Calling themselves the “the company of wine people”, Welmoed is one of those wineries that offers pretty much something for everyone with a massive selection. They’re not an estate winery, but a co-op and as such, they have many levels and brands under one roof. Despite this, they’re still housed in a wine farm that dates back to 1690, halfway between Stellenbosch and the False Bay. From this springs the: Versus which are more simple, cheap wines for young adults, Arniston Bay which are “lifestyle wines” that are easy to drink, Welmoed (meaning, “to have courage”) which are young, single varietals wines that are a good quality and value for money, and last, Kumkani (Xosa word for king or chief) which are their premium, full bodied, aged in barrique wines that are only sold after aging for 4-5 years.
The Versus White 2009 is a sweet wine geared to those in the younger set who want something totally sweet and White Zinfandel-like which is pretty much completely what it is. R 21
The Welmoed Sauvignon Blanc 2010 has lots of green apples in the nose and is very tropical. The body is light and easy to drink, but without too much more beyond the nose elements to it. R 32
The Arniston Bay Reserve “barrel fermented” Chenin Blanc 2008 has a more structured nose with a bit of cedar and oak coming out but is a bit acidic in the finish. Shellfish and pork would pair well with it. R 43
The 2005 Kumkani VVS is comprised of 60% Viognier, 20% Verdelho, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a good deal more oaky on the nose and heavier. The body is a bit sweet with a hint of strawberries and not nearly as light as the others. It has an initially dry finish that quickly fades out. R 69
The Welmoed Merlot 2009 has a good deal of pepper in the nose as well as a hint of mint. It’s very nicely balanced, with a full body that is dry in a way that can pair well with a good deal of foods. R 35
The Arniston Bay Reserve Shiraz 2007 has more black pepper to the nose. There is some kind of oak or tannic quality to that body that isn’t quite enjoyable but the finish comes up pretty clean though. R 43
The Kumkani Pinotage 2006 has a berry nose that again has a nice touch of pepper. The body is tannic and quite bold picking up some stewed fruit elements in it. There is a bit of cherry on the end of the finish which some might enjoy. R 63
We talk a great deal more about the wines of Stellenbosch and other Cape Town wineries in our Stellenbosch wine guide.
