The 2011 Close Encounter Riesling sees a double sorting and 12-hour skin contact. It has a fresh nose with lime flower, grapefruit cordial and a touch of quince. The palate is well balanced with pure lime, green apple and apricot notes with a fine delineation on the finish. Drink now. Importer: World Premiere Wines LLC, Mooresville, NC;. Tel: (704) 360 4208.

Marginally better is the 2010 Close Encounter Riesling whereby the fermentation is halted to leave 35 gms/L residual sugar instead of the 12.4gms/L on the regular Riesling. It has a light nose with touches of grapefruit and apricot blossom whilst the palate is well balanced with a twist of citrus (lemon) cutting through that residual sugar. This is a well-made, sweeter style of Riesling aimed at the commercial end of the market. Drink now-2015. Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Cluver owns the eponymous 2,500-hectare estate in Elgin, of which 90-hectares are under vine. It is a family affair. Winemaker Andreas Burger (recently elected to the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild) is married to daughter and financial director, Inge Cluver. Their portfolio focuses on classic varieties, in particular a splendid Chardonnay and commendable Pinot Noir from Burgundy clones.Importer: World Premier Wines, Mooresville, NC. Tel 704-360-0962.