Now is a time for reflection and contemplation for us at Paserene. The 21-day lockdown will challenge us all in some way or another. Luckily we have been granted the go-ahead to complete the harvest and continue with our activities in the cellar. We are hard at work ensuring that even though 2020 has had a bumpy start, it will not affect the 2020 vintage of our wines!
Tasting Lounge Lockdown
As of the 16th April we have unfortunately had to close our tasting lounge for the time being, but do not despair! As soon as the lockdown has been lifted we will reopen and will be excited to welcome visitors again to our beautiful space.
We will also be adding a few more tasty items to our popular small plate menu, including our very own olive oil, Adhara, made from olives grown on our Tulbagh property. Tasty vegetarian options have also been included.
Follow us on social media for more information on when we will reopen or email billet@paserene.co.za.
New Vintage: Marathon 2018
Winemaker and co-owner, Martin Smith, is passionate about Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2018 vintage of Marathon (now 100% Cabernet) is a reflection of his indomitable quest to produce Cabernet that truly reflects the provenance from whence it comes, and shows typicity of this celebrated varietal. Marathon was also the first wine under the Paserene label, as Martin explains:
“The first vintage was created in 2013. I wanted to make my favourite white and red, a Chardonnay and a Cab-like wine. The Chardonnay was easy, but Vilafonté would not allow me to make a Cab, Merlot, Malbec or Cab Franc because it would be a direct competitor of their Series C. Fair. However, being as bull-headed as I am, I persisted with the idea of making a Bordeaux Blend. The only two varietals left were Petit Verdot and Carménère. I found the Petit in Stellenbosch, but where on earth would I find Carménère? I phoned SAWIS and they told me there is one block in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, Western Cape. I purchased the grapes, made the wine and blended it. Only to find that I could not sell it, since it had just been brought into the country and was not yet legal, there was the matter of red tape. I sold that first vintage without their knowledge.”
Marathon 2018 was created in limited quantities and is available to purchase for R435 per bottle. Click here to download our order form, or email us on info@paserene.co.za.
March 2020 Wine Advocate Tasting Scores by Anthony Mueller
Paserene Chardonnay 2017: With an impressive nose, the 2017 Chardonnay explodes from the glass with a soft minerality, oaky and nutty tension and aromas of pineapple skin, yellow apples and citrus blossom. Medium-bodied, the palate is focused and bound with structure, leading to an elegant, reserved finish that unpacks a long, complex and mineral-laced essence. Give this one a try. 90 Points.
Marathon 2016: A blend of Carmenere and Petit Verdot, the 2016 Marathon is deep purple at its core. It is bursting with aromas of juicy blackberry compote, figs and black cherry on the nose along with complex notes of oak spices, cinnamon, nutmeg and resinous purple flowers. Full-bodied and dense, the wine has a complex expression, filled with flavours that unfold on the mid palate, before ending with a long and thoughtful finish that lingers for moments, well after the wine has left the palate. Yum, I’m impressed! Well done. 91 Points.
Union 2016: A bend of Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre, the 2016 Union delivers bright aromas on the nose, with purple flowers, blackberries and black plum bursting from the glass along with elegant red fruit highlights of wild raspberry, roses and red and black spice. On the palate, the medium to full-bodied wine has a balanced acidity and good tannins. With a clean, sophisticated and lingering finish, the Union is sure to deliver pleasure for years to come. 90 Points.
All of these wines retail for R435 per bottle in our tasting lounge.
