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24 August 2007 by Grapevine Publicity | |||
After a period out of the limelight, celebrated Slaley Estate is marking its golden anniversary in the Hunting family with a string of gold medals won in the 2007 SA Young Wine Awards. | |||
Slaley won gongs for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz, Capping the achievement were the best-in-class ratings for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage. Winemaker Marius Malan, who joined Slaley in September 2005, is committed to returning the estate to its former position as a leading South African cellar. "Our 2007 wines are some of the best ever produced at Slaley and our mission is to recapture the acclaim the estate has known for decades," said Malan. Lindsay Hunting, current owner of Slaley estate, said revamping of the cellar was underway and new winemaking techniques, including spontaneous fermentation in newly introduced open fermenters and some radical new ideas in the barrel cellar would ensure the estate a place in the winners’ circle for years to come. Named for the former Hunting family seat Slaley Hall in the UK, the original farm dates back to 1751 and has enjoyed a rich history. Previously named Simonsig, Slaley started producing its own wines in 1995 with the creation of the current cellar complex. "We are pleased with the three gold medals and see these as confirmation of our confidence in Marius Malan’s winemaking prowess. I am particularly thrilled with the performance of Block 109, which is 50 years old this year and must by now be one of the oldest, if not the oldest block of Pinotage in the country,” said Lindsay Hunting. Malan studied at Elsenburg, and honed his winemaking skills at Uva Mira vineyards. He is enrolled for the Cape Wine Masters programme next year and has set his sights on an MBA thereafter. "Our red wines are very much geared to be an enjoyable wine drinking experience to suit most palates and the 2007 SA Young Wine Awards recognised these characteristics," said Malan. |
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