Cloof took part in Japan's largest food and beverage show, Foodex, which was held in Tokyo recently. Visitors were interested to taste Pinotage (being South Africa's indigenous grape). Crucible and Lynchpin were highly praised, but The Very Sexy Shiraz probably won us the most friends.

As a purveyor of red wines that inevitably average out at just under 14.5% alcohol I’ve been at the receiving end of a growing number of (negative) comments about high alcohol. I wouldn’t say that I feel yet like the vinous equivalent of the super-sized Big Mac, fries and soda, but I am feeling a bit sensitive about the issue.
 

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Cloof recently became South Africa's third Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI) Champion, joining Vergelegen and Graham Beck. Our neighbouring property, Burghers Post, was simultaneously named Champion in its own right.

When we encountered our Austrian crystal suppliers they showed us a hand blown glass specifically intended for mellow aged reds. We thought it was just perfect for our shiraz, but we were concerned it would be too expensive once landed in South Africa.

Putting Pinotage into new French oak barrels is a bit like dressing an unruly schoolboy in a blazer and tie (and combing his hair!). We make this observation apropos the 2003 Cloof Pinotage, which we release this week.