In the world of South African wine, few stories are as compelling as the one that unites a centuries-old estate, a legendary Springbok rugby player, and a singular, acclaimed vintage.
Annandale Wine Estate, a cornerstone of the Stellenbosch winelands, is a place where history, tradition, and a deep respect for the land converge. It is here that Pieter Gerhardus “Hempies” du Toit, a man whose name is synonymous with grit and integrity on the rugby field, has forged a new legacy as a winemaker. This narrative is not merely a tale of fine wine; it is a chronicle of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of a place.
The Historical Roots of Annandale Estate
To understand the wine, one must first appreciate the land from which it comes. The history of Annandale is one of the oldest and most profound in the Cape Winelands. The estate’s title deed was granted in 1688 by Governor Simon van der Stel, a figure pivotal in the establishment of the South African wine industry. This makes Annandale one of the original 15 farms in the Cape and, crucially, the most historic estate in the Helderberg Valley.
The property’s age is palpable. The very cellar where the winemaking happens today dates back to the late 17th century, a living artifact of the industry’s birth. Similarly, the manor house, a prime example of Cape Dutch architecture, has been a sentinel over the vineyards since the mid-1700s. These structures are not museum pieces; they are the active heart of the farm, embodying a philosophy that honours tradition and resists the fleeting trends of modernity. The land itself is a key player, with its unique terroir shaped by its position at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain. The cool coastal breezes from False Bay temper the warm Stellenbosch sun, creating a microclimate that allows the grapes to ripen slowly and develop intense, concentrated flavours. This deep connection to the land and its history is what gives every bottle of Annandale red wine its distinct character.
From the Rugby Field to the Cellar: The Vintner with a Springbok’s Soul
Before dedicating his life to viticulture, Hempies du Toit was a national hero. As a powerful tighthead prop, he was Springbok number 516 and a fixture in the Western Province team that dominated the Currie Cup throughout the early 1980s. His reputation was built on immense physical strength, unwavering determination, and an unmatched work ethic. He was known for his ability to withstand pressure and his strategic patience—qualities that, as it turns out, are perfectly suited to the art of winemaking.
Hempies often draws a parallel between his two great loves, stating that making wine for a company was “playing the game,” while making wine for himself at Annandale was “playing at test level.”
Hempies’s connection to winemaking is far from a post-career hobby; it is his birthright. He is a fifth-generation winemaker, having grown up on the legendary Alto Wine Estate, where his father, Jan G. du Toit, was a revered cellar master. Under his father’s tutelage, Hempies learned the intricacies of the craft from the ground up, internalizing the principles of quality, patience, and tradition. This analogy perfectly encapsulates his philosophy—a blend of raw power and meticulous attention to detail.
In 1996, Hempies acquired Annandale, a move that signalled his return to his roots. His vision was not to reinvent the farm but to honour its legacy, producing classic, age-worthy wines that reflect the unique character of the land.
A Philosophy of Time and Terroir
Hempies du Toit’s approach to winemaking can be summarized in three words: authentic, patient, and uncompromising. He adheres to a minimal-intervention philosophy, which means he allows the terroir to speak for itself. Instead of relying on modern technology and manipulation, he employs traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
The vineyards are managed with a deep respect for the ecosystem. Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the highest quality fruit is selected. In the cellar, natural fermentation is favoured, with as little interference as possible. The wines are matured in old oak casks, a choice that allows the fruit’s character to shine without being masked by overpowering woody notes. This patient approach means the wines are not rushed to market but are given the time they need to develop complexity and structure. The result is a bold, honest shiraz that expresses the true heart of the Helderberg terroir—a perfect marriage of soil, climate, and the human touch.
The Annandale Shiraz 2018: A Case Study in Excellence
The 2018 vintage of the Annandale Shiraz stands as a testament to this philosophy. It is a vintage that has captured the attention of critics and enthusiasts alike, earning a suite of prestigious accolades.
Key Accolades:
- Platter’s Wine Guide (4.5★): This rating signifies a “superlative wine” that is a classic in its style. A 4.5-star rating from Platter’s is a hallmark of excellence in the South African wine industry and a strong indicator of a wine’s quality and aging potential.
- Vivino (4.2): This community-driven rating reflects strong consumer appeal. A score of 4.2 indicates that a broad base of wine lovers find the wine to be highly enjoyable and of excellent quality, further validating its critical acclaim.
- Gilbert & Gaillard (93 Points): This high score from the renowned French wine guide is a significant international nod to the wine’s quality. Their tasting notes provide a deeper look into the wine’s profile: “Ruby brick. Rich nose with dried fruit, prune and spice. Leather and spice on the juicy and jammy palate with a slight warmth on the aftertaste. Complex and layered with a leathery finish. A big wine, made to age. Drink through 2030.”
This shiraz wine is a masterclass in balance and structure. On the nose, it offers deep aromas of blackberry, cedar spice, and ripe plums. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with silky tannins that provide a long, elegant finish. Its backbone and concentration are such that it is built to cellar gracefully for over a decade, promising to reward those with the patience to lay it down.
The Signed Bottle: A Personal Touch to a Lasting Legacy
In a market saturated with product-driven promotions, some specials transcend a simple discount. The truly unique value of this offer lies in its personal touch. The inclusion of a bottle of the acclaimed 2018 Annandale Shiraz, personally signed by Hempies du Toit, transforms it from a mere product into a piece of memorabilia.
For collectors and fans, a signature from a Springbok legend holds significant value, evoking memories of historic rugby moments and the character of a player who became a symbol of national pride. This autograph bridges the gap between Hempies’ two identities—the sporting hero and the quiet winemaker. It’s a tangible symbol of his dual legacy, a testament to a life dedicated to excellence, whether on the rugby field or in the vineyard.
This unique offering is not just about the wine’s quality; it’s about owning a part of a remarkable story. It is an opportunity to hold in your hands a bottle crafted with the same dedication and integrity that made Hempies du Toit a legend, a bottle that carries both the soul of Stellenbosch and the spirit of a Springbok. It is an extraordinary convergence of history, passion, and winemaking excellence.