We recently had the pleasure of hosting visiting sommelier Ian Vries, who came to Cloof Wine Estate for an intensive blind tasting designed to prepare him for the demanding Cape Wine Master exam. The experience was an absolute masterclass, and we're thrilled to share his glowing feedback.
The tasting flights, expertly curated by our team—Jayvin, Bi-Ann, and William—were highlighted for their exceptional quality and instructive nature. Ian praised the classic typicity of our Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage flights, which perfectly showcased varietal character.
A Revelation in Aged Quality
The real revelations, however, came from the aged wines, proving Cloof’s incredible age-worthy quality across the board:
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'The Very Sexy' 2008 Shiraz: This wine was described by Ian as exceptional, developing complex tertiary notes of soy sauce with beautifully integrated, silky tannins. A testament to the longevity of our Shiraz.
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Lynchpin Bordeaux Blends: The 2003 and 2008 vintages demonstrated how elegantly these blends evolve, offering classic aromas of leather and cigar box.
A surprising standout was our unique Sangiovese Rosé, which captivated the palate with aromas of wild strawberry, rose petal, and Turkish delight.
Ian concluded that the entire experience demonstrated Cloof's incredible range and quality across all price points. A huge thank you to him for the kind words, and for calling it an "essential experience for any serious wine lover."
We look forward to his return visit and the opportunity to share a glass—or two!
Visit Cloof Wine Estate to discover the range and age-worthy quality that impressed Ian Vries. Book your tasting today!