Scholtzenhof, one of the very oldest wine farms in the Cape, was originally granted as Zandberg in 1689. Just ten years after Stellenbosch was founded, the original land, 64 morgen, was given by Governor Simon van der Stel to Frederick Boot, of Gotha (near Wagenheim in Germany), who later changed his name to Botha. History tells us this Botha is the forefather of that illustrious family of Presidents, first of the Free State Republic and more recently the old Republic of South Africa.
Mr Boot was a colourful character, a soldier who had completed his contract and hence a 'free burger.' He established the first documented agricultural partnership in the Cape with Jan Cornelisz (Jan Bombam) and fathered no fewer than eight children - out of wedlock, which earned him and his mistress banishment to Mauritius for 10 years!
In 1694 Frederick Botha planted his first vines and the construction of the house began that same year.
In 1833 another German family by the name of Scholtz took residence here, they changed the name to Scholtzenhof, and grew vines and farmed happily here for almost 100 years, then a succession of owners took up residence and the property fell on hard times in the early 1990's prior to the release of Mandela and the first democratic elections.
In 1993 the Forrester family came to the rescue, restoring the 17th century homestead, replanting the vines and developing wines of quality.
In 1994 the first wines were produced under the Ken Forrester label, and soon the award-winning wines were at the forefront of the Chenin Blanc revival. The grapes are sourced from vineyards - some of them more than 30 years old - in the cool Helderberg region of Stellenbosch.
Wine Advocate 93 "Sourced from Chenin Blanc vines planted in 1967, with natural wild yeast fermentation, and raised in about 85% new oak, the flagship 2009
Wine Spectator 93 "A dense, ripe and tropical style, displaying mango, papaya and persimmon notes melded together and backed by maple, date and dried blood orange
Wine Advocate 88 "The 2013 Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc comes from 36-year-old vines in the Helderberg area and sees 20% new French oak for nine
"A youthful wine showing fresh ripe mulberries and plums with a spicy undertone. The perfect all rounder, and a must for every wine enthusiast."~Winery Notes
Wine Advocate 87 "The 2011 Petit Chenin Blanc has a light, simple and attractive bouquet with some lovely pine and mint notes emerging with aeration. The
Wine Advocate 89 "The 2011 Chenin Blanc Reserve spent nine months ageing on its fine lees in French oak. It displays fine focus and poise on
Wine Spectator 88 " Ripe, with an almost unctuous feel, exhibiting creamed plum, green melon and green fig fruit flavors that roll along, backed by hints
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