The Tonkins at Rickety Bridge highlights the enjoyment I had as a freelance journalist and reading over my notes about the Tonkins brings back all the fun. First some facts:-
In 1997, the
Tonkins, Alan and Celia, took over Rickety Bridge farm. Celia told me the house was
gorgeous but the cellar was broken down and little more then a shed with vats
in it.
While the farm was hard work, it produced well.
The
cellar, however, was totally inadequate for producing the award winning quality
wines the Tonkins were aiming at and, in 1997-98, the Tonkins built a new
boutique cellar, installing state of the art wine pressing and cooling, at a
total cost in excess of R6 million.
They
produced Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and a Shiraz and were the first to introduce the red blend Paulina’s Reserve.
During
their time at Rickety Bridge the Tonkins won a number of awards for their wine.
In
1996 Silver medal ’96 vintage Chardonnay
Silver medal ’95 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon
Bronze medal ’96 vintage Semillon
Bronze medal ’96 vintage Sauvignon Blanc
Bronze medal ’95 vintage Merlot
In
1998 Double gold ’96 vintage
Paulina’s Reserve
In
1999 Michael Angelo International Wine Awards
Double gold and
best wine ’98 Chiraz
Silver ’97 Chardonnay
Silver medal ’99 Sauvignon Blanc (My personal favourite -SD)
Celia
loved the place despite commenting that, at times, it was like living in a
Carry On film. Wait for the next installment!
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