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Saturday, 30 June 2012 14:21 |
 “Life is too short to drink bad wine”- Anonymous.
This is why we decided to invite Val de Vie back for a second time to come and impress us again with their formidable selection of superb wines! The setting – Stephnie’s in Lynnwood Bridge – provided the perfect backdrop for a stylish evening of gourmet dishes selected to compliment the choice of exceptional vintages.
Stephnie’s crisp interior is balanced with strategic use of plain brick walls and splashes of wood. The interesting forest of lights against the ceiling and welcoming fireplace in the corner enfolded the space in a pleasant warmth. We had the pleasure of two celebrities joining us, Ryk Neethling shared his passion for the Val de Vie Estate and Matthys Roets enjoyed the quality wines.
 Firstly the Val de Vie GVC (2008) a blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Viognier, 20% Clairette blanche, described as “a terrific food wine” was served with the starters of beef & beetroot carpaccio and walnut crusted camembert. This was followed by the Val de Vie Shiraz (2008) a 100% Shiraz, described as a wine with a “balance between ripe flavours and natural acidity” to accompany the main meal choices – fillet of beef, duck ravioli and sesame crusted Norwegian salmon. Together with this the Val de Vie Ryk Neethling (2010) competed for attention, a 65% Shiraz, 13% Mourvedre, 20% Carignan, 7% Grenache, 4% Cinsaut. A very successful blend, described as “a medium to full-bodied wine that finishes well on the back palate”.
To finish off with the dessert of banana parfait and crème brûlée, the flagship took to the stage – Val de Vie “1783” (2007) a blend of 50% Mourvedre, 20% Shiraz, 15% Grenache Noir, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsaut, described as “dark fruit and spice fills the glass.”
 A most enjoyable evening of learning more about one of our country’s finest wine estates. Staying on the brink of new wine making endeavours, they have now managed to cultivate 14 of the unique Rhône varietals on their estate.
PRETORIA.co.za’s wine club is becoming a regular social affair that you don’t want to miss!
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Photos by Laurentia E Photography. |
