The Kruger Family Reserve Range – heritage in a bottle

When Stellenview Premium Wines founder, winemaker and entrepreneur, Reino Kruger established the brand in 2009 (primarily for export markets to the Far East) it made perfect sense to pay homage to his family with one of the ranges, namely the Kruger Family Reserve wines.

The Kruger Family heritage dates back to the early 1700’s with the first settlers to South Africa.

The wines in the range, which comprise a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz , Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are complex and elegant. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay represent the best fruit, meticulously vinified and aged in oak barrels with very little intervention, while the Sauvignon Blanc is unwooded with extended lees contact.

Made from 100% Shiraz grapes, the Kruger Family Reserve Shiraz 2017 is part of an award-winning lineage. In 2020 the 2016 vintage scored an impressive 94 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, and was previously nominated under the Top 12 Best Shiraz in the 2019 Shiraz Challenge. The wine is best described as being a dark plum colour with aromas of liquorice and hints of white pepper on the nose. On the palate the wine is fruity with firm tannins, which add body to the end result. Enjoy on its own or served with grilled and braaied meats. Also, the perfect food wine to enjoy with a succulent roast leg of lamb. Available online at R250 per bottle.

Another stellar wine in the range also racking up the awards is the Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, which not only scored 90 points at the 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards as well as awarded Gold at the 2020 Michelangelo Awards. In 2019 the same vintage was awarded the titles of Best Overall Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Overall Red Wine, respectively, at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Awards. Almost sold out, so best to stock up on the 2018 vintage, which is described as being dark red in colour with aromas of vanilla and coconut, which are perfectly complemented by blueberry flavours. These flavours carry through perfectly onto the palate with a fine tannin structure, and fruity finish. Best enjoyed with flavourful red meat dishes the Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is available via the online wine shop at R250 per bottle.

Gone are the days when you turned your nose up when offered a Chardonnay, because South Africa has been producing some stellar wines of late, and the Kruger Family Reserve Chardonnay 2017 no doubt has a place on this stage. Reino describes this wooded Chardonnay as being a pale straw colour with aromas of citrus, creamy oak, butter and flint. The creamy texture follows through onto the palate with an elegant finish, resulting in a medium to full bodied wine. 100% Fermented in selected first fill French Oak barrel; Medium toasted with tight grain barrels . A wine to enjoy throughout the year and partners perfectly with aged cheeses, smoked salmon or chicken dishes. A steal at R144 per bottle.

Last but by no means least in this impressive range is the Kruger Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020, which is best described as being a light green tinge. What comes to mind is ‘Summer in a glass’, the Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of ginger and pineapple, intermingled with fynbos flavours. As you take a sip you immediately think of the wine as being vibrant and fresh, with hints of granadilla, ripe apple and pear. The some gooseberries and fruit salad finish with mineral flintiness. Perfect on its own whilst enjoying the sunset or serve with a seasonal salad, seafood or chicken dishes, the Sauvignon Blanc sells for R144 per bottle, via the online wine shop.

Currently the wines are not available in retail outlets, but they are available to purchase online at www.stellenviewwines.com,which makes for fuss-free purchasing in the comfort of your home. Even better is that these wines are currently selling at discounted prices, which makes for an even better reason to stock before they sell out.