemporary Chenin Blanc 2013, +18689, $9.50

-KWV Roodeberg Red 2012, +7187, $12.40

 

The Food: biscuits and bread, water, and avariety of cheeses via Cheese Boutique – there were Ossau Isaty, Pied-de-Vent, St. Maure, Montasio, and cheddar from PQ.

The Downside: it took me a few minutes to find the cave entrance, and then I had to carefully adjust my eyes to the stairs leading down.

The Upside: a chance to meet Izele van Blerk

The Contact Person: ange@iyellowwinegroup.com; vblerki@kwv.co.za; amikaelian@thekirkwoodgroup.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com