AT THE TIME of writing, the bone-dry Fino-style sherry from the farm Klein Amoskuil in the Malmesbury ward of the Swartland district was the only wine of it's kind on the market. There have been other examples of South African sherries involving the solera process made famous by the Spanish and involving tiers of barrels containing different vintages, but these have become very few and far between since the country's major producer-wholesalers discontinued their lines in recent years.
What's also special about ‘The Amos Block Perpetual Reserve' is that it's made using grapes from the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyard in the Cape winelands. Klein Amoskuil is very private, open to visitors for wine tastings by appointment only. The cellarmaster: Charl du Plessis, also winemaker for Spice Route. The proprietor: Charles Back, also owner of the Fairview and Spice Route outfits, among others.
THE AMOS BLOCK PERPETUAL RESERVE UNDER FLOR
WO Swartland: single vineyard on Klein Amoskuil farm, Malmesbury. Sauvignon Blanc bush vines planted in 1965 (dryland, no irrigation). Natural fermentation initially (wild yeast) in very old French barrels. Thereafter, wine fortified and flor yeast culture added. Bottling follows a solera process involving multiple vintages. Unfiltered. 300/400 bottles per annum.
Alc 16 | RS 1.3 | TA 6.1 | pH 3.6
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: A pale and dry sherry-style fortified wine. On the nose: hints of apples, almonds and walnuts. On the palate: very fresh, round, with a lingering finish. Serve chilled.
Pairing Suggestions: Tapas-style food.
R350pb (500ml) ex-cellar.
Also in this series:
• AA Badenhorst Sout van die Aarde Palomino
• Ayama Vermentino
• Bosman Nero (d'Avola)
• Cederberg Sauvignon Gris
• DaschBosch Avon Clairette Blanche
• Diemersdal Grüner Veltliner
• Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut
• Lemberg Hárslevelü
• Lowerland Tolbos Tannat
• Lozärn Carménère
• Newton Johnson Albarino
• Pilgrim Viura (Macabeo)
• Stellenbosch Vineyards Ltd Release Therona