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The first comprehensive guide to the wine cellars and
producers of the Overberg was launched appropriately on a champagne
terrace overlooking the spectacular vineyards of the Hemel en Aarde
Valley, on Tuesday 1 April 2008. The launch, at La Vierge Restaurant and Winery, was
attended by wine producers, tourism role players and the media.
The Overberg is the southernmost wine growing area on
the continent and is known for several of its signature wineries, but
few realize that there are now 54 producers from Elgin to Elim, all
producing outstanding quality wines.
The informative souvenir guide provides the location
of all producers and gives details on the participating cellars, terroir,
and tasting and sales opening times. One of the fastest developing wine
growing regions, many of the producers are still in the process of
establishing cellar doors and other facilities, but there are already
more than 30 cellars where wine lovers can taste the wines of the
region.
Wine tourism in the Overberg is poised to really take
off, Glynis van Rooyen, editor of the guide said, and this booklet
provides a glossy, up market key to the opportunities both for the
visitor and the cellars featured.
The guide is a natural progression from the Food and Wine maps published
for the region over the last six years by Hanlie Allan of Country Maps.
“The Overberg deserves to take its wine and food
seriously, so we decided to bring out a souvenir booklet that people
will pick up and keep”, she said.
However, it is the entire experience of a visit to
this spectacularly scenic and hospitable area that makes it a must.
Being a little “off the beaten track” of the usual wine routes
inevitably makes the welcome so much warmer and sincere.
Every cellar door has its own, authentic and original
character, every wine reflects a distinctive terroir. Experiences vary
from an open air picnic and concert, to a vineyard walk and lunch
alongside a dam, morning markets, classy champagne verandahs,
restaurants and all with spectacular views. The guide to the great cellars and experiences in the
wines of the Overberg is complemented by a selection of 10 favourite
restaurants, activities and accommodation options on estates.
A fully guided Wine Tour of our incredibly
scenic Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley will introduce
you
to 28 wine farms, seven excellent tasting rooms and over 50 delicious
wines. Learn how the vines
and grapes are cultivated. A Cellar tour to see how wine is made, the
history of wine, how corks
and oak barrels are used - how climatic
conditions affect the wine industry. (The Tour
Guides are
accredited by the Cape Wine Academy.)
Two fabulous Restaurants or Woolworths
packed-lunches can be organised – (at your own
expense.)
A visit to the Wine Village at the end of your tour is essential to not
only taste more wines,
but they also stock over 1,600 wines of South
Africa.
2 hour tours – R350pp / 3 hour tours – R400pp /
4 hour tours – R450pp – Discounts
available for
large groups – Kids go for FREE. Contact Percy on
www.percytours.com.
travel@percytours.com
/ +27 (0) 72 – 062 – 8500
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BOUCHARD
FINLAYSON FLAGSHIP TRIUMPHS WITH
TOP JOHN PLATTER
AWARD
South Africa, Hemel-en-Aarde
Valley, 14 November 2007; FOLLOWING
the outstanding news that
Bouchard Finlayson’s 2005 Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir was
the only Pinot noir to receive
a ‘superlative’ 5-star rating in the 2008 John Platter South African Wine Guide,
it was announced last night that this classic wine has also been selected
out of over 6000 wines to receive the prestigious and esteemed John Platter ‘Wine
of the Year 2008’
award.
The
announcement was made at a glamorous ceremony, hosted at Stellenbosch’s
Devon Valley Hotel to unveil the new 2008 John Platter guide, and confirmed
that the Cape’s Hemel-en-Aarde
Valley is Africa’s benchmark location for Pinot noir, with boutique
winery, Bouchard Finlayson, being the pioneer, and true leader in its
class.
The acclaimed
John Platter Wine of the Year
Award is given to the wine that
receives the highest number of
votes in a ‘blind’ tasting session held to select the guide’s 5-star winners. In this year’s
evaluation, 88 were selected as potential 5-star candidates across all
categories. Twenty-one (21) were finally awarded a 5-star rating, with
Bouchard Finlayson’s 2005 Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir receiving
the greatest number of overall
votes.
Says renowned
winemaker and master of Pinot noir, Peter Finlayson: ‘The success of this
2005 vintage has been very rewarding – from two perspectives. Firstly,
during the early development of
this wine, I made the
prediction that it was a knock-out vintage! This prediction has come true.
Then secondly, there has been
great personal comfort in this endorsement - while I am about to enter my
sixtieth year there is youthful
reward in being told one still has what it takes to produce
the best! Most winemakers have
thrown in the towel by this
stage, in a sense I revel in the thought of more vintages
ahead!
There is
further satisfaction in
appreciating that this is the
first time a Pinot noir has been given the title of John Platter Wine of
the Year. This capricious
variety plays a small part in overall red wine production in
South
Africa and most often it is planted for
Method Cap Classic and not for quality reds.
Perhaps this
success endorses my qualifying statement that Pinot noir wine is like
opera – there is no middle of
the
road!!’
TÊTE
DE CUVÉE – A LABEL RESERVED FOR EXCEPTIONAL
QUALITY
To showcase the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley’s exceptional Pinot noir
growing potential, winemaker Peter Finlayson created a limited-release
label reserved exclusively for the best called the Tête de Cuvée!
As a blend
crafted from the best barrels
of the best vintages,
the Tête de Cuvée has attracted
attention since its very first release in 1997 as an international
award-winner and masterpiece in its class.
Says
Finlayson: ‘The 2005 vintage was an excellent summer which presented cool
conditions and allowed for ideal Pinot noir ripening. The Pinots from this
vintage have proved to offer fantastic fruit driven wines. This is
the sixth Tête de Cuvée release
since 1997 and follows in the
tradition of blending a handful of the best barrels to carry this title. In this
case it was 12 barrels!
Appealing on
the nose with whiffs of
raspberry, cherry and oaky plum. Rich, long on the palate with full bodied firm harmonious
structure ending in layers of velvety tannins which act as a guarantee for
many years of positive development.’
Suggested
Retail Price: from R445.00 per 750ml
ABOUT BOUCHARD
FINLAYSON
Established in 1989 in
the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, on 125-hectares (312 acres) of
Walker
Bay's prime
viticultural land, Bouchard Finlayson vineyard and winery is a small
cellar dedicated to the quality
production of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Ever since
releasing their first vintages,
the name - Bouchard Finlayson -
has been internationally synonymous with excellence. Today, owned by
the Tollman family, and under
the leadership of Victoria
Tollman and winemaker Peter Finlayson, 19 hectares (47 acres) of
the estate are currently under
vine, with 50% devoted to the
varietal for which Peter is most acclaimed - Pinot noir. Other cultivars under production include
Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Sangiovese as well as a handful under
exploration.
The winery is
conveniently situated 1 ½ hour's drive from Cape
Town just outside the charming seaside village of
Hermanus. Renowned as
the world's best land-based
whale watching spot, Hermanus also offers a range of interesting local
arts and crafts, top-class restaurants and quaint tearooms. Any time spent
in the region would be lacking
without sampling Bouchard Finlayson's gems.
For
further information on Bouchard
Finlayson or to purchase their
wines call +27 28 312 3515, email info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za or visit
www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za
For press
assistance contact Ian or Lise
of Manley Communications 0861 MANLEY (626 539), email to
premierbrands@publicity.co.za or visit the Press Room of Manley Communications at
www.manleycommunications.co.za.
EDITOR’S
NOTES:
BOUCHARD
FINLAYSON TÊTE DE CUVÉE GALPIN PEAK PINOT NOIR HALL OF
FAME
Tête de
Cuvée
Galpin Peak Pinot noir
2005:
•
Wine of the Year 2008 – John
Platter South African Wine Guide
• 5-Stars – John
Platter South African Wine Guide 2008
Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir
2003:
• Winemaker’s Choice
Diamond Award 2005
• 5-Stars – John Platter South
African Wine Guide 2007
Tête de
Cuvée
Galpin Peak Pinot noir
2001:
• Gold Medal –
International WINE Challenge 2003
• Gold Medal –
Juliet Cullinan Wine Competition
• 5-Stars – John
Platter South African Wine Guide 2004
Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir
2000:
• 2005 Juliet Cullinan
Connoisseurs Award
Tête de
Cuvée
Galpin Peak Pinot noir
1997:
• Burgandy Pinot noir
Trophy Winner WINE Challenge 2000
ABOUT THE JOHN
PLATTER SOUTH AFRICAN WINE GUIDE
The John
Platter South African wine guide is South
Africa’s most comprehensive, up-to-date
and authoritative chronicle of who’s who and what’s what in South African
wine country.
Wines are
ranked in the guide by an
experienced team of tasters according to a five-point scale, which ranges
from 0-stars (‘somewhat less than ordinary’) up to 5-stars (‘Superlative.
A Cape
classic.)
BOUCHARD
FINLAYSON...more
Wine & Company
09:00 - 17:30 Monday to
Friday
09:00 - 14:00 Saturday
Tel: +27 (0) 28 313 2047
Fax: +27 (0) 28 312 4029
Email:
winenco@telkomsa.net
http://www.wineandcompany.co.za
Experience 16 of the best of South Africa’s Sauvignon Blancs.
Bartho Eksteen,
'Monsieur Sauvignon Blanc' from Hermanuspietersfontein...
has put together a selection of the best of the cultivar to
demonstrate how different wine makers express themselves.
When next visiting their tasting room, please avail yourself
of the opportunity to taste and compare - see for yourself
the differences between regions and wine making styles. The wines are kept under
perfect conditions in their state of the art dispensing
equipment.
Do pop in to the Hermanuspietersfontein tasteroom
in the Hemel and Aarde Village.
Postal address: Suite 47 at the Hemel & Aarde Village
or phone them on 028 316 1875 or e-mail them at
kelder@hpf1855.co.za
or visit
www.hpf1855.co.za.
Anthony Hamilton-Russell - man of many
passions....more
  
Nosy Rosy thoroughly enjoyed the wines
of the JEAN DANEEL family business in
Napier at the recent Wine and Food Fair
at the Wine Village.
Jean started his winemaking career in
South Africa as the first winemaker for
Buitenverwachting in 1983. He spent 9
years there and in that time built a
reputation for excellent white as well
as red wine. He received several
trophies including the coveted Dinners
Club Award for the best Merlot. Long
after Jean left his Grand Reserve still
received gold medals.
Morgenhof was his next challenge in
1992. Jean promised the French owners
that he will have the farm established
with a reputation for excellent wines
within 10 years. In fact he achieved
this in a much shorter time. Jean won
his first Wine magazine Chenin Blanc
Challenge in 1997 and in 1999 shortly
after he left Morgenhof he received
several gold and double gold awards at
the highly acclaimed Veritas Show.
In 1997 Jean started his own winery in
Franschhoek in renovated stables. In
2000 he was working full time at JD
Wines combined with some consulting for
several wine farms in the valley. In
2003 he won the Wine Magazine Chenin
Blanc Challenge again, but this time
with his own Jean Daneel Signature
Chenin Blanc 2001. In 2005 he received 5
stars for his Signature Chenin 2003 and
it was also awarded “Wine of the Year”
by John Platter Wine guide 2005 out of
5000 wines.
Jean has always wanted his own wine
cellar and vineyard and in 2003 he
achieved that dream by buying a small
property on the riverbank outside a
small town called Napier, just 40
minutes drive from “L’Agulhas, the most
southern point of Africa where the
Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. In 2005
he started to build his winery and in
2006 the first wine was made in the new
cellar. The other half of his dream will
be realized later in the year when he
will plant his first vineyard. Four
cultivars have been chosen. The
Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc on the
otter side of the river. Just below the
house and the cellar will be two blocks
with Merlot and Shiraz. In 2007 the
olive trees will be planted around the
edge of the vineyards. Two more phases
will see the completion of the cellar
enchanted with stone walls, lavender
hedges, plane trees and roses.
Jean feels like a pioneer in the valley
but believes that with the moderate and
cooler temperature due to the influence
of the ocean that vineyards will grow
well here and produce excellent quality
grapes. He has been joined by his son,
Jean-Pierre as winemaker and together
with his wife, Reneé who is involved in
the marketing, he is establishing a
family business that will live on in the
valley for many generation.
Newton Johnson wines
  
Having recently
moved into the new building that houses a brand new gravity-fed
cellar, the Johnson family is very excited to do things a little
different than before! Now having views that stretch as far as
Hangklip on the Western side and the upper Hemel-&-Aarde Valley
on the Eastern side, the property truly portrays a bit of
heaven, as the name of the valley implies. This beautiful
valley near Hermanus, on the Southern Cape Coast has made a name
for itself in the wine industry the world over!
In the cool
climate Walker Bay appellation, this splendid maritime situation
is reflected in and amplifies the Newton Johnson style. Marked
by elegance and restraint, the grape varieties have been
specifically chosen: cool-climate-favouring Pinot Noir,
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and the Syrah Mourvèdre-blend.
These are rapidly becoming recognized as some of the Capes
finest.
Newton Johnson
wines also bear the imprint of their creators welcoming
hospitality, their love of food and an outdoor lifestyle
afforded by the ocean’s proximity.
Proprietor Dave Johnson, one of a small group of
Cape Bay Wine Masters, has nearly 30 years experience in the
South African Wine Industry. He is joined by his equally wine
and food focused wife, Felicity. An integral part of the
business, she is responsible for the clean-lined contemporary
design of the house and cellar.
Both sons are
involved in the family concern. Gordon, the winemaker, has
truly come into his own with 11 crushes behind him at wineries
around the world – the Cape, Bordeaux, California and New
Zealand.
Bevan is in
charge of exports and marketing and has gained hands-on
experience in Bordeaux.
Come harvest
time, you’ll find the whole family working together in the
cellar! And when all the hard work is over, catching crayfish
in Hermanus is always high on the priority list. The only other
thing that is daily overheard in the cellar is: “What’s the
surf like?”
A family
fulfilling their dream of making great wine in an exceptional
valley and at the end of the day they can be in the surf within
15 minutes.
Nosy
Rosy loves the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and can often be
found nursing a glass of the fruit of the vine at one of the
many estates .
Paul du Toit,
owner of the Wine Village, and
his delightful wife Cathy, must be your first stop before
tackling the R320 through the Hemel and Aarde
Valley. The valley has exploded over the past year
and wine makers in the valley change jobs faster than
Paris Hilton changes underwear,
which makes for a very interesting
blend!
Back to the Wine Village, they
offer the largest selection of wine under one roof and you
have to stop off there simply to experience the best service
and true Hermanus
hospitality!
Whalehaven Wines, right next door to the Wine
Village, have a wonderful merlot and many very pretty ladies
at hand to see to your every need.
Back to
your car, turn left at the stop and a few kilometers down
the right on your right, you will see the magnificent
Hamilton Russell Vineyards. You simply have
to pop in here as you may catch a glimpse of the very hunky
and dishy and virile Anthony Hamilton Russel. (Father to
four daughters) and his quote on fatherhood:
"Expensive!! - both in terms of time and money - but the
returns measured in friendship and happiness pay back every
minute and cent ten fold."
Right next door to Hamilton
Russel is Bouchard Finlayson. Peter
Finlayson is one of the first winemakers in the valley and
his passion for wine making is evident in the ongoing awards
this estates receives.
Both Hamilton Russell
Vineyards and Bouchard Finlayson
received awards for their Chardonnay
at a luncheon paying homage to South Africa's top chef, Bill
Gallagher at De Wetshof recently. The Bouchard Finlayson
Missionvale 2004 and the Hamilton Russell 2005 received top
honours from the nine local fundis. This follows gold medal
awards received year on year by both Bouchard Finlayson and
Hamilton Russell for their world-renowned Pinot Noirs!
La Vierge, a Champagne Tasting Restaurant
will be opening at the end of 2006 and of course
Nosy Rosy looks forward to tasting the wine, but more
tempting, the champagne, from Babylon Wines!
Sumaridge offers incomparable views
and a very cozy fireplace in winter . They
make you pay for their tastings, but it is worth every cent!
This venue can lead to marriage proprosals and what
better place than Sumaridge to wed!
Newton Johnson Vineyards offers heavenly wines and
food. The husband and wife team of Dave and Felicity Johnson
have built a formidable two wine cellars and their marriage
is as strong as ever! A true testimony to their efforts
though, is their wine and Nosy Rosy became Rosy Nosy at the
official opening of their cellar in March.
The majestic Newton Johnson wine cellar took eight months to
complete and blends in beautifully with the surrounding
area.
Complimenting the cellar is Heaven, a
collaboration between Bruce from B's Steakhouse and Yolande Steenkamp ,
a huge sucess!
A kilometer down the road, Louis Saaiman from
Hemelzicht Wines have produced consistently good
wine and he his wines can
be purchased at "Hermanus Vars blommemark" where he
is surrounded by the bounty of nature in more ways than one.
Spookfontein is the newcomer and have produced a delightful Merlot! We were
the first to told you, remember the name,
Spookfontein!
A little further down the road, Kevin Grant
(ex-winemaker at Hamilton Russell) of Ataraxia,
has already produced his first delicious wines and
he is a name to look out for!
(Well done Kevin and Hanlie)! Nosy Rosy expects a bottle or
two!!
Peter Clarke and partners from Oude Hemel-en-Aarde are in
the process of planting up a storm and we all look forward
to this estate complimenting the future Franschoek Valley,
Stellenbosch and Paarl wine routes.
Oh my goodness, then we have Tokara, just after
Babylon Wines, turn left at Karwyderskraal road,
and if you are heavily pregnant, please refrain from using
this road, as it might induce labour!
For those not in the know, Tokara in the
valley, belongs to a Mr.
Ferreira, ex/current First Rand Group CEO's, third wine
farm, nice to have money hey honey!
BOUCHARD
FINLAYSON
P.O. Box 303 R320, Hemel-&-Aarde Valley
Hermanus 7200
Tel: +27 28 3123515 Fax: +27 28 3122317
Cell: +27 82 5588334
Tasting Room Hours: Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 17:00 Sat: 09:30 -
12:30
Bouchard Finlayson is a small winery located in the
beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, near Hermanus, dedicated to
making Pinot noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines of
outstanding quality. The vineyard is positioned 34° South and
19° East, in the "wine ward" of Walker Bay. The 160 Hectare
property currently has 18 hectares under vine; the rest is
indigenous "Fynbos" flora of the Western Cape.
Winemaker, Peter Finlayson, is a graduate oenologist
from Stellenbosch University. He furthered his studies at
Geisenheim in the Rheingau in 1975. A period of 3 years was
spent at the fledging Boschendal winery, while he later accepted
the challenge of building the winery at Hamilton Russel
Vineyards. His success at this cellar became legendary,
particularly with the Pinot noir grape. The Diners Club
Winemaker of the Year Award was presented to Peter in 1989 for a
1986 Pinot noir. His prize included a substantial travel
opportunity, which culminated with four days in Beaune, France,
as a guest of Burgundy wine personality, Paul Bouchard.
In April 1989 Peter and Michael Clark purchased land
in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. The first wines were planted in
1990 and the first bought in grapes were crushed on 14 February
1991.
Bouchard Finlayson is owned by Bouchard Finlayson (Pty) Ltd.
The directors are Brett, Victoria and Michael Tollman
representing the Tollman Family Trust. Peter Finlayson and
Michael Clark are managing directors.
Situated 120 km South East of Cape Town, Walker Bay is one
of the coolest wine growing areas in the Cape, with a Winkler
classification of between 2 and 3. The nearby cold Atlantic, is
the main mediating influence on the climate. The climate
barrier, formed by Galpin Peak (810 metres) and the Tower of
Babel (1200 metres) traps the cloud cover and moisture, which
the prevailing South East trade wind brings from the sea to the
valley. The result is warm, rather than hot summers, and mild,
frost-free winter conditions.
The vineyards are planted with selected clones of Pinot noir,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc. These grapes
varieties are particularly well suited to the terroir of the
farm, which happens to support native Burgundian varieties. 50%
of the vineyards is dedicated to Pinot noir, most of which is
established on the gentle west-facing slopes below the winery.
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are planted on the
deeper soils. Lately the inclusion of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo
has created the opportunity for a unique red blend.
Vineyard practices have been based on the Burgundian
principle of high-density plantings with low yields from the
individual wines. Most of the pruning is on a double Guyot
system. The result is a greater surface area of leaf exposure
per hectare and restricted root growth, which ensures greater
concentration of fruit extract. "Green harvesting" is practised
at veraison. Approximately 35% of the green fruit is picked and
left on the ground, the remaining 65% develops greater flavour
concentration. Grapes are harvested by hand, and more than one
pass through the same vineyard is not uncommon.
The winery, featured on the distinctive Bouchard Finlayson
label, is a breakaway from tradition. The Cape feel is
maintained by the thatch roof and the wide verandah, which both
serve as practical features. The former provides natural
insulation, while the latter assists in keeping the afternoon
sun off the building walls.
While planting of vines continues, so does the policy of
purchasing grapes from other producers in the area. Grapes are
bought in from non-irrigated vineyards in the Overberg
districts, which are targeted for their quality. Total
production is approx. 12 000 cases, of which 70% of the grapes
are grown at Bouchard Finlayson.
Waiting for the harvest to begin is like waiting for new
children to be born!
Tête de Cuvée 2001 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 5-stars John
Platter 2006
Tête de Cuvée 2003 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - Winemaker’s Choice
Diamond Award 2005
Crocodile’s Lair / ‘Kaaimansgat’ Chardonnay 2003 - Gold award
2005 Wine Style Asia Awards
Crocodile’s Lair / ‘Kaaimansgat’ Chardonnay 2004 Limited Reserve
- Gold medal Winner 2005 Santé Classic Wine Trophy Awards
Bouchard Finlayson wines are:
2003 Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir
Appealing on the nose, with whiffs of raspberry, cherry and oaky
plum. Rich, long on the palate with full bodies firm harmonious
sturcture, ending in layers of velvety tannins which act as a
guarantee for many years of positive development.
2003 Pinot Noir Galpin Peak
The nose is aromatically scented with exciting whiffs of
truffles and fruits of the forest. The wine is full with soft
tannins, which ensure many years of positive development. An
excellent crop and an excellent wine!
2003 Hannibal
Full, ripe wild berry and meaty flavours. Long confident mouth
feel with plenty of aging potential enchanced by excellent
Franch oak barrel ageing (sixteen months).
2004 Missionvale Chardonnay
This is an intensely focussed wine of near perfect balance. It
is fresh, marginally oaked for six months with an almost white
peachy crispness, mixed with a complex yeasty orchestration of
flavours. It ends with a tang of richness which lasts a full
minute on the palate. With time it will slowly become even more
interesting as its nuttiness and complexity continues to
develop.
Crocodile’s Lair / ‘Kaaimansgat’ Chardonnay 2004 Limited
Reserve - Gold medal Winner 2005 Santé
Refreshingly mineral with citrussy and strong nutty character.
Packed with tight fruit, it portrays its promise to evolve more
complex vanilla and spring flower flavours. As always, a natural
match with poultry, casseroles and richer fish dishes.
2005 Bouchard Finlayson Chardonnay Sans Barrique
Big and bold with firm fresh sprightly backbone. A vintage where
natural acidity called for no amelioration. A great summer wine
which is a wonderful alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Delicious
with oysters and fresh fish.
2005 Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Clean gooseberry aromas with a touch of smoke and mineral
character. Acidity in harmony with strong mouth feel; fresh and
enticing. More body than in previous vintages and its palate
cleansing freshness lends itself to a range of fish and seafood
dishes.
2005 Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer
The name Blanc de Mer serves to remind one of its position
with seafood. Served well chilled, it is ideal with oysters,
salmon and fresh line fish. While the opportunity to enjoy as a
fresh young wine exists, it will mature to offer good reward to
those who are prepared to be patient! |
