“The Future of the Cape”
Master of Wine (MW) Tim Atkin has singled out Cloof as a “winery to watch” in the October edition of Off Licence News:

“Situated a mere six miles from the Atlantic Ocean in one of South Africa’s most dynamic regions, Cloof has taken a sizeable step forward since it changed owners in 2002. The wines here are flag-wavingly New World in style, but they manage to combine flavour and high alcohol levels with drinkability.

Leading UK wine writer Tom Cannavan has selected the 2004 Cloof Bush Vines CPS as his Wine of the Week, making the following comments

Last week we played host (in Bordeaux!) to a group of UK wine writers, for the launch of our 2005 Bordeaux-style blend. In the past this wine has always been named for its constituent grape varieties (cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot). However, from the 2005 vintage onwards, this wine will now be called Lynchpin, in recognition of the critically important role played in the blend by Cabernet Franc.

News from London is that the 2004 vintage of our Crucible Shiraz was awarded the Regional Trophy in the 2006 Decanter Wine Awards. To be selected the Best Rhône Varietal red wine from South Africa – by this panel – is high praise indeed. Decanter is not only the UK's leading wine magazine; it is also one of the finest wine publications in the world.

In theory, Oscar’s role at Cloof encompasses the various marketing and sales requirements of the commercial side of the business. While he does appear to be active in these areas, he drifts into the kitchen so often that one has to wonder which role has precedence.