Dear Saxenburger

As we approach the end of the year we cannot help but reflect on the turbulent times we have had to endure during 2001. Europe suffered the devastating effects of foot and mouth disease occurring throughout much of the U.K., Germany and France. Then on top of it all, September the 11th changed the world and under the motto 'war against terrorism' a horrifying scenario was created and is still going on - none of which can be overlooked. The stock exchange and world financial markets too, became nothing short of a disaster. 

Fortunately, however there are good things to tell from Saxenburg: the ongoing commitment to growing award winning wines, the development of new buildings and a tremendous team dedicated to the creation of superlative wines resulting in progressively stronger loyalty to Saxenburg.

What a great lady once said of her champagne most certainly applies to Saxenburg's wines as well: "I drink a Guinea Fowl wine when happy and when sad. Sometimes when alone, when I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it when I am not hungry and when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I am thirsty."

May we take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and may we wish you all a memorable and joyful festive season with peace and prosperity for the year!

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Bührer

Saxenburg Shiraz Select 1998

From its release in late June sales of our maiden vintage Shiraz Select have been tremendous. In approximately four months the five-star rated (John Platter 2001) wine is almost sold out. With a production of little over 200 cases only 40 cases now remain many of which are reserved for the country's finest hotels and restaurants.

The wine now features on the winelist of the renowned La Colombe restaurant at Constantia Uitsig where a fitting description introduces the wine to their guests:

"A beautifully crafted Hermitage styled wine. Hints of raspberries, violets and cinnamon spice on the nose introduce the gorgeous concentration of macerated dark cherries and ripe plum fruit on the palate. Complex rich berry fruit yields to a deliciously dry spicy finish. Carefully matured in both French and American Oak for a year, with superb maturation potential over the next 8 - 10 years."

Apart from the above restaurant there are a number of other renowned establishments that carry limited stocks of our reserve Shiraz for you to enjoy:

The Cape Grace Hotel, V & A Waterfront
Vaughan Johnson Wine & Cigar Shop V & A Waterfront
Aubergine Restaurant Gardens
Caroline's Fine Wines, Cape Town
Ellerman House
Browns Restaurant, Rivonia
Norman GoodFellows
Singita Game Lodge
Chapman's Peak Hotel
Emily's Restaurant V & A Waterfront

It is indeed encouraging to see that there is a growing demand for premium quality wines in South Africa. Should you wish to avail yourself of a small quantity of this special limited wine please contact our tasting room. 

New Wine Releases

Exciting news from Chateau Capion is that the compliment of the Family Concept wines Apollonia (an elegant white blend comprising Viognier, Chardonnay and a little Marsanne Rousanne) and Fiona (a full-bodied red blend comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache) are now available from Saxenburg.

In addition to the above releases there are new vintages from Chateau Capion:

Vintage Selection du Cardinal

White Wine
Le Sorbier 1999

Red Wine
La Garanne 1998
Le Juge 1998

Family Reserve

Red Wine
Adrianus 1998
Fiona 1999

White Wine
Apolonia 1999

Outdoor Summer Feasting

Situated above our beautiful rose garden on the rolling lawns leading to our tasting room is our new summer venue for light lunches and wine tastings. Here, Leo Romer, head chef and manager of the Guinea Fowl restaurant, invites you to enjoy a glass of wine whilst choosing from a range of delicious light meals including a selection of local cheeses, special salads and west coast oysters. (Best enjoyed with a glass of our Le Phantom Brut!).

Guests are able to relax in the garden either seated or on the lawn whilst enjoying a view of the valley. The thatched open-air venue offers an ideal alternative to traditional indoor lunches and is also available for private functions.

Old World Modernity

In October the Saxenburg team moved into their attractive new offices, which although modern by design, are a lovely compliment to the older, historical feel and ambiance associated with Saxenburg.

WineEx, Johannesburg (23-25th October 2001)

Saxenburg's participation in this exceptionally well-organized and well-attended national wine show in Johannesburg was a great success. Without a doubt this is now recognized as the country's leading wine show attracting over 8 000 people. It was indeed a wonderful experience to renew contact with so many loyal Saxenburg friends. We look forward to our attendance next year and to exhibiting our wines to old and new wine lovers in the region.

Maintaining The Swedish Connection

Saxenburg recently had the opportunity to sponsor the Swedish yacht teams participating in the Volvo Ocean Challenge whilst here in Cape Town in early November. Sunday the 11th, the day of departure, was tremendously fun with much excitement and activity needless to say the send-off party was immeasurably enhanced by the deliciously chilled Private Collection Sauvignon Blanc enjoyed by everyone over the course of the afternoon.

Looking back at Saxenburg's history it all seems rather fitting considering the early founders in 1693 were in fact, Swedish! Finally they had the opportunity to taste the fruit of their 'own', albeit ancestor's labour.

Until our next newsletter, remember wherever you are, keep entertaining, drinking and enjoying Saxenburg wines!

• The Saxenburger, Edition 25
• The Saxenburger, Edition 23
• The Saxenburger, Edition 22
• The Saxenburger, Edition 21
• The Saxenburger, Edition 20
• The Saxenburger, Edition 19
• The Saxenburger, Edition 18
• The Saxenburger, Edition 17
• The Saxenburger, Edition 16
• The Saxenburger, Edition 15