by local photographer Si Cunneen
See also: A Lone Tree In The Middle Of The Night – Photo Of The Day
Located in the Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie dates back to 1685, when it was granted by Simon van der Stel, then Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, to German soldier Laurens Campher. Through the centuries, Muratie, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, has had several other colourful owners and is currently under the stewardship of the Melck family, who are deeply rooted here.
So, each chapter of the Muratie story is a page-turner. From Laurens and Ansela’s epic love story to the mercenary pioneer Martin Melck, famous artist George Paul Canitz and his daughter Alberta Annemarie, Amber the Muse, Aristocratic Lady Alice to Barefoot Ben, Legendary Ronnie Melck and the rain king Mr May, these and many other stories are woven into the very fabric of our farm.
Our guiding philosophy is to preserve this rich history and cultural heritage and share it with wine lovers worldwide. Equally important is building a future legacy of dedication to excellence. Everyone at Muratie is invested in writing the next great chapter.
Muratie Alberta Annemarie Merlot 2018
Alberta Annemarie’s StoryThe artist George Paul Canitz was horseback riding with his daughter Alberta Annemarie when they, quite by chance, discovered Muratie. Thus, they both fell instantly in love with the property, which he purchased in due course and when he died, he left it to her, making her one of the first female wine farm owners in the country. A fiercely independent woman, she kept Muratie exactly as her father had left it, and she rode well into her 80s, eventually only stopping, she insisted, ‘because the horse is too old’. Like fine wine, she got better with age, making this Merlot a fitting tribute with its potential to become increasingly characterful over time.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
Redolent of lusciously ripe plums in its youth, this wine has complex layers of dark
cherries, cocoa, cinnamon and toasted hazelnut (from 16 months in French oak
barrels) that come to the fore over time. Also, its appealing sweetness and full-bodied
richness are balanced by fresh acidity and a pinch of mixed herbs. Made in a soft and
approachable style for early enjoyment, it nonetheless has enough backbone and
plenty of length on the smooth finish to suggest that it won’t disappoint those who
wish to cellar it for 5 years.
This weekend, favourites like Liqui Fruit, Spar Butter, Spar Fish Fingers, Spar Sweetmilk Ch4eese, and Spar Golden Corn Flakes are all on special.
These savings are available up until 21 July, while stocks last.
Maintaining good housekeeping in your financial affairs is not just about tidiness; it’s a crucial aspect of your overall financial health. Knowing where all your important documents are, ensuring they are up-to-date, and having a clear plan for who can access them if needed can provide significant peace of mind. Here are key points to consider for effective financial housekeeping:
First, ensure all your important documents are organized and stored in a secure, accessible place. These documents include:
– Wills and Trusts
– Insurance Policies
– Property Deeds
– Bank and Investment Account Information
– Retirement Account Details
– Medical Directives and Power of Attorney
Knowing where these documents are and keeping them in a well-organized system prevents confusion and stress in times of need.
It’s not enough to just have these documents; they must be current. Life changes such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths can significantly impact the relevance and accuracy of your documents. Regularly review and update them to reflect your current wishes and circumstances.
Your documents should not only be up to date but also coherent with each other. For example, your will should align with your beneficiary designations on insurance policies and retirement accounts. Inconsistencies can lead to legal complications and disputes among heirs.
In case something happens to you, it’s vital that trusted individuals know where to find these documents and have the necessary access. Choose people who are reliable, understand your wishes, and are aware of your family dynamics. Ensure they have copies or can quickly obtain the originals if needed.
The individuals you entrust with your documents should be familiar with your family and understand the dynamics involved. This helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts during difficult times. Ideally, these trusted contacts should be part of the discussions when you’re updating your documents, so they are fully aware of your intentions and the roles they might play.
By organizing your financial affairs, you not only ensure that your wishes are carried out smoothly but also provide peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. Knowing that everything is in order and that trusted individuals are prepared to handle your affairs can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on enjoying life, secure in the knowledge that your legacy is protected.
Good financial housekeeping is a vital part of your financial health. It involves organizing, updating, and coordinating your important documents, ensuring trusted individuals have access and understand your wishes. This preparation provides invaluable peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are cared for.
At Client Care, we assist our clients in getting their house in order and to many, we are that confidant who assists their family when things happen.
Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner.
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