Tales Series by Journey's End Vineyards
This is the entry level series Journey's End Vineyards and prices range from between R88-R99. What surprised me about the Tales Series is that all the wine tasted way above their retail value; anywhere between R150-R300.
This series is great for people with champagne taste and a students budget or for when the end of the month budget blues strike. You get way above the value of what you're paying for; which make this my favourite budget-friendly wine range to date.
The new labels on these four wines are designed to tell the story behind each wine:
Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc
An important name in the Western Cape, this Sauvignon Blanc was named The Weather Station because the SB11 clone, which is the component used in this wine, had a big resurgence in the 1970’s in Stellenbosch, and the Afrikaners aptly named it the ‘Weerstasie Kloon’. Its name derived from its location next to an old Weather Station which is now the Stellenbosch Wine Campus.
Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Due to limited availability of Sauvignon Blanc on the Journey’s End farm they have sourced grapes from various wine regions including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl to meet growing consumer demands. This adds complexity in flavour to the wine having used grapes from various vineyards.
Clear pale lemon colour with hints of green. A pronounced nose with lime, green fig, kiwifruit, gooseberries, and hints of herbaceous and mineral characteristics. The palate displays beautiful kiwifruit and tangy green apple flavour. Lovely weight and round-mouth feel on the mid-palate, balanced acidity bringing freshness and length to the finish. Ready to drink now.
Haystack Chardonnay
Journey's End undergo a number of organic and bio-dynamic practices on the farm. Aside from being the second wine farm in SA to be solar powered, they undertake some age-old practices such as the planting of crops between vineyard rows (to prevent weeds and therefore reduce the need for spraying). The introduction of Barn and Eagle Owls (to control rodents), play their part in ensuring nature and the environment are preserved and protected.
Haystack Chardonnay 2018
Clear and bright straw coloured with a hint of green. Oak and fruit are perfectly matched, each donating without dominating: citrus peel and melon enriched by a subtle, savoury biscuit overlay. The limy acidity seamed through the fruit flavours gives food-friendly freshness and promises a few years ageing potential.
The Huntsman - Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Viognier
1811 marked the first-ever hunt in the Western Cape with hounds imported from Gloucestershire, UK. The Cape Hunt remains the oldest Hunt in the New World. Whilst looking for a spot to build their Cellar, Rollo, the proprietor, discovered the original foundations of the Kennels where the hounds were kept. An apt place for their new building.
The Huntsman 2017
Beautiful dark ruby red colour. Expressive aromatics of violets, redcurrant and cherries with hints of white pepper and liqourice. Juicy layers of red and dark berries come through on the palate, with elegant tannins on the finish. Drink now and until 2021.
Pastor’s Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (my personal favourite out of the range)
The community of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village was traditionally neglected as the South African Government and charities have been focusing on the larger areas of Nomzamo and Khayelitsha. The aim of Journey's End therefore is to focus on uplifting a community plagued by low socio-economic conditions. Journey's End main vehicle for channelling resources into the community is the local church and they work closely with Pastors Johnny Clink and Leister Allies to improve conditions and opportunities.
Pastor’s Blend 2018
This Old World style red blend displays rich dark red fruit aromas including blackcurrant and ripe cherries. These aromas are also experienced on the palate and are accompanied by sweet tobacco and Christmas cake characters. This wine has a well-integrated tannic structure showing elegance and lengthy finish.
