We are proud to introduce Eisen & Viljoen, a striking new Franschhoek estate brand rooted in one of the Cape’s most historic properties: Normandie Est. 1693, one of the original 29 French Huguenot farms in the valley.
Now in the hands of internationally acclaimed fashion designer Mark Eisen and former Vinpro viticultural consultant turned winemaker Johan Viljoen, this is a partnership of aesthetic precision and serious wine ambition.
Set on the mid-slopes of the Groot Drakenstein mountains, just 28 kilometres from the Atlantic, the estate’s unique microclimate of warm days and cool nights, sandstone soils, and clay sub-layers produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot of remarkable poise and structure. Meticulous, entirely hand-driven viticulture and minimum-intervention winemaking define the house style.
With just three wines in the range, the elegant Karen Rosé, the composed Eisen & Viljoen Bordeaux Blend, and the flagship Anno 1693, this tightly curated collection is already earning critical acclaim. Christian Eedes calls the wines “pretty smart”, while Tim Atkin has described the Bordeaux Blend as a “serious wine”.
This is your opportunity to claim your allocation before these wines arrive in the UK late Spring. Quantities are limited, and we suggest securing yours early to avoid disappointment.
As part of our ongoing Franschhoek Fire Rebuild Initiative, 50% of profits from Eisen & Viljoen sales will be donated to the recovery effort until the end of February.
A new name for the UK.
A 300-year legacy behind it.
Reserve your allocation and get acquainted now.
The Wines
Eisen & Viljoen
Normandie Est. 1693
Eisen & Viljoen 2017
Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Franschhoek.
Colour: Intense Burgundy. Aroma: Luxurious leather with notes of cigarbox, ripe black berries and graphite. Plush aromas which intensify over time in the glass. Palate: Goosebumps!! – it’s the conclusion! This wine is lavish, deluxe, complex, firm and youthful! A luscious palate reminding of black cherries, cassis, thick old leather and nuances of cigar box. A juicy, lingering aftertaste confirms this is a very serious, well aged fine red blend – well balanced, sophisticated & complex! A stellar vintage!
Normandie Est. 1693
Anno 1693 2022
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, Franschhoek.
Colour: Deep ruby. Aroma: A classic perfumed nose filled with black cherries, plum and a hint of tobacco spice. The ripe dark fruit aromas is synonym with the unique terroir of Normandie Est. 1693. A pleasant complexity builds in the glass as the wine opens up. Palate: Black cherries and juicy ripe plums on the palate finds perfect harmony with the well-integrated, delicate structure. This is followed by a palate of cigar box, tomato paste and hints of spice for a long, balanced aftertaste. The use of French oak is subtle and supportive, adding layers of pencil shavings and hints of vanilla. Anno 2022 vintage is a juicy, elegant red blend perfect to enjoy now, and will greatly improve with further aging in the bottle.
Normandie Est. 1693
Karen. Rosé 2025
100% Merlot, Franschhoek
Colour: Bright union skin. Aroma: Aromas of fresh white peach, sliced lime with delicate nuances of orange blossom. Palate: Vibrant flavours of ripe pink apple mixed with fresh red berries gives a powerful first impression on the palate! Precise and juicy, yet crisp and pleasantly dry with a sexy, delicate mid palate ending in a long complex finish! Nuances of vanilla & spice confirming it’s a serious rosé with lingering minerality, which echoes the rich terroir of Normandie Estate.
