News & Media

The Mosaic team was thrilled to welcome back Bizoe winemaker, Rikus Neethling for a visit to taste the new vintages of his Henriëtta and Estalet ranges.

Although a quiet and reserved man, it is always evident when we meet that Rikus is truly passionate about his wines.  “I think I may have perfected the Henriëtta by now, but still have a way to go for the Estalet to get it where I want it to be”, he said during our tasting.  Named after Rikus’ mother, Henriëtta Neethling, translating to 'ruler of the house', the white blend was aged for 7 months in re-toasted oak barrels.

Dominated by Sémillon with only a quarter Sauvignon Blanc, which is an oddity in the market, this is where Rikus believes he has found his niche - offering a blend that is complex and ever-evolving … a wine to last for the next decade or more!

Cultivar:  Sémillon (75%) / Sauvignon Blanc (25%)

Winemaker:  Rikus Neethling

Cork:  Cork in excellent condition.

Color:  Beautiful, pale yellow color in the glass.

Bouquet:  It has a creamy, waxy nose, typical from the Sémillon with some beautiful citrus notes.  The evolution in the glass is astonishing, after some time notes of green pepper develop.  An elegant and aromatic offering that will continue to evolve with time.

Palate:  The palate does not deliver what the nose promises at first, showing prominent green pepper flavors and a sharp acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc.  It does mellow a little after a while in the glass showing some delicate citrus flavors. Very lean on the palate – there is still room to develop.  We recommend leaving this wine for 3 – 4 years in the cellar before serving to bring out the more complex Sémillon flavors.

Notes:  It should be an excellent companion to any dish served with Truffle.

Score:  91/100

Rikus explains that this year was a little different than the usual with the harvest done by the end of February and malolactic fermentation finished by the 2^nd week of March.  This left him with a rare opportunity to spend some time travelling through the USA, sightseeing and of course also expanding his international market.

The 2012 Estalet Shiraz however is our choice wine for the day! The name Estalet embodies the fusion between the winemaker's creative, strong and loyal wife and love, and the unpretentious, exceptional and down to earth Syrah vine… firmly rooted in the ground… a perfect match…. A perfect experience…. A perfect love…

Barrel matured in American and French oak barrels for 18 months, the wine is fresh, fruity and ready to drink now.

Cultivar:  Shiraz (100%).

Winemaker:  Rikus Neethling

Cork:  Cork in excellent condition.

Color:  Medium cherry red color.

Bouquet:  Aromas are reminiscent of sweet chocolate cherries with some spicy pepper notes.  After some time in the glass earthy notes of fynbos appear.  “With some more time in the bottle I have noticed smoked bacon notes”, says Rikus of previous vintages. An incredible nose that promises an excellent wine with great potential!

Palate:  Smooth, soft and fruity with great balance and some ripe macerated cherry fruit flavors in the lingering, sweet aftertaste. A complex wine, ready for consumption now to take advantage of the sweet cherry flavors, but will also age comfortably for another 6 – 8 years in the cellar.

Notes:  We would recommend drinking this wine with pork, comfit duck and grilled ostrich with a sweet cherry based sauce.

Score:  90/100

Santé!

The Mosaic-Team