Situated on the Helshoogte Pass, you will find Le Pommier Wine Estate. Originally an apple farm, the 6 hectares of vineyards produce 5 amazing wines.
Gift Voucher
In November last year I received a few bottles from Le Pommier with a hand written note saying there were no strings attached! It makes a huge change as most wine estates want me to promote their wines without even sending me a bottle. But here I had three to enjoy with no expectations. Included was also a gift voucher for Dave and I to come for a summer food and wine pairing. On possibly the hottest day in February, Dave and I drove to the wine estate.
Le Pommier White and Pink Wines
We took a seat outside to enjoy the views of the stunning valley. Each tasting glass has a delightful ‘apple slice’ cut out with tasting notes. We started with the Sauvignon Blanc which was so good we bought a case to take home. It is typical of its varietal in colour, and nose, with a hint of gooseberry and lime on the palate. This wine will pair well with seafood. The next glass was their rosé which is 98% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Cabernet Franc. The wine spends only 2 days on the skins so expect a paler colour than one would normally get in a rosé. Having such a high Sauvignon Blanc content there is very little to differentiate it from the white wine, other than hints of strawberry. A perfect wine for drinking around the pool on a hot summer’s day, or enjoying with a curry.
The Reds
In the standard tasting the red wine will be the MAC, named after the original owner. It is a Cabernet Franc and Malbec blend with hints of blackberry and mulberry. The lingering aftertaste lends itself well to pairing with game meat and oxtail. The estate also produces two premium red wines. Angle Peur is a Cabernet Franc which is a delicately perfumed wine with spice notes. Perfect for roast beef or on a cold winter’s night. Jonathan’s Malbec has beautifully structured tannins but needs bottle maturation to make the most of what the wine has to offer. Leave it for a few years then enjoy with roasted leg of lamb.
Lunch
After our amazing wine tasting experience, Dave and I moved to the restaurant for lunch. This was not part of our gift voucher, but we decided to stay for a meal. We had a cheese platter for two (R250) and enjoyed more of the sauvignon blanc with our meal.
Thank you le Pommier
Thanks to Johan and Melanie for sending me wines to try, and to Marc for the amazing tasting experience. Contact them on +27 21 885 1269 or click here to buy wines online, make a restaurant reservation, or book one of the cottages.
Take a look at what was previously posted on Lavender and Lime on June 29:
- 2020: Roasted Garlic
- 2018: Glenmorangie Long Zest
- 2016: Claire Allen Answers Questions For The Blog
- 2015: Charlotte Russe
- 2013: Tandy’s Smoker Challenge
- 2012: Today Is Moving Day
- 2011: Tuna Lasagne
- 2010: Oxtail
So beautiful. And now I can say I’ve been there… nearby.
It is such a beautiful part of the world, and I am glad you got to visit it 🙂
Una bellissima località!!!
lo è davvero!
Although I don’t drink, this looks like a very scenic trip that I would enjoy very much!
And they are kid friendly 🙂