The property came under new, private ownership in 2017. From the onset the young and dynamic team lead by winemaker, L’Ré Hughes, and viticulturist, Nico Nortje, wanted to protect the natural resources on the property through regenerative farming practices. With a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cinsault and Chardonnay, the team set out on an aggressive replanting strategy. For the past five years Stellenzicht has been replanting vineyards and re-establishing natural eco corridors as part of their efforts to keep nature in balance on the property.
As the soils were being prepared to be replanted, the team picked up some strange looking rocks that turned out to be Acheulean hand-axes. Acheulean is a period within the Stone age where humans not only used sharp objects, but started crafting their own tools. This discovery of the hand-axes was made even more significant with a title deed relating to the property dating back to the 1800’s where it stated that the property was “…not good for crop, only cattle. Too many rocks.” It was the moment the team realized that the soil and terroir they were standing on with these rocks is the true history and heritage of the property.
Flagship wines
This also gave way to the name of Stellenzicht’s flagship wines, the Acheulean Red blend and Acheulean Chardonnay. The Acheulean Red is a red blend consisting of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shiraz and 15% Cinsault.
The wine is a great expression of uncompromised intense blue fruit, floral notes and fine integrated tannins from the Cabernet; richness, spice and tobacco notes from the Shiraz; and a hint of freshness from the Cinsault. Winemaker, L’Ré, explains the philosophy behind this wine: “The wine was made to stand the test of time, much like its name’s sake.”
“The beautiful blend of Cabernet and Shiraz is such an elegant expression of the property, with the Cinsault acting like salt and pepper that just amplifies all the aromatics of the other two varieties.”
Stellenzicht’s varietal range is a true presentation of the three red varieties planted on the property. The Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon is a great expression of the Cabernet grown on the three different terroirs on the property. Its fresh fruit coming from the bottom of the property with its Koffieklip soils, the pencil lead and fine tannins from the mid slopes with its decomposed sandstone soils and the structure and mouthfeel coming from the top of the property with is rocky sandstone soils. All in all, giving this wine an unprecedented elegance and grace.
The Arenite Syrah refers to the rocky sandstone soils where most of the blocks are planted. The current Syrah block in production originated from plant material taken from the original Syrah block that gave way to the infamous 1994 Stellenzicht Syrah that beat out the Penfolds Grange in a blind tasting. “It is such an honor to work with this Syrah block, while continuing the heritage of Syrah at Stellenzicht” says L’Ré.
The Silcrete Cinsault is a perfumy expression of this red fruit driven variety, with an earthiness on the pallet and lacy, but juicy tannins. A summer red with so much personality.
L’Ré explains what they found as they dug deeper into the history surrounding the property, “We learnt of a great tale… people didn’t realize that these Acheulean hand axes had significance and thought that it was the result of lightning hitting the rocks. The Dutch use to call it Dondersteentjies, which we translate to Thunderstone.” Stellenzicht Thunderstone range consist of three exciting wines all crafted for their drinkability, outstanding fruit expressions as well as affordability.
The Thunderstone Red is a Cinsault based blend with great red fruit and soft tannins, complimented by the warm spice and savoury notes from the Shiraz and the Cabernet Sauvignon adding some structure and length to the pallet.
“Our Thunderstone Chardonnay is a quintessential expression of Stellenbosch fruit, with yellow stone fruit aromatics bouncing from the glass and the subtle oak rounding out the edges of the pallet to give a beautiful creamy finish,” says Hughes.
The Thunderstone Rosé is a Shiraz based wine with a very delicate yet fragrant nose of red berries, but with a delicious and morish finish on the pallet. Your perfect summer partner.
Rooted in Nature
Hughes’ winemaking philosophy is rooted in nature; all great wines start in the vineyards. L’Ré and Nico spend a lot of time walking the vineyards, talking to industry leaders and adjusting their strategy where needed. L’Ré explains, “I love my job and happiest in the cellar, but for me those unique flavours profiles start in the vineyards and my excitement for harvest really kicks in when we are in the vineyards tasting the berries. The potential of the grapes, the possibilities and the puzzle pieces start coming together in my head while in the vineyard. Then my job is a simply in the cellar, I’m a mere custodian of those flavours and aromatics. Hopefully I get to add a touch a magic along the way, let’s call it my artistic touch.”
This philosophy and passion have been evident in the awards her wines received in the past year, walking away with a Double Gold and two Gold medals at the recent Veritas awards.
Eco-Wine Pod
Stellenzicht opened their new brand home, an eco Wine Pod, in December 2022. This Eco-pod is an extension of the brand’s philosophy towards balance and sustainability. The building is 80% recyclable and is perched on crow’s feet with no concrete foundations allowing nature to continue co-existing alongside the building. The Wine pod offers wine tastings, wine sales and for the peckish a selection of wood-fired pizzas or cheese and charcuterie platters. Sitting under the trees and surrounded by natural fynbos, this is your perfect summer outing.
Stellenzicht’s continuous effort and drive toward balance and excellence is embodied in the brand’s logo consisting of a dragonfly intertwined with the SZ of Stellenzicht. Dragonflies are a great bioindicator of health in an ecosystem. The team notes that the logo is their constant reminder of where they are heading. Creating balanced wines from nature in balance. A consistent pursuit of balance.
For more information contact +27 (0)21 880 1103 or
