Tokara is a picture perfect destination which offers visitors a unique combination of award-winning wines, a range of olive oils and a five year old pot still brandy. The estate boasts a fine dining restaurant which is ranked among South Africa’s best and an informal delicatessen. The property also has fine artwork displayed throughout the property for the enjoyment of its patrons.

Situated 50km to the east of Table Mountain, the TOKARA “home farm” is rested on the Simonsberg side of the Banghoek Valley, at elevations of between 350m and 550m. Soil profiles are of weathered sandstone and decomposed granite, the combination lending structure, perfume and longevity to our wines.

The highland vineyard lies to the south of Stellenbosch in Elgin, a cool-climate area atop Sir Lowry’s Pass. Soils are predominantly Table Mountain sandstone imparting an ethereal scent to both Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc.

Vineyards

All the grape originated from Tokara’s vineyards in Stellenbosch.

Vinification

The grapes were destemmed before passing across a sorting table for the removal of all unwanted material and then crushed directly into stainless steel tanks and wooden upright fermenters. The must was cooled to between 10 – 15C for a cold soak before fermentation started naturally. Pump-overs, delastage and punching down of the cap were implemented twice a day for extraction until the fermentation completed. The tanks were given maceration post fermentation if the quality warranted it and depending on tannin extraction and development. The wines were put to barrel for malolactic fermentation after which they were racked, sulphured and put back to barrel for a further maturation. The wines spent a total of nineteen months in 18% new French oak and the rest being older French oak barriques. During the maturation the components were left on the gross lees for around 8 months before receiving their first racking after which they were racked another 2 times. The wines received a light fining before filtration and bottling in November.

Tasting Notes

This wine has a beautiful bright claret colour. There are aromas of dark plum, subtle cassis and blackberry on the nose complimented by underlying notes of five spice and the slightest hint of vanilla. The palate is packed with delicious dark fruit interwoven in spice and light toast notes from the barrels. A tannin profile reminiscent of silky dark chocolate with poised freshness round off the finish.

Enjoy with grilled veal chops, meaty stews or a fantastic steak.