These wines come from the Robertson area which is dubbed the 'valley of vines and roses'. The Robertson district's lime-rich soils make it eminently suitable for racehorse stud farming and also, of course, for good wine. The construction of a major dam at the beginning of the century brought reliable and inexpensive irrigation and this led to the proliferation of Robertson's many wine estates and co-operatives.
Situated in the Breede River Valley region, the average annual rainfall is around 400 mm. Although summer temperatures can be high, cooling south-east winds from the coast - less than 100km away - channel moisture-laden air into the valley. Today, Robertson is renowned for the quality of its wines and while traditionally considered white wine territory and known for its Chardonnays, it is also the source of some of the Cape's most revered Shiraz, while the distinctive fortified dessert wines for which it was originally famed continue to be produced.
The first de Wet, Jacobus, arrived in South Africa in 1693 as an official of the Dutch East India Company. He was much favored by Governor Simon van der Stel. There were even rumors that he was van der Stel’s illegitimate son, and in 1697 he was appointed cellar master of The Dutch East India Company. Thus was precipitated the de Wet family’s association with the fruit of the vine.
Jacobus Stephanus de Wet bought the property in 1867. Upon his death, the farm was subdivided into Zandvliet, Prospect and Excelsior, with Paul de Wet (the first Paul on Zandvliet) buying the family farm from his eldest brother, who was an invalid. Today, over 130 years later, the fourth generation, Paul and Dan, are the proud custodians of this magnificent family heritage, Zandvliet. In its long history as a De Wet family legacy, although always a wine farm, Zandvliet in turn became well-known as an ostrich farm, famous as a racehorse-breeding stud, and now respected as a wine estate specializing in the growing and making of among others fine Shiraz wines. Enon are the wines from this estate.
In August 2005 the farm land of Excelsior was divided between the brothers Stephen and Freddie de Wet. In this division Freddie received the Excelsior name and the cellar. Stephen received half the vineyards including all the Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier and more than half the land.
Stephen had been in charge of wine making and marketing at Excelsior and formed a partnership with his son Jamie, who had done bottling and dispatch, to build a cellar and develop a new name. They chose the name Arabella as a word play on the beautiful Arabian horses of which they are so fond. Arabella is a registered Estate with the wine and spirits board. At present there are 176 hectares of vineyards.
Enon My Best Friend White
Crisp, fruity wine, yet with a full-bodied palate. Fresh nose of lemons, apples, guava and flowers. Long, silky aftertaste. This is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc, 30% Colombard.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to shellfish, fish dishes, chicken dishes and salads.
The wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 3 years.
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 13%
UPC #:
Enon My Best Friend Red
This is 100% Cabernet with a full, powerful mouth feel, yet soft ripe tannins. Violets & black fruit aromas with intense chocolates, liquorice and mineraly graphite flavors. A superb drinking wine.
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats, rich pastas and cheese dishes.
This wine is ready to enjoy now but would amply reward cellaring for up 4 years.
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 13.5%
UPC #:
Awards & Ratings:
Wine Magazine 2009 - Best Value
Arabella Sauvignon Blanc
Yellow green in color. Complex green grassy nose with passion fruit, guava and pear aromas. Gooseberry, capsicum and tropical flavors on a full, rich palate with a long sweet-fruited finish.
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to shellfish, fish dishes, chicken dishes and salads.
This wine is ready to enjoy now or cellared for up to 3 years.
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
UPC #:
Awards & Ratings:
* South African Wine Magazine 2009 - Best Value
Arabella Shiraz
Deep burgundy red in color with inviting aromas of vanilla and mocha. The palate rewards with lingering flavors of liquorice and ripe black cherries, supported by soft spicy tannins.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to rich meat dishes. Try this wine with braised lamb shanks and garlic mashed potatoes.
The wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 3-4 years.
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 14%
UPC #:
Awards & Ratings:
* South African Wine Magazine 2009 - Best Value
Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon
Brimming with abundant blackcurrant aromas, this full-bodied wine is a mouthful of juicy plum flavors. Delightfully versatile, it makes a delicious partner to a wide variety of foods.
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to red meat and cheese dishes that offer a complimentary tangy flavor. Try this wine with beef tartare with grilled tomato and a balsamic red wine reduction.
Enjoy the wine now but could develop nicely with cellaring for up 3-4 years.
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 14%
UPC #:
Awards & Ratings:
* Swiss International Air Lines 2008 – Seal Of Approval * South African Wine Magazine 2009 - Best Value
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