MICHAEL FRIDJHON: The wines that legends and rock stars have to offer
Journey to becoming a legend begins with being an unknown winemaker who is willing to put in the hours
In the world of wine, “legends” take a little time to acquire their status. You start off unknown, then you become a “young gun”, then, after the further elapse of time, a “rock star”. Finally, with the presumption of the imminence of retirement the moniker “legend” starts to be used.
There’s no question that Jan “Boland” Coetzee is a legend: he played for the Springboks more than 50 years ago before becoming the first winemaker in the modern era of Kanonkop. By the time he moved on to set up his own winery he was celebrated for his role in establishing the Simonsberg estate’s iconic reputation. He then built up Vriesenhof, pretty much from scratch, using the knowledge acquired at Kanonkop to produce very good cabernets and cabernet-based blends, and his experience gained from a vintage at Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy to make classically styled chardonnays...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.