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Wineries : South African

La Motte

Established in 1695, La Motte is situated in South Africa's picturesque Franschhoek Valley. In 1970 the industrialist Dr Anton Rupert bought the property with the aim of establishing a premium wine-producing enterprise.

The vineyards were progressively replanted with noble cultivars, and an impressive modern cellar complex reflecting the innovative spirit was built.

Dr Rupert’s daughter, Hanneli, who is one of South Africa’s leading mezzo-sopranos, now owns the estate. Her husband Hein Koegelenberg, assisted by viticulturist Pietie le Roux and cellar master Edmund Terblanche, heads the winemaking team.

The vineyards are comprised of 108 hectares situated 200 metres above sea level and facing north-south. The climate at La Motte is gentler and more moderate than that of other wine producing areas in the Cape.

Frequent early morning mists and cooling summer breezes provide perfect conditions for long and slow ripening of the grapes. The grapes benefit from various oil types ranging from Hutton on the slopes of the Wemmershoek Mountains to more sandy duplex soil in the centre of the farm and alluvial soil along the Franschhoek River.

La Motte is now well established as a producers of high quality, premium wines, and have received awards and accolades in both South Africa and in international markets

To find out more about La Motte visit their website at www.la-motte.com

Wines

La Motte Reds

Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
A bouquet of ripe blackberry with tobacco aroma and good mid-palate concentration. Prominent dark chocolate and earthy mushroom flavours. Deep colour.
Available at: Majestic
Millenium 2005
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A deep crimson colour and well balanced. Mineral flavours and complex bouquet of blackberries, chocolate and peppery spice. Highly concentrated with soft tannins and a lingering aftertaste. Good ageing potential.
''class evident from first sniff — fine oak, cedar, hints tobacco & cassis richness. Gorgeous deep-pile velvet entry, rounded fruit, then savoury bite of oak & dry fruity finish with brush tannin — appeal is both sensual & cerebral'' ****JOHN PLATTER GUIDE 05
Both wines available at: SA Wines Online
Shiraz 2007
Full-bodied with deep violet colour and classic spicy, pepper liquorice flavours. Long, impressive black fruit and spice finish with soft, ripe tannins. Very good ageing potential.
Available at: Majestic
Pierneef Shiraz Viognier 2007
Smooth yet powerful red with dense rich blackberry fruit, hints of cherry and violets. Long and satisfying with elegantly fine tannins.

Available at: SA Wines Online
- The Sunday Times (Joanna Simon)
  
  Aromatic, full, spicy, supple and long
- The Guardian (Victoria Moore)
  
  I've walked through the grounds at the La Motte estate in Franschhoek, South Africa, and seen the village, with its neat houses, gardens, children's daycare centre and sports facilities. The wine's good, too - La Motte Shiraz 2007 is one of those big, ferocious reds that love a bit of barbecue-charred meat.
La Motte Whites

Chardonnay 2006
Beautiful citrus flavours with a rich creamy aftertaste overlaid with smooth vanilla oak. Full style with an exceptionally long finish. Will age well.
Available at SA Wines Online

Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Lovely tropical fruit flavours, with fig and green pepper. Full-bodied with lingering aftertaste; fresh and fruity.

Available at: Majestic | SA Wines Online
- The Sunday Times (Joanna Simon)
  
  Intense, complex lime and gooseberry flavours
- The Observer (Tim Atkin)
  
  The intense, green-bean and citrus-like 2006 La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc, Walker Bay is an organic white that confirms South Africa's growing pedigree with the variety.

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