Allesverloren Fine Old Vintage Reserve 2014
Allesverloren Wine Estate which this year marks a truly rare and historic milestone, when 150 years ago, the Malan Family acquired the land that has been under its custodianship ever since. To celebrate this occasion, Danie Malan, the current family custodian, has released a new wine, The Allesverloren Fine Old Vintage Reserve 2014. A Port Style Wine using the Portuguese Douro Grapes, which the Estatee pioneered in South Africa.
Named after the late Fanie Malan, father of current cellarmaster and fifth-generation owner Danie Malan, the Fine Old Vintage Reserve port-style wine makes a proud addition to an exceptional portfolio of wines. First produced in 1972 by Fanie Malan under the Allesverloren label. Allesverloren and Port were then irrevocably joined together.
Allesverloren Winemaker Wilhelm de Vries with Danie Malan
“We’ve always released a Fine Old Vintage Reserve when exceptionally good vintages justified its making,” says Danie Malan. “The 2014 vintage, which has developed in bottle until release now as the Fanie Malan, was just such a year.”
The wine was made by Danie and a close friend of his father Fanie, the late Sakkie Kotze, a legend in his lifetime. Sakkie was the winemaker at Le Bonheur. After his retirement in 2013, he decided to make one last wine in honour of his friend. A selection of previous fill barrels was selected in which the wine was matured. Sakkie sadly died in 205, so never tasted the complete wine.
In the glass, the wine is opaque with a dark bloodplum heart which pales out to carmine ruby at the edges. The aromas are of dark berries, soft dried prune plums and snappy dark chocolate. The palate is rich, generous, complex and full. Aromas segue onto the palate with consummate ease. Velvet smooth with a long and satisfying aftertaste.
Allesverloren from the air
Today, Allesverloren is curated by Danie and wife Juanita, with experienced winemaker Wilhelm de Vries at the helm of crafting its fine wines. The Malan’s daughter, Danielle, is responsible for marketing, and son, Fanie, farm management.
“Minimalist” is how Fanie describes his approach to nurturing the land. “With a nature-orientated approach, you achieve balance and a sustainable yield because the environment is healthy,” he says.
The farm welcomes visitors through its events venue, and the famous Pleasant Pheasant restaurant. It’s heritage-protected wine tasting room overlooks the vineyards and buzzes over weekends. It’s open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm.
Allesverloren Tasting Room
Allesverloren’s wines are available across the country and through its online store, located with information about the historic estate, at www.allesverloren.co.za. The Fanie Malan Vintage Reserve sells for R499.00 a bottle.
For more information, call 022 461 2589.
Stay up to date with the winery by following @allesverloren on Facebook and @allesverlorenwine on Instagram or signing up to its newsletter via the website.
Information from Roux Reklame
