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One can’t help but be energised
by Dave Hidden’s infectious
enthusiasm and, as the owner of top Stellenbosch
producer, Hidden Valley, he has an awful lot to be
enthusiastic about!
Trained as a winemaker but disillusioned
by the industry at the time, Dave Hidden
built up an impressive business in the gas
industry before returning finally to make
his mark on South African wine by
purchasing a stunning estate on the side of
the Helderburg Mountain, right in the
heart of Stellenbosch. Until recently,
Hidden Valley has been low profile but
massive personal investment has meant
that 2006 is the year in which Hidden
Valley will take South African wine by
storm.
Construction of a new state of the art winery is
approaching completion with Chris Kelly, a Kiwi
who was former head winemaker for Stellenbosch
Vineyards, being engaged to manage the winery
and to gain a world class reputation for the
estate’s wines. Early indications are that he is
bang on target and his 2006 Stellenbosch
Sauvignon Blanc is an absolute stunner– pungent, herbaceous, full of varietal character and
without doubt one of the finest the Cape has
produced. Equally promising are Kelly’s reds
which are showing great finesse and
elegance.
Re-packaged and re-launched in September
2006 through Alliance Wine, Hidden Valley
will consist of 3 wines initially; Sauvignon
Blanc, Shiraz and Pinotage. From the same
stable, Kelly has also crafted some great
value, characterful wines under the clever
Hidden Agenda label. Soft, fleshy Shiraz is
paired with a ripe, tangy Chenin
Viognier blend. Quantities will be
restricted initially so you’ll need to get in
quick to taste these new stars. |
