Kiepersol Winery

We made a second visit to the Kiepersol grounds to purchase some products and found the tasting rooms have changed dramatically!  They have opened a new combined wine and whiskey tasting room at the top of the hill, which was as you can imagine, right up our alley.  In keeping with the elegant ambiance of the entire Kiepersol complex, this new tasting room was open and bright with a fantastic view from the huge inside windows and the patio.  There is very large bar area where one can sample a wine, a whiskey, and/or a cocktail.  There are also many tables inside and out, and a bottle area set up for purchase.  

At this visit we were fortunate enough to be paired with Marnelle as our server.  As luck would have it, she is the Proprietor and in her words, the "Chief Wino".  She obviously has a wealth of information behind her title, and was very forthcoming with facts, tips, and friendly conversation.  As a side note, we were standing beside (but 6 feet apart) from two women, one of whom was from South Africa.  When Marnelle made the Zulu connection from her own heritage with that woman, there was a celebration to be had.  It was refreshing to see and enjoy.  

We tasted 9 wines on this day.  We split them and had small pours, I assure you.  They are listed below with a few tasting notes.  

Steen 2019

A very fruit forward start, with heavy notes of grapefruit.  Presented as a semi-dry, with a little sweetness. 

Edelvit 2019

A very well-balanced semi-dry white.  Not too sweet, not too dry, not too acidic.  It's an easy drinker.  

Syrah 2014

Presents with a nice jewel tone color, and sweet aroma.  A semi-dry wine with a slight leather quality, and a little dusty.  We bought a bottle of this one.  

We tasted the following three Cabs side by side.  All of them are 2015 vintage. 

Cabernet Saugivnon

The "feminine" Cab, according to the founding winemaker.  Presents with a very heavy but pleasant cherry aroma and taste.  A little raspberry mixed in too.  Good finish and flavor to the end. 

Bourbon Barrel Cabernet

A pleasant earthy and oak quality.  Was a little "thinner" than expected for a bourbon barrel Cab, but good flavor and easy to drink.

Cabernet Reserve

Definitely our favorite of the three.  A savory and full wine, without being heavy.  A good earthy character with a dark berry taste.  Was described to us as a "couple octaves lower" than the regular Cab, which made perfect sense after tasting both.  

The following three intense reds were tasted side by side.

Mengsel 2015 (means mixture)

A Bordeaux style with a beautiful dark purple color.  Presents with a leathery bouquet, and has some bell pepper overtones.  It is very dry and lush with a sweet finish.  Very much enjoyed.  

Barrel No. 33 2013

When you get Marnelle to the side, let her tell you how this wine was an "accident".  It's a good story.

This one is very dry with a very pleasant earthy taste.  Not acidic at all, it has a grape juice with depth quality.  

Texique 2013

This unique Texas (Texique) blend shows off a wonderful jewel tone color, and leathery aroma.  Like finding an old book, and breathing in fully.  It has a full mouth feel, with a long finish.  This one is pricey, but for the right occasion, well worth the investment.  

What a great day we had at Kiepersol!  We plan to go back and help with the grape sorting and processing if allowed.  And somehow I can't help but picture Lucy and Ethel stomping the grapes.  :) 

Cheers, y'all!