The Stables Wine Estate Media Release

 No: Stables0713

7 August 2007

Durban – With the Springboks putting the final touches to their preparations for the Rugby World Cup, The Stables Wine Estate has released a special red wine to commemorate the event, called “The Time is Now”, reflecting the marketing campaign that will follow the Boks to France next month.

The Stables winemaker Tiny van Niekerk has produced a red blend that he feels reflects the character of Springboks. “It is a big wine that will stand up to anything, and will be a solid match for any food.”

The 2005 vintage blend is made up of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, and has been aged in new oak for 18 months, and according to van Niekerk, it is drinking very well at the moment.

“It’s a well balanced wine right now, with plenty of appealing fruit, and hints of chocolate and raspberry,” said van Niekerk. “It will be perfect to drink now, but will definitely reward if it is kept for another five years, well past the 2011 World Cup!” he added.

“SA Rugby jumped at the idea of making an official wine, in line with the marketing around the Boks 2007 World Cup campaign,” said van Niekerk. “There is such optimism around the team going to France, and it is great to be able to add our wine to that excitement, and hopefully to the celebrations that will follow.”

Van Niekerk made the wine with rugby supporters in mind. “There is a strong preference for robust red wines amongst the rugby supporters,” said van Niekerk. “So we have worked at making a wine that fits the character of the Boks – uncompromising, strong, and with plenty of character.”

The wine will be available through major national retailers by the end of the month, and will retail for around R55 per bottle.

The Springboks “The Time Is Now” red blend follows the successful launch of The Stable’s award winning range of wines for the Sharks earlier this year.

For more information please contact Judy on 033 266 6781 or by email on info@stableswine.co.za

ENDS

Dave Macleod/
Gameplan Media