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KEN FORRESTER VINEYARDS

Ken Forrester started a career in the Hotel industry with Southern Sun. He then went on to specialise in the restaurant trade, buying a share in one of the busiest eateries of the day, Gatriles in the centre of Johannesburg, and from there a string of other restaurants and related activities culminating in being elected Chairman of the Federated Hospitality Association of SA (FEDHASA).
Then in 1993 with a young family, he and his wife Teresa set their hearts on an historic vineyard in Stellenbosch. With most of the vineyard planted to Chenin Blanc it was decided to enlist the help of good friend and Top Winemaker, Martin Meinert, with the quest to produce Chenin Blanc that could rival any white wine in the world. Since then the wines have been poured at numerous grand events including the opening of The Scottish Parliament (Ken has been known to wear a tartan skirt - the Forresters have their origins in the Western Isles of Scotland!) as well as the 85th birthday of our own icon, ex President Mandela.
The wines have received massive international acclaim with literally hundreds of awards and accolades and the growth of the brand has been nothing short of meteoric. The picture perfect vineyards beneath the Helderberg Mountains are testimony to the quest for perfectly ripe fruit and show the commitment and attention to detail, that is required for benchmark wines in this day and age of immense competition and much improved quality.
The farming is in the hands of a small highly dedicated team. Ken travels the world promoting South Africa and their great wines, happy to pour any South African wine far from home and carry the flag. It's a tough job, socialising and meeting great people in the relaxed environment of food and wine but someone has to do it!
2019 marks the winery's 25th anniversary.

Winery Website                  Extended Portfolio


SCORE LEGEND
TA - Tim Atkin, INT                            AG - Anthony Gismondi, CAN
RP - Robert Parker, INT                    WS - Wine Spectator, INT
JP - John Platter, RSA                       NM - Neal Martin, INT
WM - Winemag.co.za, RSA               NMc - Natalie MacLean, CAN
WAL - Winealign.com, CAN               DC - Decanter, INT
WE - Wine Enthusiast, USA                WSF - Wine Safari, RSA


NV JACKALBERRY JENEVER GIN
+100251 · 6x750ml
+893592 · 12x750ml

This magnificent indigenous Jackalberry tree that thrives in the Bushveld Savannah is known as “African Ebony”.
We harvest just the natural fruit, once a year and we use this magical fruit which is a seasonal treat for many animals including Jackals (obviously) as well as many species of antelope, baboons, monkeys, and tree squirrels. In fact, the floor of the tree beneath the verdant canopy is a veritable meeting place of the animals eager to snack on this delicious healthy fruit, whilst the birds like parrot, hornbill, and Grey Loerie get first choice up high. We’ve infused this wild grown, health-giving fruit with gin botanicals and the finest spirit.
The original and unique flavors of Genever enable bartenders to work with the authentic flavours of the past and to recreate the true classic cocktails as they were meant to taste – The Original Collins, for example – or invent new, well-balanced contemporary cocktails.

STATUS: OPEN

Current Vintage     


2020 SPARKLEHORSE - SPARKLING CHENIN BLANC
+795074 · 6x750ml

100% Chenin Blanc.
Ken Forrester Wines has a superb reputation for Chenin Blanc, and this first sparkling wine in the classic tradition is no exception. Pale yellow with a golden hint. On the nose, notes of yellow apples, brioche, and a floral touch. In the mouth the bubble is light and thin. Acidity is refreshing with flavors of granny Smith apples, pear, and honey. Pretty dry with a long finish.
An ideal bubbly to celebrate with. Enjoy with light creamy dishes: chicken breast with pepper and cream. White fish in sauce.

STATUS: OPEN
TA: 90

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2023 PETIT CHENIN BLANC
+790303 · 12x750ml

100% Chenin Blanc.
Perfect everyday drinking wine. A youthful fresh wine with quince and pear drop flavours. Earlier picked freshness shows on palate with crunchy green apple and grapefruit flavours. Good mouthfeel and appetisingly tangy finish.
Serve with all flavoursome, light al fresco summertime meals.

STATUS: OPEN

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2022 PETIT SAUVIGNON BLANC
+790304 · 12x750ml

100% Sauvignon Blanc.
Lovely complexity with mix of tropical fruit, tangy grassy notes, fig leaves and nectarine nuances with crisp dry finish.
Ideal with fish, chicken and pasta and friends.

STATUS: OPEN
RP: 87 || JP: 3*/5*

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2022 SAUVIGNON BLANC RESERVE
+790306 · 12x750ml

100% Sauvignon Blanc.
We always look for a hint of tropical ripeness, as well as a crisp clean backbone to carry the wine. To achieve this, grapes are hand-picked from 3 vineyards, approximately 300 miles apart. This gives three unique flavour profiles; all made separately and then blended straight after being drained off the lees. This wine shows lovely complexity with mix of tangy grassy notes, fig leaf, and peach and nectarine nuances. Brisk acidity with minerality on the palate which is typical of the long hang time in our cool region.
Very good while preparing a meal or out on the patio. Ideal with fish, chicken and pasta and friends.

STATUS: OPEN



Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2021 OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC
+790307 · 12x750ml

100% Chenin Blanc.
Golden hued and full bodied, with melon and spicy baked apple aromas. Layered, with mineral notes enhanced by honeycomb and caramel flavours from lees contact. This wine is a great example of the harmonious balance which can be achieved between fruit and delicate oak/vanilla flavours, as they combine to form complex, soft flavours with sufficient body to enhance even spicy and full flavoured meals.
Can be served with varied spicy dishes, full flavoured fish or chicken dishes. Ideal with crayfish, prawns. A true benchmark for relaxed enjoyment.

STATUS: OPEN
DC: 97 || JP: 93 (4.5*) || TA: 91


Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2021 PETIT ROSE
+800308 · 12x750ml

79% Grenache, 21% Viognier.
Crushed and pressed, leaving the skins soaking for an hour or two. This infuses the delicate copper salmon colour unique for Grenache and a cold fermentation in stainless tanks ensures an elegant wine. This very elegant Rosé overwhelms the nose with aromas of freshly picked strawberries, rose petal and cherry flavours. It follows through on the palate with delicious ripe raspberries with a delicate finish.
Serve with all flavoursome, light al fresco summertime meals. Ken Forrester's Petit Rose is a lovely delicate, elegant style and great with cold meats, salmon, salads or a fondue.

STATUS: STATUS: OPEN
JP: 3*

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2022 SILVER ROSE
+858802 · 6x750ml

100% Grenache Noir.
Harvested with the perfect acidity. Elegant copper-hue captured in a timeless clear flint bottle that accentuates the purity and softness of the wine.9 months maturing on the fine lees in tank. Elegant & restrained, with satisfying pomegranate, strawberry & cherry flavours.
Serve with all light summertime meals, tapas, appetizers, Grilled Tuna, Chicken Salad, Charcuterie.

STATUS: STATUS: OPEN
Double Gold Medal - Rose Rocks 2022
Double Gold Medal - International Wine Challenge 2022
Double Gold Medal - Gilbert & Gaillard 2022

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2021 PETIT PINOTAGE
+790305 · 12x750ml

100% Pinotage.
Classic Pinotage aromas of spicy mulberries, plum pudding and cherries, supported by smoky bacon nuances. Juicy and accessible with soft palate and delicious fruit concentration.
This cheerfully unwooded wine can be served with a generous slice of pizza or a barbeque. Perfect with almost any happy casual occasion!

STATUS: OPEN
JP: 3*
5 stars - Ultra Value Wines 2022.
Silver Medal Winner - Ultra Value Wines 2022.

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2019 MERLOT RESERVE PAT'S GARDEN
+790308 · 12x750ml

68% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot.
Pat’s Garden Merlot has always been a blend of predominantly Merlot with the addition of about 8%-12% Cabernet Franc. This ‘blend’ conveniently fell within the legal framework for a wine labelled as a single varietal wine ... ‘all wine may be blended up to a maximum of 15%’. We thought, why is the magic number 15%? So, we set about doing some exploration using 4 of the traditional Bordeaux grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon...The result? We present the new Pat’s Garden Reserve! A Bordeaux-inspired blend, offering the best of the 5 noble varieties of Bordeaux in one delicious bottle.
Serve with meat dishes, grills and roast lamb.

STATUS: OPEN
JP: 89 (4*)


Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2019 RENEGADE
+790309 · 12x750ml

63% Shiraz, 26% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre.
Fermented in open tanks with gentle extraction by pumping over and then pressed and racked into second and third fill French oak barrels for 18 months. This adds complexity and structure to the soft natural tannins. This elegant Rhône blend displays Old World Style with New World fruit. Hint of Grenache’s earthy rusticity and Shiraz’s noble spice with hints of nutmeg and salty black olive on the finish. Balanced with soft integrated tannins.
Serve with roasts, duckling and full flavoured Mediterranean dishes as well as lamb or grilled meat and vegetables.

STATUS: OPEN
WE: 88

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2017 THE GYPSY
+743898 · 6x750ml

71% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre.
A very concentrated, focused blend with layers of deep fruit. The character is expectedly somewhat “wild” a little brambly with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, dark spices, with vanilla scents and a distinct, concentrated red-fruit focus. After almost 2 years languishing in a cool cellar the Gypsy is stable with the oak and intense fruit totally harmonised. Great for laying down and keeping for at least ten years but already rewarding if allowed to breathe in a decanter.
Deliciously matched with risotto, sensuously truffled pasta. Ideal for flavoursome grills, lamb and beef.

STATUS: OPEN
JP: 94 || TA: 91

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


2022 THE FMC
+790310 · 6x750ml

100% Chenin Blanc.
Hand selected Chenin Blanc - primarily from low yielding, old bush vines (planted in 1974). Harvested at full maturity. Natural wild yeast fermentation in new French oak 400L barrels. Due to repetitive harvesting some botrytis is always present. The pinnacle of what we consider to be the finest expression of the grapes of this varietal - an icon chenin, a challenge to the world! Rich, layered with dried apricot, vanilla and honey. Will gain additional complexity with cellaring.
Enjoy with special friends as an exciting aperitif or with spiced dishes, even mild seafood/shellfish or curries. Great with exotic Eastern spiced foods.

STATUS: OPEN
JP: 97 || NM: 95 || TA: 93
Bronze Medal - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2023

Current Vintage      Past Vintages


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