Anwilka is located just 7 kilometres from the ocean in Stellenbosch’s prime Helderberg region, recognised as the Cape’s premium red wine producing district.
In a nutshell: The property was purchased in the late 1990s by previous Klein Constantia owner, Lowell Jooste, with Hubert de Boüard of Château Angélus and Bruno Prats formerly of Cos d’Estournel, who conducted extensive replanting of 40 hectares of vineyards comprising primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
The eponymous maiden vintage blend of Syrah-Cabernet was released by the Estate in 2005 to great acclaim. Anwilka has since established a worldwide reputation for this red blend which has been described by Robert Parker as “the finest red wine I have ever had from South Africa”. In May 2012 Anwilka Vineyards merged with Klein Constantia. De Boüard and Prats remain in the newly-merged company as minority shareholders, continuing to lend the calibre of their knowledge and expertise, and producing wines reminiscent of premium first growth Bordeaux reds and an established benchmark in quality for South African red wine.
The vineyards are run by manager Piet Neethling and from 2021 the wines are made by the talented Klein Constantia winemaker, Matt Day. Together their aim is to seek for small but balanced improvements in areas that can further elevate the quality of this wine to produce one of the most prized South African red wines. Sustainable wine growing practices have long been key for the estate which is a haven in particular for owls and bats, which help to guard against pests and vine damage.
The terroir: The significant maritime influence in the Helderberg region guarantees exceptional fruit quality, and the matching of grape varieties to specific sites was carefully considered. Soils are of moderate potential, allowing low vine vigour and consistently healthy vines. A gentle slope assists drainage during the winter rains. Grapes are hand-picked early in the morning to ensure they are cool upon arrival at the cellar.
The Anwilka ‘personality’: Anwilka still lives by the original mantra, sparing no cost or effort when it comes to creating superior quality wines.
Anwilka 2017
Category:
New World Wine