New Tokara vintages of memorable wines that move mountains

Wines that capture the imagination with their profound sense of place are the bedrock of Tokara Wine and Olive Estate situated on the foothills of the majestic Simonsberg.

The new standout vintages just released by this celebrated family owned Stellenbosch farm with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon blanc as major focus varieties, show great consistency over more than twenty years.

‘It has taken two decades to develop a framework for Tokara’s future. We have essentially interpreted messages from our sites and our people, allowing us to hone in on these two grape varieties matched seamlessly to our estate. It is from this foundation that we hope to capture the imagination of our visitors from all over the world with wines of distinction and wines with a vivid link to the magnificent geography that surrounds us,” says GM Karl Lambour.

Starting 2022 with a new mantra: ‘We make wine that moves mountains’ perfectly depicts this narrative.

“We believe that our wines enjoyed in any other location should transport you back to Tokara, to the place that first filled your glass with delicious expectation,” explains Lambour.

Family values and investment in its people, many of whom have been with Tokara for over 20 years, have shaped Tokara’s single-minded vision to produce timeless, world-class wines. The new vintage releases uphold all these enduring values.

“The 2019 red wines are classically styled and expressive of the season. Aromas are perfectly poised and showcase both red and dark fruit with alluring spice complementing careful wood influence from barrel ageing. Tannin profiles are perfectly ripe with mouthfeel that is generous and pleasantly focused,” is winemaker Stuart Botha’s take on the new red vintages.

Tokara Viticulturist Aidan Morton & Winemaker Stuart Botha

The Cabernet Sauvignon driven flagship Tokara Director’s Reserve Red has grown in stature since its maiden 2003 vintage as a world-class Bordeaux-style blend and the new 2019 vintage is no exception. The hallmark of the blend supported by Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is absolute fruit purity and focus. Sumptuous and full, the flavour profile of dark cherry and blackberries is enhanced by a pleasant hint of spice and fine, firm tannins.

The Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is another classic expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon. The vibrant, richly textured wine showcases an effortless balance between fruit purity and tannin weight on the well-poised palate. Classic graphitic notes and dark brambleberry interwoven with five spice prevail on the nose and palate. Hints of dark blueberry, red currant and fynbos scrub add freshness.

The Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2018 is a fine example of a classically styled wine that melds the best of old and new world attributes. This expressive Syrah is made from a single vineyard site. The nose leads with notes of ripe plum, violet perfume and baking spice all continuing to a classy, refined silky palate with rich dark fruit and an appealing chalky finish with a hint of pepper.

As the flagship white wine, the Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2018 represents everything the farm stands for – refinement, elegance and balance – and already enjoys wide acclaim as a Platter 5-star wine and Decanter Gold medallist among a string of accolades. This Sauvignon blanc/Semillon blend made from grapes on the highest slopes of the Simonsberg foothills has amazing clarity and depth. Gooseberry and pink grapefruit intermingle with hints of lemon grass and lightly toasted almonds on the nose and palate. An underlying flintiness and graphitic note affirm the contribution from the Semillon. The wine is full and rich with a zesty persistence.

The Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2021 stands out as another showstopper from Tokara’s Elgin vineyards.

“The wine displays a wonderful array of typical cooler climate aromas of blackcurrant, green apple and subtle lime skin. Focused acidity with fruit sweetness keep the palate lively and fresh,” Botha explains.

The much-lauded Tokara XO Potstill Brandy, one of five Tokara 5-star winners in Platter’s 2022 South African Wine Guide, is masterly crafted from Chenin Blanc grapes and matured in Limousin oak casks for up to 17 years. Unctuous and complex with great depth of character, the palate delivers rich flavours of caramel, dried apricots and cocoa butter with a spicy finish and fine length. On the international front, the XO brandy holds a Gilbert & Gaillard Double Gold as well as a Brandy Masters Gold medal.

Inherent in these timeless wines with their distinct South African identity is the ability to conjure up memories and transport wine lovers back to Tokara with every glass.

Tokara offers visitors an unforgettable winelands experience of top-notch wine, food, olive oil and art in a spectacular setting of vineyards and olive groves against the backdrop of outstretched views over Stellenbosch and beyond. Visit www.tokara.com for more information and online purchases.

Issued by: GC COMMUNICATIONS

Pictures: SUPPLIED