No. 11 Holden Manz - Franschhoek
Meet wine farm number 11 - Holden Manz in Franschhoek.Whenever I come to Franschhoek, I like to stay for the weekend because there is so much to do!It is only a 30-40 minute drive from Cape Town but it is just so convenient to sleep over.The Holden Manz wine Estate has a day Spa and accommodation = BLISS.
Even though it is winter, Franschhoek is always warmer and this day had magical weather!
These views of the mountains are just spectacular!
I met with Wayne Buckley who is the Marketing Director and we were privileged enough to take a guided tour of the cellar. 
What I like about the tasting room is that you can take a look through the window whilst sipping on amazing wine :)
This is the wine selection.It is divided up into "Modern", "Contemporary" and "Avant Garde" and you can pay slightly more to taste award winning wines.
Holden Manz wines are grown and produced on the Estate. All grapes are handpicked which means only the very best is used - and no hidden nasty bugs.I was horrified to learn that when grapes are picked by a machine, you end up with mice, snakes and nasty insects in the wine which is later removed after fermentation - yak!Only hand picked wine for me from now on lol.They have a very modern stainless steel tank fermentation cellar as well as 1st fill French Oak barrels.
We tasted a wide range of extremely good wines!
This is the Holden Manz Chardonnay 2015 from the Avant Garde range for R195 a bottle. . What a beautiful honey colour.A crispier Chardonnay to the norm in that it spent only 10 months in new and old French oak barrels.The result is a creamy yet fresh white wine that is not too heavy and woody on the palate.I don't normally enjoy Chardonnay but this was palatable!A good job having learnt that Holden Manz launched their first Chardonnay for vintage 2012 (they are known more for their red wines) and they are a relatively new and modern estate.
The emblem for Holden Manz wines represents the 'God of Wine' and it reminds me of Versace 😄The Visionaire is a smooth blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc blend.Only R140 a bottle which is great value for money! Spiced berries and chocolate on the nose and rich cassis, berries and tobacco on the palate.If you enjoy Shiraz and the more spicy wine varietals, then this is for you!Here are the notes:On the nose, it is brimming with red berry and mulberry flavours, with subtle notes of spicy whitepepper and violets in early spring. On the palate you will experience violets, spiced quince and tomato bredie, with whiffs of fynbos andherb garden on a hot sunny afternoon. The tannins are firm yet refined and exquisitely round off the aromas of spice and fresh plum.TECHNICAL DATABlend: Cabernet Sauvignon 41.9%, Merlot 34%, Shiraz 9.6%, Malbec 8.7%,Petit Verdot 3.5%, Cabernet Franc 2.3%Analysis: Alc: 14.83% • TA: 5.7 g/l • RS: 2.8 g/l • pH: 3.52
The Holden Manz Visionaire 2012 Red Blend came out tops at the SA Top 100 Awards 2014.Their flagship Bordeaux blend, The Big G has also achieved 4 stars in the Platter’s wine guide.Great value for money and a beautiful, modern wine estate too.Here are the notes:On the nose, experience an explosion of black cherry, cassis and strawberry fruit backed by chocolate and hints of cigar box.On the palate, it is elegant yet full bodied with a firm, ripe tannin structure backed by a well layered graphite finish.Mid palate is full of dark fruit with long and lingering flavours.It is a blend of 39% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.TECHNICAL DATAAnalysis: Alc: 14.74% • TA: 5.9 g/l • RS: 2.7 g/l • pH: 3.51
Tadaaa! Wine heaven! It's not often that you come across a Cabernet Franc in Cape Town 😍 so I was in heaven when I tasted this Holden Manz Canernet Franc 2014!Dark juicy berries and cocoa with incredibly smooth tannins that are soft on the palate.A sweet spicy finish that lingers on the palate. Just look at that colour! R595 a bottle.Why so expensive? It's a Cabernet Franc challenge winner 2016 and it's delicious!Here are the notes:On the nose, a subtle fragrant aromatic wine with spice and pepper notes. Enchanting black fruit nose.On the palate it is rich and elegant with predominant ripe red fruit and dark berry flavours.Well balanced with good volume. The wood is very well integrated, pleasantly supple tannins.Balanced with a long finish with hints of spice and mocha.TECHNICAL DATAAnalysis: Alc: 15.7% • TA: 5.6 g/l • RS: 2.4 g/l • pH: 3.53
Given my enthusiasm with Cabernet Franc, I was lucky enough to do this... <3
To round off the day, we had the Good Sport (port wine).Here are the notes:The nose is intense showing flavours of fruit cake and ripe raisons. Hints ofcassis and dark berry fruits. On the palate, smooth, soft entry with rich vanilla, coconut and raison fruit exudes on thepalate. This wine is rich and warm and has a long length and finish. Withtime the balance will become even more exciting as the wine becomesmore integrated.TECHNICAL DATAAnalysis: Alc: 20.0% • TA: 4.9 g/l • RS: 91.4 g/l • pH: 3.66
If you can, book a spot outside. You can order cheese platters and there is also a restaurant upstairs.
Tip: the Franschhoek wine tram service drops off visitors here:)
| OVERALL RATING | WINE | SERVICE | FOOD | LOCATION |
| 78% | 78% | 80% | 71% | 83% |
Good for most groups of people (2-8 people).Not suitable for kids.Click HERE to view the ranking of this farm against others I have already reviewed.Booking is not necessary but advised during peak season: +27 (0)21 876 3173 / 27 | winery@holdenmanz.com
Good in Winter but better in Summer.View ratings on trip advisor:https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g469391-d7155408-Reviews-Holden_Manz_Wine_Estate-Franschhoek_Western_Cape.htmlHere is my experience:https://www.instagram.com/p/BJOHT4qAjrI/?taken-by=thewinegirlcapetown