Abingdon Estate Viognier 2020
This is a first for me - a wine produced in KwaZulu Natal.
Abingdon Estate were the first to produce a certified estate wine in KZN in 2007. At 1140m above sea level and 4ha under vine, they grow Sauv Blanc, Chard, Viognier, Syrah, Cab Sauv and Nebbiolo, producing between 7000 and 15000 bottles a year.
The wines are made by Laurie Cooper: viticulturist, winemaker, competing Somm, wine educator, and Master of Wine student. My first question to her was ‘how do you find the time?’! To which her humble answer was a wonderfully supportive family...and prodigious use of Post-It notes!
The Wine:
Pretty florals, ripe peach, pear, light butterscotch, nutmeg and soft spices. Dry, light bodied, medium acidity with stone fruits, faint candied ginger and slate on the lengthy palate. I’m not sure what I was expecting from a Viognier made in KZN...but this was delightful.
Balance (1) + Length (½) + Intensity (½) + Complexity (½) = A good wine
Drink now, and I'd say not suitable for much further ageing.
Viti + Vini:
100% Viognier. Grapes are grown on cool slopes with Clovelly and Griffon soils.
Final thoughts:
Ever since ‘meeting’ Laurie, I’ve found myself thinking about her whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed by how much is on my plate. She’s poised and humble and an absolute inspiration...can you say super woman!
