We should all be very very proud. Abingdon, our very own Midlands wine farm, complete with oak trees and a fabulous restaurant, and owned by the charming Ian and Jane Smorthwaite has been included in the prestigious wine Bible, Wines of the Southern Hemisphere.
This is a major coup for a Natal operation, as Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen are two of the world’s most respected wine writers. They review the great and the good of South African wines from Anthony Hamilton Russell’s offerings in Hermanus, to Ernie Els and every gem in between.
Now, when you have finished reading about the Cape you will find a new ‘area’….Kwazulu-Natal Geographical Area. This is very exciting, to be up there among the big boys with Jane and Ian’s Cabernet 2008 being described as ‘ruby in the glass with the aroma of dark berries, cassis and a pleasant vegetal note. In the mouth it is well-structured, with balanced tannins and a lingering finish.’
If your wine buying ends at the Cape here is the endorsement you have been waiting for. Head up to the Midlands for the day, and go on a little buying trip. Come off the N3 at Lion’s River and the Estate is on your left. Buy some wines from Abingdon and drink them proudly. Well done Jane and Ian, it couldn’t have happened to nicer people.
