Two years ago, when we were developing our new ranges of labels, Dusty Road seemed an ideal brand name for our drink-now range. The uniqueness of the wines from Cloof lies partially in the extreme concentration of the reds; the product of bush vines producing, on average, a mere 4.5 tons per hectare. The conditions during summer are hot and dry, and there is no irrigation to boost the size of the crop (or to dilute the flavours of the wine). Gravel roads inevitably become dusty, and anyone who has visited Cloof can testify to the sometimes bumpy, but very definitely dusty 5km road by which one approaches the estate.

In terms of local flavour, and also something that so evocatively symbolises the unique conditions at Cloof, Dusty Road speaks volumes. It also speaks for our African roots, and for the excellent soils at Cloof.

In the 18 months-odd that Dusty Road has been on the market, the range has racked up more accolades than one would normally expect of everyday wines:

2002 Cabernet Sauvignon – Wine-of-the-Month Club’s best entry-level cabernet.
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon – selected for South African Airways Economy Class.
2003 Pinotage – selected for South African Airways Economy Class.
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – praised by Steve Daniel: “Pound-for-pound the best SA red in the UK.”
2003 Cabernet/Pinotage/Shiraz – one of the highest-rated Pinotage-based blends in Wine magazine’s tasting. Rated equal, or close, to numerous wines at much higher selling prices. Selected for South African Airways Economy Class.
2004 Chardonnay unwooded – received four stars in the Platter Wine Guide.
2004 Pinotage – Selected for South African Airways Economy Class.
2004 Rosé – top-rated rosé in the Platter Wine Guide.
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – selected for British Airways Economy Class.