BIG INVESTMENT, considered approach, dogged determination… These don’t always guarantee success in the wine business but the owner and manager of Quoin Rock Estate, Ukrainian businessman Vitaly Gaiduk and his son Denis, who lives in South Africa, have set the stage, while of the performers, the Quoin Rock and Namysto collections have been praised around the globe. Most applauded has been the Namysto red blend – great value at R150 a bottle from the cellar in the Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch. And what a striking label on these wines, depicting the beaded necklaces that are among the oldest forms of symbolic women’s ornaments in the Ukraine.

In September 2019, the 2015 vintage of Namysto Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon scored high silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London and then made the Sommeliers Selection (SA) before winning double gold medals at the Six Nations Wine Challenge in Australia and at the Veritas Awards (SA) presented in October. Other podium highlights of late for the estate include gold for Namysto Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2017 at the 2018 International Wine Challenge (UK) and the inclusion of Quoin Rock Shiraz 2015 among the Top 12 at the 2019 Shiraz SA Challenge.

Compared to the second-tier Namysto, the flagship range under the Quoin Rock labels comprises two reds, namely a Bordeux-style red blend in addition to the Shiraz, a Chardonnay, a sparkling MCC Brut and a Vine Dried Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine. Cellar-door prices: R350pb for the white wines and R600pb for the reds, which are in keeping with the aspirant nature of the Manor House, Venue Hall and Gåte Restaurant on the property. Tasting fee: R250pp for six wines served inside or on the veranda (charcuterie and cheese boards available for additional R250 per board).

NAMYSTO SHIRAZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015
WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch. 60% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Fermentation in open-top stainless-steel tanks with four to five punch-downs a day. Matured in French oak for 20 months: 30% new barrels, 70% second- and third-fill barrels.
Alc 15.1 | RS 2.1 | TA 5.9 | pH 3.5
Producer’s Tasting Notes: initial aromas of red berries with hints of green peppercorn (spiciness) leads to layered tobacco and leather, a plummy richness on the mid-palate and finishing with velvety tannins.
Ageing Potential: more than 10 years after vintage.
R150pb ex-cellar.