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Small. Very small actually. Located on Helshoogte Pass, Camberley’s 17 acres is situated in one of the most prestigious terroirs of the Cape. The soil is an unbelievably deep, rich red Hutton. From humble beginnings in their garage, John and Gaël Nel have consistently crafted star-lined wines noted for their expansive fruit and savory acidity. This is an “in” collectable winery.
click on label images to enlarge.
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PHILOSOPHERS' STONE 2007
We are waiting anxiously for this to arrive at the end of June 2009. On a trip to the Cape in April, my notes show soft sweet fruits with a focus of red berries and mocha in a good structure.
For the 2006 vintage: 41% cabernet sauvignon . 39% cabernet franc . 20% merlot
Ripe cherries and bramble berries wrapped in a rich, thick texture. Philosopher’s Stone has grabbed attention from all quarters for its complex and generous flavors.
4.5 star, John Platter "Cab-led bordeaux blend seldom failing to impress with opulence, structure. 05 concentrated fruit compote with licorice & tobacco highlights, dry tannins, 15.5% afterglow."
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| CABERNET SAUVIGNON - MERLOT 2004
This is a purple-tooth wine! Full-bodied, showing vibrant red fruit, roasted nuts, violets, underbrush all mixed with great fruit intensity.
4.5 star John Platter "Offers that eluive quality in fine wines, immediate access yet ageing ability, 04 has an array of attractions: plums & cassis seamed with mint, cedar; plenty of pep & juiciness."
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CABERNET SAUVIGNON - MERLOT 2001 The wine offers youthful fragrances of lavender, smokey plums and cassis, backed by the characteristic dark berries and minty chocolate of Camberley. It is supported by fine tannins which provide enough structure for extended ageing. It was awarded a ‘superlative’ four and a half stars in John Platter Wine Guide. Drink through 2010.
4.5 stars, John Platter "2001 as flavor complexity - violets, parma ham savoriness interplay with fruit - & thoroughbred lines, excellent balance."
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| CHARISMA 2004
68% cabernet sauvignon, 14% shiraz, 9% each cabernet franc and merlot
Good
texture in bright red fruit with cellars trademark fruit intensity. Cab
franc herbal notes noticable and in balance with the juicier shiraz and
merlot. sweet, sour and savory all at once.
4
star John Platter "Cab joins usual trio of shiraz, merlot and cab f in
succulent 04. Bold cassis/mint attack, yet elegantly styled & good
for 3 -7 years cellaring."
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| PINOTAGE 2006
To me this is an incredible pinotage with all the right notes: dense black cherry, smoke, tobacco & cocoa, some earth & meatiness, and dry tannins in the finish. Characteristic of the cellar with its rich bold juiciness.
4 star John Platter "06 muscular, wit brooding fruit and chewy tannins; ripe prune and licorice juiciness cheked by dry oak tannin from higher new-oak content (75% vs previous 50%). 15.4% alc easily buffered by signature fruit concentration."
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| SHIRAZ 2006
Bottled in October 2007 and tasted in November. Very purple in its youth. Lovely deep mocha, intense fruitiness with coffee and caramel extending into the finish. Only 150 cases were created by Johnny. We have not been able to get any of this before because it is always sold out within weeks. After much haranging, Johnny saved us a whole 10 cases!! If you have a bottle or two, know that you are lucky.
4.5 star John Platter, last vintage tasted was 04 because, like us, there was none when it was time to be reviewed. "Succulent, full-ripe 04 has the peppery, mulberry, salty/savoury notes good shiraz brings, within a smoothly curvaceous body. Richness and oaking tames the alc. Framework for long, gentle development."
THE LABEL
The Shiraz is a limited release and has always had artwork for its label. This is the third in the series, which changes when Johnny and Gaël discover a dramatic new painting. The 2006 label is a painting of a Himba lady with her baby by Helena Smith, inspired by a photograph taken by Pete Oxford. Helena is better know for her exceptional musical prowess and patently has another undiscovered talent.
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