Jordan Chardonnay CWG Reserve 2007 85 + Points
Bright straw gold, with slight green tinge.
Full opulence and captivating aromas, expressive toasty character with touch mintiness, complimented by very ripe citrus and candied lime.
Complex, ripe and textured mouth feels, rich, excellent integration of fruit and oak, very fresh and focus acidity, excellent length, from now until 2014+
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
Vriesenhof Pinot Noir CWG 2005 84+ Points
Vriesenhof Pinot Noir CWG 2005 84+ Points
Ripe cherry fruit and pips, touch gamey and hung meat, truffles, fresh mouth feels, still integrating, tight, restraint elegance, lots of finesse, however does not have the concentration and high complexity of the outstanding 2003 CWG, but nevertheless a fine Pinot Noir, now until 2016
Ripe cherry fruit and pips, touch gamey and hung meat, truffles, fresh mouth feels, still integrating, tight, restraint elegance, lots of finesse, however does not have the concentration and high complexity of the outstanding 2003 CWG, but nevertheless a fine Pinot Noir, now until 2016
Graham Beck The Catalyst Syrah CWG 2005 86 Points
Graham Beck The Catalyst Syrah CWG 2005 86 Points
Dark cherry red, bright with slight russet rim, even touch brown.
Fragrant, complex notes of lavender and plums, good definition, toasty, tight, good freshness, more Rhône / Barossa than Cape Syrah, finishes on a note of lead pencil minerality, from now until 2016
Dark cherry red, bright with slight russet rim, even touch brown.
Fragrant, complex notes of lavender and plums, good definition, toasty, tight, good freshness, more Rhône / Barossa than Cape Syrah, finishes on a note of lead pencil minerality, from now until 2016
Waterford Estate Blend CWG 2004 84+ Points
Waterford Estate Blend CWG 2004 84+ Points
Ripe plum, complex notes of white chocolate, smoky, with gamey / hung meat character, fresh and elegant spicy, earthy texture, savoury, food friendly, now until 2016
Ripe plum, complex notes of white chocolate, smoky, with gamey / hung meat character, fresh and elegant spicy, earthy texture, savoury, food friendly, now until 2016
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve CWG 2006 76 Points
Le Riche Cabernet Sauvignon Auction Reserve CWG 2006 76 Points
Touch confected, rubbery, burnt ripe blackcurrant dried fruit, unshowy, almost atypical. Earthy farewell, now until 2013
Touch confected, rubbery, burnt ripe blackcurrant dried fruit, unshowy, almost atypical. Earthy farewell, now until 2013
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve CWG 2005 88 Points
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve CWG 2005 88 Points
Intense red with purple tinge, concentrated with good clarity.
Cedary oak character, intermingle with mulberry compote, complex palate restraint, fruit flavours follows through, sweet fruited, ripe tight tannins, need time to express it’s full potential, from 2012 until 2016
Intense red with purple tinge, concentrated with good clarity.
Cedary oak character, intermingle with mulberry compote, complex palate restraint, fruit flavours follows through, sweet fruited, ripe tight tannins, need time to express it’s full potential, from 2012 until 2016
1986 Chateau Cheval Blanc 91 Points
1986 Chateau Cheval Blanc 91 Points
Fragrant, spicy, earthy, preserved cherry, structured with complex notes of forest floor, fresh, elegant, and delicate with an aftertaste of ripe and dried capsicum, amazing integration
Fragrant, spicy, earthy, preserved cherry, structured with complex notes of forest floor, fresh, elegant, and delicate with an aftertaste of ripe and dried capsicum, amazing integration
1 Constantia MCC versus 5 Champagne
NV Taittinger Brut Reserve 85+ Points
Austere, with hints of ripe golden delicious apples, crisp, soft and delicate texture, creamy, very fine bubbles, crunchy barley / light toast aftertaste
NV Moet & Chandon 87+ Points
Austere, with some floral notes, lime freshness, lots of minerality, elegant and steely
NV Pol Roger Reserve 89+
Intense ripe apples, white currant, complex note of lime with structured mid palate
2005 High Constantia Clos Andre 79 Points
Ripe bananas skin, fuller, rich but not too clean, short bitter finish
NV Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Reserve Privee 90+ Points
Ripe, forthcoming, white delicate currants, biscuity with hints of toast, intense delicate lime, tight structure, lovely grip
NV Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 84 Points
Austere, coarse bubbles, riper and rather sweet, with some brioche note.
Austere, with hints of ripe golden delicious apples, crisp, soft and delicate texture, creamy, very fine bubbles, crunchy barley / light toast aftertaste
NV Moet & Chandon 87+ Points
Austere, with some floral notes, lime freshness, lots of minerality, elegant and steely
NV Pol Roger Reserve 89+
Intense ripe apples, white currant, complex note of lime with structured mid palate
2005 High Constantia Clos Andre 79 Points
Ripe bananas skin, fuller, rich but not too clean, short bitter finish
NV Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Reserve Privee 90+ Points
Ripe, forthcoming, white delicate currants, biscuity with hints of toast, intense delicate lime, tight structure, lovely grip
NV Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 84 Points
Austere, coarse bubbles, riper and rather sweet, with some brioche note.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
2004 Springfield Estate Méthode Ancienne Chardonnay 79 Points
2004 Springfield Estate Méthode Ancienne Chardonnay 79 Points
Pale gold, good fruit definition, touch overripe, medium complexity with sun ripened citrus fruit notes, fine but lacking acidity for better precision and focus, could have attained higher rating if Residual Sugar (RS) was not so perceptible as well as less oak influence which tends to overshadow fruit. Now until 2010.
The era of highly wooded overaoked chardonnay is over, why does some regions, districts and wards of South Africa still persists in doing it? Australia have learn it 12 years ago!
Especially when their climate is from warm to hot, again I say it with confidence South Africa is not a cool climate viticulture, at best it will be moderate such as some areas of the West Coast, like Bamboes bay, Groenekloof, some pocket of Darling Cederberg, Ceres, Durbanville, Cape Point, Constantia, Hout Bay, Helderberg and Bottelary in Stellenbosch, Elgin, the whole Overberg, Walker Bay, Hemel en Aarde, Klein River, Cape Agulhas, Elim, Outeniqua and Upper Langkloof, Nottingham Road in Kwazulu Natal, these are prime moderate areas of South Africa with an average of 18 - 19.5 degrees Celsius.
The remaining vineyards and further inland will be warm, hot to very hot, no names mention here, have a Cape Winelands map and you will find out……..
The world want delicate fruit, freshness, elegance and finesse, not sweet and syrupy, oaky, deep gold stuff that flabby, smell of cornflakes and caramel, which is a disaster with food pairings………………
I am still convince there are 2 ways to handle Chardonnay grapes in the Robertson valley, pick it under ripe, in the first 3 weeks of January (equivalent of picking grapes in Champagne in the first 3 weeks of July!) and make a bottle fermented sparkling wine ( Méthode Cap Classique) Robertson is know for it with some fine stuff as the Cuvee Clive of Graham Beck or some Weltevrede classic or pick it 2 weeks after an make a delicate unwooded version ( think of Limestone Hill of Danie de Wet or Unoaked Chardonnay from Rietvallei Estate, these gusy respect the Chardonnay fruit!) with at least 7 month lees contact and you got it, stay away from lengthy barrel fermented and new oak when dealing with ripe to overripe grapes, the region of Robertson can be classified by all means and world standards as a hot climate growing regions irrespective of all marketing non sense of having some of the coolest vineyard block in South Africa at night! Does that compensate when your day time temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius, and the soil is baking! common ladies and gentleman the world is awash with accurate information and wine drinkers seeking the truth do not want to hear BS like this.
Pale gold, good fruit definition, touch overripe, medium complexity with sun ripened citrus fruit notes, fine but lacking acidity for better precision and focus, could have attained higher rating if Residual Sugar (RS) was not so perceptible as well as less oak influence which tends to overshadow fruit. Now until 2010.
The era of highly wooded overaoked chardonnay is over, why does some regions, districts and wards of South Africa still persists in doing it? Australia have learn it 12 years ago!
Especially when their climate is from warm to hot, again I say it with confidence South Africa is not a cool climate viticulture, at best it will be moderate such as some areas of the West Coast, like Bamboes bay, Groenekloof, some pocket of Darling Cederberg, Ceres, Durbanville, Cape Point, Constantia, Hout Bay, Helderberg and Bottelary in Stellenbosch, Elgin, the whole Overberg, Walker Bay, Hemel en Aarde, Klein River, Cape Agulhas, Elim, Outeniqua and Upper Langkloof, Nottingham Road in Kwazulu Natal, these are prime moderate areas of South Africa with an average of 18 - 19.5 degrees Celsius.
The remaining vineyards and further inland will be warm, hot to very hot, no names mention here, have a Cape Winelands map and you will find out……..
The world want delicate fruit, freshness, elegance and finesse, not sweet and syrupy, oaky, deep gold stuff that flabby, smell of cornflakes and caramel, which is a disaster with food pairings………………
I am still convince there are 2 ways to handle Chardonnay grapes in the Robertson valley, pick it under ripe, in the first 3 weeks of January (equivalent of picking grapes in Champagne in the first 3 weeks of July!) and make a bottle fermented sparkling wine ( Méthode Cap Classique) Robertson is know for it with some fine stuff as the Cuvee Clive of Graham Beck or some Weltevrede classic or pick it 2 weeks after an make a delicate unwooded version ( think of Limestone Hill of Danie de Wet or Unoaked Chardonnay from Rietvallei Estate, these gusy respect the Chardonnay fruit!) with at least 7 month lees contact and you got it, stay away from lengthy barrel fermented and new oak when dealing with ripe to overripe grapes, the region of Robertson can be classified by all means and world standards as a hot climate growing regions irrespective of all marketing non sense of having some of the coolest vineyard block in South Africa at night! Does that compensate when your day time temperature is over 40 degrees Celsius, and the soil is baking! common ladies and gentleman the world is awash with accurate information and wine drinkers seeking the truth do not want to hear BS like this.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
2006 Saltare Chenin Blanc 84 Points
2006 Saltare Chenin Blanc 84 Points
Complex, peach vanillin, sweet oak, ripe melon. Soft structure, creamy, toasty caramel aftertaste, peach pip bitterness, almost like a light viognier in texture, now until 2011
If the acidity was up to the fruit concentration, this would have been an amazing Chenin.
Complex, peach vanillin, sweet oak, ripe melon. Soft structure, creamy, toasty caramel aftertaste, peach pip bitterness, almost like a light viognier in texture, now until 2011
If the acidity was up to the fruit concentration, this would have been an amazing Chenin.
2006 Perderberg Winery Reserve Chenin Blanc 82 Points
2006 Perderberg Winery Reserve Chenin Blanc 82 Points
Gold, complex nose of vanilla, pine resin, burnt butter, caramel and toasted cereal, hints of mint in the background, lends interest. Big mouthfeels, ripe pineapples, barley and candied lime peel, fresh still integrating, now until 2010.
Gold, complex nose of vanilla, pine resin, burnt butter, caramel and toasted cereal, hints of mint in the background, lends interest. Big mouthfeels, ripe pineapples, barley and candied lime peel, fresh still integrating, now until 2010.
2006 Perdeberg Winery Chenin Blanc 81 Points
2006 Perdeberg Winery Chenin Blanc 81 Points
Typical chenin, guava, apples and hay, austere, fruit fading, soft acids, balance, medium bodied and fresh, but somehow lacking complexity. Now until 2010.
Typical chenin, guava, apples and hay, austere, fruit fading, soft acids, balance, medium bodied and fresh, but somehow lacking complexity. Now until 2010.
2006 The FMC Forrester Meinert Chenin Blanc 90+ Points
2006 The FMC Forrester Meinert Chenin Blanc 90+ Points
Complex vanilla butterscotch, candied lime, peach and hints of toast. Sweet fruits, dense creamy ripe pineapples and light toast, everything in harmony, rich toasty / marmalade like aftertaste. Tasted the opened bottle over 3 days, and no sign of oxidation at all, just get better. By far and unrivalled finest examples of a Cape wooded chenin.
Complex wine for serious food such a roasted crayfish with Thermidor Sauce or a grilled loin of veal with Bearnaise Sauce and citrus confit.
Now until 2015+
Complex vanilla butterscotch, candied lime, peach and hints of toast. Sweet fruits, dense creamy ripe pineapples and light toast, everything in harmony, rich toasty / marmalade like aftertaste. Tasted the opened bottle over 3 days, and no sign of oxidation at all, just get better. By far and unrivalled finest examples of a Cape wooded chenin.
Complex wine for serious food such a roasted crayfish with Thermidor Sauce or a grilled loin of veal with Bearnaise Sauce and citrus confit.
Now until 2015+
2005 De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc 87 Points
2005 De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc 87 Points
Complex Nose of very ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, candied lemon and hints of butterscotch, smoky, racy nervous, intense lime and apples, rich but elegant freshness, remisnescent of freshly squeeze tangerine.
Now until 2012
Complex Nose of very ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, candied lemon and hints of butterscotch, smoky, racy nervous, intense lime and apples, rich but elegant freshness, remisnescent of freshly squeeze tangerine.
Now until 2012
2006 Tokara Zondernaam Chenin Blanc 86+ Points
2006 Tokara Zondernaam Chenin Blanc 86+ Points
Fragrant sweet vanilla and frangipani, intense ripe apples, complex, creamy, lovely purity of fruit, oak in balance and not overpowering, rich complex finished of light toast.
Now until 2012
Fragrant sweet vanilla and frangipani, intense ripe apples, complex, creamy, lovely purity of fruit, oak in balance and not overpowering, rich complex finished of light toast.
Now until 2012
2004 Kanu Limited Release wooded Chenin Blanc 85+ Points
2004 Kanu Limited Release wooded Chenin Blanc 85+ Points
Opulent lime, toast and hints of honey and caramel, complex. Intense mouth feel, dense texture without loosing it’s freshness, complex lingering finish, very interesting.
Beautiful structure and a lingering nutty aftertaste. The best they have made to date.
Now until 2011
Opulent lime, toast and hints of honey and caramel, complex. Intense mouth feel, dense texture without loosing it’s freshness, complex lingering finish, very interesting.
Beautiful structure and a lingering nutty aftertaste. The best they have made to date.
Now until 2011
2006 Mulderbosch Steen Op Hout 84+ Points
2006 Mulderbosch Steen Op Hout 84+ Points
White peach, almost Bellini like, fragrant apples, complex, crisp broad mouth feels, ripe fruit, delicate summer fruit, green melon freshness, savoury texture. Now until 2012
White peach, almost Bellini like, fragrant apples, complex, crisp broad mouth feels, ripe fruit, delicate summer fruit, green melon freshness, savoury texture. Now until 2012
2006 Waterford Estate Pecan Stream Chenin Blanc 84+ Points
2006 Waterford Estate Pecan Stream Chenin Blanc 84+ Points
Fragrant, red roses, hints of botrytis, peach and very ripe grape, almost Muscat like. Crisp, dry, medium bodied, lovely structure and hints of minerality, Muscat taste follows through, but not disturbing, now until 2012
Fragrant, red roses, hints of botrytis, peach and very ripe grape, almost Muscat like. Crisp, dry, medium bodied, lovely structure and hints of minerality, Muscat taste follows through, but not disturbing, now until 2012
2006 Fort Simon Chenin 83+ Points
2006 Fort Simon Chenin Bl;anc 83+ Points
Smoky, vanilla, ripe lemon, complex, rich, creamy vanilla, multilayered, taosty aftertaste, apple toffee, excellent food wine at a bistro.
Now until 2010
Smoky, vanilla, ripe lemon, complex, rich, creamy vanilla, multilayered, taosty aftertaste, apple toffee, excellent food wine at a bistro.
Now until 2010
2007 Sylvanvale Vineyard Old Vine Chenin Devon Valley 83 Points
2007 Sylvanvale Vineyard Old Vine Chenin Devon Valley 83 Points
Fragrant, fresh, lovely apples, white flower, guava, quince, crisp, intense grapefruit complimented by delicate white stone fruit, bitter citrus zest, lingering aftertaste, tight structure, now until 2012
Fragrant, fresh, lovely apples, white flower, guava, quince, crisp, intense grapefruit complimented by delicate white stone fruit, bitter citrus zest, lingering aftertaste, tight structure, now until 2012
2006 Kleine Zalze Bush Vines Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
2006 Kleine Zalze Bush Vines Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
Fragrant, ripe apples, almost like a ripe Savennieres, complex, sweet white fruits, lovely texture, creamy, ripe but delicate. Now until 2010. This is one of the best quality and best value Chenin Blanc with personality, for home entertainment.
Fragrant, ripe apples, almost like a ripe Savennieres, complex, sweet white fruits, lovely texture, creamy, ripe but delicate. Now until 2010. This is one of the best quality and best value Chenin Blanc with personality, for home entertainment.
2006 Raats Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
2006 Raats Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
Riper than 2005, typical chenin, apples and guava, Old world feel and aromas, fresh acidity, clean, delicate, with gain complexity with time in bottle. Now until 2012
Riper than 2005, typical chenin, apples and guava, Old world feel and aromas, fresh acidity, clean, delicate, with gain complexity with time in bottle. Now until 2012
2006 Teddy Hall Chenin Blanc 82 Points
2006 Teddy Hall Chenin Blanc 82 Points
Developed, terpene, straw like dry herb nose. Fresh apple, guava, delicate round structure, lovely acidity, invigorating, will develop, a food wine with creamy dishes. Now until 2012
Developed, terpene, straw like dry herb nose. Fresh apple, guava, delicate round structure, lovely acidity, invigorating, will develop, a food wine with creamy dishes. Now until 2012
2006 Mulderbosch Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc 81+ Points
2006 Mulderbosch Steen op Hout Chenin Blanc 81+ Points
Apples, hints of white flower, discreet, delicate. Crisp, tangy, well structured acidity, fresh and delicate balance, crunchy Granny Smith juice, it’s well made, but lacks the X factor to be a very good chenin, now until 2012
Apples, hints of white flower, discreet, delicate. Crisp, tangy, well structured acidity, fresh and delicate balance, crunchy Granny Smith juice, it’s well made, but lacks the X factor to be a very good chenin, now until 2012
2006 Rudera Robusto Chenin Blanc 81+ Points
2006 Rudera Robusto Chenin Blanc 81+ Points
Complex notes of very ripe apples, custard with hints of vanilla, peach and apricot.
Sweet and sour ripe tropical fruit, rich viscous palate, lovely fruit and oak integration. Now until 2010
Complex notes of very ripe apples, custard with hints of vanilla, peach and apricot.
Sweet and sour ripe tropical fruit, rich viscous palate, lovely fruit and oak integration. Now until 2010
2006 Post House Chenin Blanc 81 Points
2006 Post House Chenin Blanc 81 Points
Ripe apples, vanilla and hints of citrus, thin, oak overpowering, lacking structure and complexity, weak mid palate. Now until 2012
Ripe apples, vanilla and hints of citrus, thin, oak overpowering, lacking structure and complexity, weak mid palate. Now until 2012
2006 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 80+ Points
2006 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 80+ Points
Ripe lime, marmalade, hints of caramel, bright acidity, apples, tangerines and hints of pineapples and vanilla flirt. Now until 2012
Ripe lime, marmalade, hints of caramel, bright acidity, apples, tangerines and hints of pineapples and vanilla flirt. Now until 2012
2006 Simonsig Chenin Blanc 80 Points
2006 Simonsig Chenin Blanc 80 Points
Ripe tropical fruit, hints of peach and botrytis, creamy, delicate complex structure, now until 2011
Ripe tropical fruit, hints of peach and botrytis, creamy, delicate complex structure, now until 2011
2006 Hidden Valley Agenda Chenin Blanc 79 Points
2006 Hidden Valley Agenda Chenin Blanc 79 Points
Grassy, green peppercorn and green guava, custard apple, crisp, green, very dry, fresh, but too much of a Sauvignon character, green profile. Now until 2012
Grassy, green peppercorn and green guava, custard apple, crisp, green, very dry, fresh, but too much of a Sauvignon character, green profile. Now until 2012
2007 Waterkloof False Bay 78+ Points
2007 Waterkloof False Bay Chenin Blanc 78+ Points
Fesh, grassy, peppery, hints of green guava and white peach. Crisp, light bodied flavours, follow through, delicate, soft and refreshing. Now until 2010
Fesh, grassy, peppery, hints of green guava and white peach. Crisp, light bodied flavours, follow through, delicate, soft and refreshing. Now until 2010
2007 Waterkloof False Bay 78+ Points
2007 Waterkloof False Bay Chenin Blanc 78+ Points
Fesh, grassy, peppery, hints of green guava and white peach. Crisp, light bodied flavours, follow through, delicate, soft and refreshing. Now until 2010
Fesh, grassy, peppery, hints of green guava and white peach. Crisp, light bodied flavours, follow through, delicate, soft and refreshing. Now until 2010
2006 Kaapzicht Chenin Blanc 78 Points
2006 Kaapzicht Estate Chenin Blanc 78 Points
Dry straw like and dried herb aromas, inexistent primary fruit flavours, crisp red apple, fresh palate, old world style, complex food wine, ideal for café, sweet apple aftertaste, now until 2011+
Dry straw like and dried herb aromas, inexistent primary fruit flavours, crisp red apple, fresh palate, old world style, complex food wine, ideal for café, sweet apple aftertaste, now until 2011+
Monday, January 25, 2010
2006 Rudera Chenin Blanc 76+ Points
2006 Rudera Chenin Blanc 76+ Points
Red apple juice, with flavours follow through, elegant, well balanced poised, but somewhat lacking structure and complexity, now until 2010
Red apple juice, with flavours follow through, elegant, well balanced poised, but somewhat lacking structure and complexity, now until 2010
2006 Mooiplaas Bush Vines Chenin Blanc 76 Points
2006 Mooiplaas Bush Vines Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 76 Points
Green lime, hints of tropical fruit medley, austere, fresh, green apples acidity, hints of talcum and white roses, lacking fruit to support acidity, but leesy mid palate, lend some charms, green pepper spiciness. Drink now until 2010
Green lime, hints of tropical fruit medley, austere, fresh, green apples acidity, hints of talcum and white roses, lacking fruit to support acidity, but leesy mid palate, lend some charms, green pepper spiciness. Drink now until 2010
2006 Kanu Chenin Blanc 76 Points
2006 Kanu Chenin Blanc 76 Points
Apples, raspberries, crisp delicate and soft, medium bodied, pleasant honest chenin, but lack structure and complexity for higher rating. Now until 2012
Apples, raspberries, crisp delicate and soft, medium bodied, pleasant honest chenin, but lack structure and complexity for higher rating. Now until 2012
2006 Fleur du Cap Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 77+ Points
2006 Fleur du Cap Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 77+ Points
Dry straw, hints of lime, discreet, very austere, crisp, crunchy green apples like freshness, good balance, subtle oaking. Now until 2011
Dry straw, hints of lime, discreet, very austere, crisp, crunchy green apples like freshness, good balance, subtle oaking. Now until 2011
2005 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 77 Points
2005 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 77 Points
Unripe green apples, yeasty, crisp, lean, oak overpowering (is it Romanian oak??), creamy texture, lacking mid palate, honeyed aftertaste. Now until 2012
Unripe green apples, yeasty, crisp, lean, oak overpowering (is it Romanian oak??), creamy texture, lacking mid palate, honeyed aftertaste. Now until 2012
2006 Koelenbosch Chenin Blanc Houtverrouderd 77 Points
2006 Koelenbosch Chenin Blanc Houtverrouderd 77 Points
New wood, vanilla, cedary, ripe red apples, bottle age character evident, hints of fino sherry, wood dominate structure, hints of honey, quite full bodied, oxidative style, caramel aftertaste, where is the chenin fruit? Now until 2010
New wood, vanilla, cedary, ripe red apples, bottle age character evident, hints of fino sherry, wood dominate structure, hints of honey, quite full bodied, oxidative style, caramel aftertaste, where is the chenin fruit? Now until 2010
2005 Simonsig Chenin avec Chene 77 Points
2005 Simonsig Chenin avec Chene 77 Points
Very ripe apples, mango and hints of marmalade, peach and botrytis. Big, juicy mouthfeels, toasty almonds, oaky style, now until 2010
Very ripe apples, mango and hints of marmalade, peach and botrytis. Big, juicy mouthfeels, toasty almonds, oaky style, now until 2010
2005 Onderkloof Chenin Blanc 74+ Points
2005 Onderkloof Chenin Blanc 74+ Points
Smoky, bacon like…crisp, green fruits, acidity out of balance, now until 2010
Smoky, bacon like…crisp, green fruits, acidity out of balance, now until 2010
2007 Ernst & Co Chenin Blanc 74 Points
2007 Ernst & Co Chenin Blanc 74 Points
Tropical fruit medley, pink guavas, crisp racy acidity. Soft easy drinking, lacking structure and complexity. Now until 2010
Tropical fruit medley, pink guavas, crisp racy acidity. Soft easy drinking, lacking structure and complexity. Now until 2010
2006 Weening & Barge Cuvee Blondie 73+ Points
2006 Weening & Barge Cuvee Blondie Chenin Blanc 73+ Points
Discreet green apples, talcum, hint of rose and oak, green and oak out of balance.
Discreet green apples, talcum, hint of rose and oak, green and oak out of balance.
2007 Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 73+ Points
2007 Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 73+ Points
Austere, guava, hints of iodine, flavours follow through, no mid palate, lean green unappealing quaffing dry white wine. Now until 2010
Austere, guava, hints of iodine, flavours follow through, no mid palate, lean green unappealing quaffing dry white wine. Now until 2010
2006 Sterhuis Chenin Blanc 73 Points
2006 Sterhuis Chenin Blanc 73 Points
Discreet, lime and citrus, showing bottle age character, lacking freshness and nerve, straw like aftertaste, now until 2010
Discreet, lime and citrus, showing bottle age character, lacking freshness and nerve, straw like aftertaste, now until 2010
2006 Racetrack Chenin Blanc 72 Points
2006 Racetrack Chenin Blanc 72 Points
Faint tropical fruit notes and green apple character, simple, just dry white wine, lacking varietal definition and depth, now.
Faint tropical fruit notes and green apple character, simple, just dry white wine, lacking varietal definition and depth, now.
2007 Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar 81+ Points
2007 Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar Chenin Blanc 81+ Points
Ripe tropical fruit, whiff of peach and apricot, exuberant, quite mouth filling flavours follow through, fresh and vibrant, crisp lemon custard, lovely fruit purity now until 2011
Ripe tropical fruit, whiff of peach and apricot, exuberant, quite mouth filling flavours follow through, fresh and vibrant, crisp lemon custard, lovely fruit purity now until 2011
2007 Raats Family wines Unwooded Original 83 Points
2007 Raats Family wines Unwooded Original 83 Points
Apples, fig, very delicate floral notes, complex, Old world austerity, soft palate, white grapefruit and green apples, now until 2012
Apples, fig, very delicate floral notes, complex, Old world austerity, soft palate, white grapefruit and green apples, now until 2012
2006 Jean Daneel Signature Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
2006 Jean Daneel Signature Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
Notes of candied lime, caramel, roasted barley and green pineapples, flavours follow through, crisp ripe apples, hints of raspberry, pleasant, now until 2011
Notes of candied lime, caramel, roasted barley and green pineapples, flavours follow through, crisp ripe apples, hints of raspberry, pleasant, now until 2011
2007 Wamakersvallei Bain’s Way Chenin Blanc 82 Points
2007 Wamakersvallei Bain’s Way Chenin Blanc 82 Points
Straw like, crisp palate, fresh acidity, long angular structure, elegant, well made chenin. Now until 2012
Straw like, crisp palate, fresh acidity, long angular structure, elegant, well made chenin. Now until 2012
2006 Pulpit Rock Pinotage 85+ Pinotage
2006 P ulpit Rock Pinotage 85+ Points
Fragrant, black cherry, smoke, vanilla sweet oak complexity, very ripe blackcurrant, “Ribena cordial”, like, big mouth feel, tannins are dry, but ripe, need time.
Cellar for 3 years and enjoy until 2013+
Fragrant, black cherry, smoke, vanilla sweet oak complexity, very ripe blackcurrant, “Ribena cordial”, like, big mouth feel, tannins are dry, but ripe, need time.
Cellar for 3 years and enjoy until 2013+
2006 Swartland Winery Pinotage 79 Points
2006 Swartland Winery Pinotage 79 Points
Delicate red summer berries, hint of smoke and prunes. Soft, light and fresh, fruit packed, hints of seaweed aftertaste, ideal lunchtime at home, served chilled, with game fish.
Delicate red summer berries, hint of smoke and prunes. Soft, light and fresh, fruit packed, hints of seaweed aftertaste, ideal lunchtime at home, served chilled, with game fish.
2004 Perdeberg Winery Pinotage Reserve 79 Points
2004 Perdeberg Winery Pinotage Reserve 79 Points
Fragrant, ripe red fruit, cherry, currants and cassis, hints of earthy complexity, tight but ripe tannin, will integrate, juicy lot of fruit structure, moderate intensity, savoury. Now until 2010
Fragrant, ripe red fruit, cherry, currants and cassis, hints of earthy complexity, tight but ripe tannin, will integrate, juicy lot of fruit structure, moderate intensity, savoury. Now until 2010
2006 Rhebokskloof Rhebok 79+ Points
2006 Rhebokskloof Rhebok Pinotage 79+ Points
Over ripe tawny port character, prunes and candied date fruit. Soft, red fruit, juicy, slightly sweet. Now until 2010
Over ripe tawny port character, prunes and candied date fruit. Soft, red fruit, juicy, slightly sweet. Now until 2010
2005 Perdeberg Winery Pinotage Reserve 77+ Points
2005 Perdeberg Winery Pinotage Reserve 77+ Points
Rich, fruitcake, raisins, prunes and hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Fruity, juicy, sweet structure, lacking freshness and complexity, hints of green plum and cherry. Now until 2011
Rich, fruitcake, raisins, prunes and hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. Fruity, juicy, sweet structure, lacking freshness and complexity, hints of green plum and cherry. Now until 2011
2006 La Couronne Unwooded Chardonnay 77+ Points
2006 La Couronne Unwooded Chardonnay 77+ Points
Austere with faint hints of lime, barley and sandy notes, rather fresh, but one dimensional. Lacking structure and complexity, thin, short aftertaste. Typical of unappropriate site selection
Austere with faint hints of lime, barley and sandy notes, rather fresh, but one dimensional. Lacking structure and complexity, thin, short aftertaste. Typical of unappropriate site selection
2005 Journey’s End Stellenbosch Chardonnay 88 Points
2005 Journey’s End Stellenbosch Chardonnay 88 Points
Toasty, ripe citrus medley, marmalade, orange blossom, complex fragrant vanilla, rich, intense, toffee complex aftertaste with hints of minerals and toasty almonds.
Now until 2012
Toasty, ripe citrus medley, marmalade, orange blossom, complex fragrant vanilla, rich, intense, toffee complex aftertaste with hints of minerals and toasty almonds.
Now until 2012
2005 Tokara Chardonnay 87+ Points
2005 Tokara Stellenbosch Chardonnay 87+ Points
Grapefruit, lime blossom, hints of rice crispies, tangerine and white peach. Complex, broad mouth feel, lime and orange follows through, spicy, lingering delicate aftertaste.
Now until 2012+
Grapefruit, lime blossom, hints of rice crispies, tangerine and white peach. Complex, broad mouth feel, lime and orange follows through, spicy, lingering delicate aftertaste.
Now until 2012+
2005 Longridge Chardonnay 87 Points
2005 Longridge Chardonnay 87 Points
Bright pale gold, hazelnut, grilled coconut, ripe citrus, marmalade. Rich, creamy palate, ripe pineapples, fresh bananas, very intense tangerine, lovely integration of oak, fruit, acid and alcohol. Lingering aftertaste, caramel, cereal and sweet oak.
Now until 2012
Bright pale gold, hazelnut, grilled coconut, ripe citrus, marmalade. Rich, creamy palate, ripe pineapples, fresh bananas, very intense tangerine, lovely integration of oak, fruit, acid and alcohol. Lingering aftertaste, caramel, cereal and sweet oak.
Now until 2012
2005 Tokara Zondernaam Chardonnay 87 Points
2005 Tokara Zondernaam Chardonnay 87 Points
Pungent ripe citrus and fragrant oak, hints of Golden Delicious apple, creamy, crisp and well delianated structure, juicy, fresh, vibrant, with mild toast aftertaste.
Now until 2012+
Pungent ripe citrus and fragrant oak, hints of Golden Delicious apple, creamy, crisp and well delianated structure, juicy, fresh, vibrant, with mild toast aftertaste.
Now until 2012+
2006 Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay Stellenbosch 86+ Points
2006 Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay Stellenbosch 86+ Points
Complex lime, citrus, marmalade, toasty new oak, intense freshness, followed by toasted cereals and clay minerals, needs time.
From 2009+ until 2012+
Complex lime, citrus, marmalade, toasty new oak, intense freshness, followed by toasted cereals and clay minerals, needs time.
From 2009+ until 2012+
2005 Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 86+ Points
2005 Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 86+ Points
Complex nose of ripe orange peel, toast, barley and rice cripies, intense, mouth filling palate, rich, clean and crisp, juicy, white minerals, toasty aftertaste. Now until 2013+
Complex nose of ripe orange peel, toast, barley and rice cripies, intense, mouth filling palate, rich, clean and crisp, juicy, white minerals, toasty aftertaste. Now until 2013+
2006 Sterhuis Barrel Selection Chardonnay 86 Points
2006 Sterhuis Barrel Selection Chardonnay 86 Points
Fragrant lime, oak, cedar, almost like a “Calvin Klein Aqua di Gio fragrance” freshness, exuberant, citrus, intense peach and mango, with lemon twist freshness, fresh delicate clean aftertaste.
Now until 2012
Fragrant lime, oak, cedar, almost like a “Calvin Klein Aqua di Gio fragrance” freshness, exuberant, citrus, intense peach and mango, with lemon twist freshness, fresh delicate clean aftertaste.
Now until 2012
2007 Jordan Unoaked Chardonnay 85+ Points
2007 Jordan Unoaked Chardonnay 85+ Points
Fresh, fragrant, melon, lime and hints of fig, vibrant and steely, juicy texture, lovely fruit concentration, delicate and fresh cleansing aftertaste. Very fine example of a ripe Chablis style, and definitely the best of the vintage, purity is the key word here. Now until 2011.
Fresh, fragrant, melon, lime and hints of fig, vibrant and steely, juicy texture, lovely fruit concentration, delicate and fresh cleansing aftertaste. Very fine example of a ripe Chablis style, and definitely the best of the vintage, purity is the key word here. Now until 2011.
2006 L’Avenir Laroche Chardonnay 85 Points
2006 L’Avenir Laroche Chardonnay 85 Points
Fragrant, peach, apricot, ripe lime and green pepper, Complex, full mouth feel, lovely mid palate, juicy, fresh needs time for fruit acid/oak to integrate..
From 2009 until 2012 One of the most consistent South African Chardonnay, the 2007 is also excellent and very well priced, could it be the Chablis heritage of the owner (Michel Laroche), and it’s influence as well as expertise in the vineyards that make this one of the best Chardonnay around ?
Fragrant, peach, apricot, ripe lime and green pepper, Complex, full mouth feel, lovely mid palate, juicy, fresh needs time for fruit acid/oak to integrate..
From 2009 until 2012 One of the most consistent South African Chardonnay, the 2007 is also excellent and very well priced, could it be the Chablis heritage of the owner (Michel Laroche), and it’s influence as well as expertise in the vineyards that make this one of the best Chardonnay around ?
2005 Thelema Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 85 Points
2005 Thelema Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 85 Points
Ripe yellow lemon, tangerine, marmalade and complex hints of toast, crisp, intense lime and orange, minerality complexity, delicate aftertaste.
Now until 2012
Ripe yellow lemon, tangerine, marmalade and complex hints of toast, crisp, intense lime and orange, minerality complexity, delicate aftertaste.
Now until 2012
2006 Tokara Chardonnay 85 Points
2006 Tokara Chardonnay 85 Points
Complex and fragrant nose of yellow lemon, toasty barley and hints of nutmeg, multifaceted, crisp and intense burnt citrus, leesy midpalate, needs time.
From 2009 until 2012+
Complex and fragrant nose of yellow lemon, toasty barley and hints of nutmeg, multifaceted, crisp and intense burnt citrus, leesy midpalate, needs time.
From 2009 until 2012+
2004 Uva Mira Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 87 Points
2004 Uva Mira Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 87 Points
Intense and complex ripe citrus marmalade, toast, grilled hazelnut, lovely fruit integration, with oak, serious mid palate and structure, complex creamy finish.
Now until 2014
Intense and complex ripe citrus marmalade, toast, grilled hazelnut, lovely fruit integration, with oak, serious mid palate and structure, complex creamy finish.
Now until 2014
2006 Waterkloof Circumstance Chardonnay 84+ Points
2006 Waterkloof Circumstance Chardonnay 84+ Points
Delicate lime, orange zest and hints of vanilla flower, crisp, lemony, quite intense, fresh and elegant, balanced, now until 2013
Delicate lime, orange zest and hints of vanilla flower, crisp, lemony, quite intense, fresh and elegant, balanced, now until 2013
2006 Edgebaston Chardonnay 84 Points
2006 Edgebaston Chardonnay 84 Points
Pungent pineapples, lime and cedar wood with hints of caramel, ripe citrus fruit structure, but acidity tad too low, round and creamy complex aftertaste. Now until 2012
Pungent pineapples, lime and cedar wood with hints of caramel, ripe citrus fruit structure, but acidity tad too low, round and creamy complex aftertaste. Now until 2012
2004 Kumala Limited release Journey's End Chardonnay 83+ Points
2004 Kumala Limited Release Journey’s End Chardonnay 83+ Points
Delicate peach and apricot jam, sweet vanilla, grilled coconut, marmalade. Creamy texture, toasty and hints of caramel, delicate minerality.
Delicate peach and apricot jam, sweet vanilla, grilled coconut, marmalade. Creamy texture, toasty and hints of caramel, delicate minerality.
2006 Dombeya Chardonnay 83+ Points
2006 Dombeya Chardonnay 83+ Points
Lime, pineapples and hints of new oak. Crisp, clean with delicate steely freshness, very good balance with oak, toasty hazelnut, creamy finish. Now until 2012
Lime, pineapples and hints of new oak. Crisp, clean with delicate steely freshness, very good balance with oak, toasty hazelnut, creamy finish. Now until 2012
2006 Boschkloof Chardonnay 83+ Points
2006 Boschkloof Chardonnay 83+ Points
Fragrant, tangerine, orange blossom, sweet oak, vanilla and citrus zest. Crisp, fine balance between the citrus fruit and oak, delicate, fresh lively structure. Now until 2012
Fragrant, tangerine, orange blossom, sweet oak, vanilla and citrus zest. Crisp, fine balance between the citrus fruit and oak, delicate, fresh lively structure. Now until 2012
2006 Vergelegen Chardonnay 83 Points
2006 Vergelegen Chardonnay 83 Points
Quite austere, with citrus note, light and fresh, creamy palate, need time to integrate, have potential, tight structure, cellar for 2 years, enjoy until 2012/13
Quite austere, with citrus note, light and fresh, creamy palate, need time to integrate, have potential, tight structure, cellar for 2 years, enjoy until 2012/13
2007 Zorgvliet Silvermyn Chardonnay Banhoek 81+ Points
2007 Zorgvliet Silvermyn Banhoek Chardonnay 81+ Points
Pungent aromas of citrus oil and mint, guavas, crisp racy acidity, will integrate, guava follow through, warming aftertaste, waxy character, could there be some Semillon in it ?
Pungent aromas of citrus oil and mint, guavas, crisp racy acidity, will integrate, guava follow through, warming aftertaste, waxy character, could there be some Semillon in it ?
2006 Vergelegen Chardonnay Reserve 81+ Points
2006 Vergelegen Chardonnay Reserve 81+ Points
Green lime, hints of apricot, dry straw, delicate creamy round fruit, candied kumquat aftertaste. Now until 2011
Green lime, hints of apricot, dry straw, delicate creamy round fruit, candied kumquat aftertaste. Now until 2011
2005 Dombeya Chardonnay 81+ Points
2005 Dombeya Chardonnay 81+ Points
Fragrant, toast, peach marmalade and grilled nut. Juicy lime, subtle oaking, ripe texture, creamy mouth feels, lovely balance, long aftertaste. Now until 2011
Fragrant, toast, peach marmalade and grilled nut. Juicy lime, subtle oaking, ripe texture, creamy mouth feels, lovely balance, long aftertaste. Now until 2011
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2006 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 81 Points
2006 Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 81 Points
Citrus, with delicate creamy vanilla, and hints of toast, crisp with baked apple mouth feels, lime zest, with an aftertaste of bitter orange marmalade. Now until 2010.
Citrus, with delicate creamy vanilla, and hints of toast, crisp with baked apple mouth feels, lime zest, with an aftertaste of bitter orange marmalade. Now until 2010.
2006 Koelenbosch Chardonnay 80+ Points
2006 Koelenbosch Chardonnay 80+ Points
Crisp, lemony, fresh and vibrant, intense lime and hints of caramel aftertaste, delicate. Now until 2011
Crisp, lemony, fresh and vibrant, intense lime and hints of caramel aftertaste, delicate. Now until 2011
2004 Kanu Chardonnay 80 Points
2004 Kanu Chardonnay 80 Points
Austere, hints of terpene, no fruit definition, but crisp palate more interesting than nose suggest, creamy intense and elegant. Now until 2011
Austere, hints of terpene, no fruit definition, but crisp palate more interesting than nose suggest, creamy intense and elegant. Now until 2011
2005 Hartenberg Estate Stellenbosch Chardonnay 80 Points
2005 Hartenberg Estate Stellenbosch Chardonnay 80 Points
Grilled lime, toasty, sweet vanilla, oak and hints of grilled nuts, slight terpene character, crisp, citrusy texture, and steeliness, but fruit fading. Now until 2010
Grilled lime, toasty, sweet vanilla, oak and hints of grilled nuts, slight terpene character, crisp, citrusy texture, and steeliness, but fruit fading. Now until 2010
2005 Hoopenburg Wines Integer Chardonnay 80 Points
2005 Hoopenburg Wines Integer Chardonnay 80 Points
Fresh whiff of very ripe citrus, orange blossom, hints of toasted cereal and pineapple glace, delicate creamy texture, but not as complex as nose suggest, toasty aftertaste.
Now until 2011
The 2006 Integer is very fine 85 Points
Fresh whiff of very ripe citrus, orange blossom, hints of toasted cereal and pineapple glace, delicate creamy texture, but not as complex as nose suggest, toasty aftertaste.
Now until 2011
The 2006 Integer is very fine 85 Points
2006 Eikendal Janina Unwooded Chardonnay 79+ Points
2006 Eikendal Janina Unwooded Chardonnay 79+ Points
Pineapples and orange zest, crisp, mouthfilling, lovely mid palate, exuberant lovely fruit, good acidity. Now until 2010
Pineapples and orange zest, crisp, mouthfilling, lovely mid palate, exuberant lovely fruit, good acidity. Now until 2010
2006 Waterford Estate Chardonnay 79 Points
2006 Waterford Estate Chardonnay 79 Points
Fresh, fragrant apples, raspberries and ripe sweet lime, lively and crisp, creamy well rounded mouth feels, fruit short on finish, but very subtle oaking. Now until 2010
Fresh, fragrant apples, raspberries and ripe sweet lime, lively and crisp, creamy well rounded mouth feels, fruit short on finish, but very subtle oaking. Now until 2010
2004 Hartenberg Estate The Eleanor Chardonnay 78+ Points
2004 Hartenberg Estate The Eleanor Chardonnay 78+ Points
Tangerine, toast, barley, hints of orange peel, fairly complex, toasty character, creamy, minerally texture, lacking freshness and acidity otherwise fine. Now until 2010
Tangerine, toast, barley, hints of orange peel, fairly complex, toasty character, creamy, minerally texture, lacking freshness and acidity otherwise fine. Now until 2010
2005 Neil Ellis Stellenbosch 78+ Points
2005 Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Chardonnay 78+ Points
Citrus and green oranges, leesy aromas. Crisp, intense, complex mouth feels, hints of asparagus and green pepper distract, otherwise good structure, juicy and clean. Now until 2010
Citrus and green oranges, leesy aromas. Crisp, intense, complex mouth feels, hints of asparagus and green pepper distract, otherwise good structure, juicy and clean. Now until 2010
2005 Kaapzicht Chardonnay 78+ Points
2005 Kaapzicht Chardonnay 78+ Points
Burnt lemon peel, toasty oak, cereal, slight hints of terpene, citrus and oaky character follows through, but somehow lacking freshness, meaty style.
Burnt lemon peel, toasty oak, cereal, slight hints of terpene, citrus and oaky character follows through, but somehow lacking freshness, meaty style.
2006 Simonsig Chardonnay 78 Points
2006 Simonsig Chardonnay 78 Points
Discreet, lime toast and tangerine, with hints of grilled almonds, flavours follows through with notes of toasted nut, fairly complex, soft structure, short finish, nevertheless is a good home drinking chardonnay. Now until 2010.
Discreet, lime toast and tangerine, with hints of grilled almonds, flavours follows through with notes of toasted nut, fairly complex, soft structure, short finish, nevertheless is a good home drinking chardonnay. Now until 2010.
2004 Mulderbosch Chardonnay 78 Points
2004 Mulderbosch Chardonnay 78 Points
Lime, citrus peel, hints of orange zest, old wood austerity, crisp, lacking complexity intensity and mid palate of barrel fermented version, short finish.
Lime, citrus peel, hints of orange zest, old wood austerity, crisp, lacking complexity intensity and mid palate of barrel fermented version, short finish.
2006 Delaire Unwooded Chardonnay 78
2006 Delaire Unwooded Chardonnay 78 Points
Lime, yeasty, touch subdued, green stalky character. Green lime, light and fresh, but somehow lacking concentration and structure. Now until 2010
Lime, yeasty, touch subdued, green stalky character. Green lime, light and fresh, but somehow lacking concentration and structure. Now until 2010
2004 Uitkyk Chardonnay Simonsberg 77+ Points
2004 Uitkyk Chardonnay Simonsberg 77+ Points
Ripe tropical fruit medley, citrus, green oranges, crisp lemony texture, lacking substance fruit and complexity.
Ripe tropical fruit medley, citrus, green oranges, crisp lemony texture, lacking substance fruit and complexity.
2005 Delaire Chardonnnay 77 Points
2005 Delaire Chardonnnay 77 Points
Fresh peach and lime, hints of frangipani, limey texture, simple fruit, not enough substance, leesy character. Now until 2010
Fresh peach and lime, hints of frangipani, limey texture, simple fruit, not enough substance, leesy character. Now until 2010
2006 Lushof Chardonnay 77 Points
2006 Lushof Chardonnay 77 Points
Lime, peach pip, hints of sundried apricot, delicate medley of citrus fruit. Crisp, dry, somewhat lacking structure and complexity. Now until 2010.
Lime, peach pip, hints of sundried apricot, delicate medley of citrus fruit. Crisp, dry, somewhat lacking structure and complexity. Now until 2010.
2006 Le Riche Chardonnay 76+ Points
2006 Le Riche Chardonnay 76+ Points
Fresh citrus blossom, delicate, fragrant oak, crisp apple like freshness, but thin and lean structure disappoint. Drink now until 2010
Fresh citrus blossom, delicate, fragrant oak, crisp apple like freshness, but thin and lean structure disappoint. Drink now until 2010
2005 Lourensford Five Heirs Chardonnay 76 Points
2005 Lourensford Five Heirs Chardonnay 76 Points
Subdued fruit, soft touch flabby style, lack freshness and structure, uncomplex. Now until 2010
Subdued fruit, soft touch flabby style, lack freshness and structure, uncomplex. Now until 2010
2005 Stellenbosch Hills Chardonnay 76 Points
2005 Stellenbosch Hills Chardonnay 76 Points
Intense toast, marmalade, burnt matches, dry, lacking fruit concentration and structure, short, terpene aftertaste. Now until 2010
Intense toast, marmalade, burnt matches, dry, lacking fruit concentration and structure, short, terpene aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 Overgaauw Chardonnay 75 Points
2006 Overgaauw Chardonnay 75+ Points
Hints of lime, with seabreezy notes, iodine, lacking fruit, structure and complexity. Now until 2010.
Hints of lime, with seabreezy notes, iodine, lacking fruit, structure and complexity. Now until 2010.
2006 Fort Simon Chardonnay 75+ Points
2006 Fort Simon Chardonnay 75+ Points
Austere, hints of lime, crisp, thin and uncomplex, lacking structure and fruit. Now until 2010
Austere, hints of lime, crisp, thin and uncomplex, lacking structure and fruit. Now until 2010
2006 Meerlust Estate Chardonnay 75+ Points
2006 Meerlust Estate Chardonnay 75+ Points
Austere, hints of citrus and faint hint of lime. Fresh, crisp, clean lemon, light toast aftertaste. Tense minerality and structure, need time. Old world austerity, lacking complexity and structure. What a drastic change in style, vintages from 1996 to 2001 was arguably the closest a Cape Chardonnay could get to a fine Meursault, then a transition in style between 2002 and 2005.................. however the 2008 is more kind of Chablis like, fresher with citrus fruit delicacy.........possible 83 points, if it could do with more vibrancy..............perhaps higher rating.....
Austere, hints of citrus and faint hint of lime. Fresh, crisp, clean lemon, light toast aftertaste. Tense minerality and structure, need time. Old world austerity, lacking complexity and structure. What a drastic change in style, vintages from 1996 to 2001 was arguably the closest a Cape Chardonnay could get to a fine Meursault, then a transition in style between 2002 and 2005.................. however the 2008 is more kind of Chablis like, fresher with citrus fruit delicacy.........possible 83 points, if it could do with more vibrancy..............perhaps higher rating.....
2006 Beau Joubert Chardonnay 75+ Points
2006 Beau Joubert Chardonnay 75+ Points
Lemon peel, hints of terpene and bitter orange, crisp, green unripe apple acid, lean structure, lacking complexity. Now until 2010
Lemon peel, hints of terpene and bitter orange, crisp, green unripe apple acid, lean structure, lacking complexity. Now until 2010
2004 Cordoba Chardonnay 75 Points
2004 Cordoba Chardonnay 75 Points
Garlic butter and herbs, white mushroom, hints of yeast and boiled cabbage water.
Moderately crisp, oaky, shadowing delicate fruit, some sun burnt fruit character. Now until 2010
Garlic butter and herbs, white mushroom, hints of yeast and boiled cabbage water.
Moderately crisp, oaky, shadowing delicate fruit, some sun burnt fruit character. Now until 2010
2006 Kleine Zalze Chardonnay Vineyard Selection 74+ Points
2006 Kleine Zalze Chardonnay Vineyard Selection 74+ Points
Peach, ripe lime and hints of apricot skin. Fresh, subtle hints of wood, fruit fading. Drink now until 2010.
Peach, ripe lime and hints of apricot skin. Fresh, subtle hints of wood, fruit fading. Drink now until 2010.
2006 Middelvlei Chardonnay 74+ Points
2006 Middelvlei Chardonnay 74+ Points
Mango, peach and candied orange peel, hints of caramel, soft citrus, lacking structure and freshness, flabby, very short aftertaste. Now until 2010.
Mango, peach and candied orange peel, hints of caramel, soft citrus, lacking structure and freshness, flabby, very short aftertaste. Now until 2010.
2006 Saxenburg Private Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay 73+ Points
2006 Saxenburg Private Collection Stellenbosch Chardonnay 73+ Points
Apples, hints of white pepper and guava. Soft, thin structure, lacking freshness, atypical, almost a chenin feel like. Now until 2010
Apples, hints of white pepper and guava. Soft, thin structure, lacking freshness, atypical, almost a chenin feel like. Now until 2010
2004 Constantia Uitsig Chardonnay Reserve 89 Points
2004 Constantia Uitsig Chardonnay Reserve 89 Points
Very ripe citrus, marmalade, toasty hazelnut, complex, intense lime, rich, refined toasty character, very fresh, delicate, lingering complex aftertaste. The best chardonnay to date in Constantia Valley, leaning towards a Meursault style, pity the production has been discontinue.
Now until 2012
Very ripe citrus, marmalade, toasty hazelnut, complex, intense lime, rich, refined toasty character, very fresh, delicate, lingering complex aftertaste. The best chardonnay to date in Constantia Valley, leaning towards a Meursault style, pity the production has been discontinue.
Now until 2012
2005 Buitenverwachting Hussey's Vlei Chardonnay 86 - 88 Points
2005 Buitenverwachting Hussey’s Vlei Chardonnay 86 - 88 Points
Fragrant, complex, toasted cereals, ripe citrus cocktail and vanilla, dusty, peppery spicy oak character, ripe citrus follows through and hints of marmalade, long length and touch of sandy / granite minerality, now until 2012
Fragrant, complex, toasted cereals, ripe citrus cocktail and vanilla, dusty, peppery spicy oak character, ripe citrus follows through and hints of marmalade, long length and touch of sandy / granite minerality, now until 2012
2006 Glen Carlou Chardonnay 83+ Points
2006 Glen Carlou Chardonnay 83+ Points
Ripe citrus, orange, hints of grapefruit oil, sweet vanilla complexity, juicy, creamy texture, rounded fruit, fresh and delicate, rich mouth feels but elegant style, well poised. Now until 2011.
Ripe citrus, orange, hints of grapefruit oil, sweet vanilla complexity, juicy, creamy texture, rounded fruit, fresh and delicate, rich mouth feels but elegant style, well poised. Now until 2011.
2006 Avondale Unwooded Chardonnay 83 Points
2006 Avondale Unwooded Chardonnay 83 Points
Intense fresh citrus, guava, green tropical fruit. Intense freshly squeeze lime on palate, crisp, mouth filling, leesy richness, juicy aftertaste. Now until 2011
Intense fresh citrus, guava, green tropical fruit. Intense freshly squeeze lime on palate, crisp, mouth filling, leesy richness, juicy aftertaste. Now until 2011
2006 Rhebokskloof Chardonnay 81+ Points
2006 Rhebokskloof Chardonnay 81+ Points
Fresh citrus blossom, opulent, fragrant, hints of rose and new wood furniture, peach flavours follow through, crisp, fresh and juicy, good oaking.
Fresh citrus blossom, opulent, fragrant, hints of rose and new wood furniture, peach flavours follow through, crisp, fresh and juicy, good oaking.
2006 Avondale Select The Weir Chardonnay 79+ Points
2006 Avondale Select The Weir Chardonnay 79+ Points
Fresh, floral scent, tropical fruit, juicy, charming moreish, perfect bistro style quaffer. Now until 2010
Fresh, floral scent, tropical fruit, juicy, charming moreish, perfect bistro style quaffer. Now until 2010
2005 Klein Draken Chardonnay 79+ Points
2005 Klein Draken Chardonnay 79+ Points
Fragrant, lime, toast, hints of hazelnut, lemony palate, hints of raisin and dry straw, fresh crisp aftertaste. Now until 2011
Fragrant, lime, toast, hints of hazelnut, lemony palate, hints of raisin and dry straw, fresh crisp aftertaste. Now until 2011
2006 Anura Chardonnay Limited Release Chardonnay 79 Points
2006 Anura Chardonnay Limited Release Chardonnay 79 Points
Sweet candied lime, pineapple, coconut, juicy toasty creamy texture, but lacking acidity for freshness, did not help either by very high alcohol of 15%. Now until 2010.
Sweet candied lime, pineapple, coconut, juicy toasty creamy texture, but lacking acidity for freshness, did not help either by very high alcohol of 15%. Now until 2010.
2006 Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 78 Points
2006 Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay 78 Points
Fresh, fragrant, citrus, baked granny smith apples and hints of wood, juicy, lightly oaked, subtle delicate aftertaste. Now until 2010
Fresh, fragrant, citrus, baked granny smith apples and hints of wood, juicy, lightly oaked, subtle delicate aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 Kleine Parys Chardonnay 76+ Points
2006 Kleine Parys Chardonnay 76+ Points
Orange blossom, French toast, hints of vanilla and poached pears in syrup, toasty barley, candied lime, dry with slightly bitter finish, lacking structure. Now until 2010.
Orange blossom, French toast, hints of vanilla and poached pears in syrup, toasty barley, candied lime, dry with slightly bitter finish, lacking structure. Now until 2010.
2006 Eaglevlei Chardonnay Unoaked 75+ Points
2006 Eaglevlei Chardonnay Unoaked 75+ Points
Green lime, apples, hints of guava, with lovely tropical fruit medley. Fresh, crisp and light bodied, flavours follow through, uncomplex finish. Now until 2010.
Green lime, apples, hints of guava, with lovely tropical fruit medley. Fresh, crisp and light bodied, flavours follow through, uncomplex finish. Now until 2010.
2005 Danie de Wet Bateleur Chardonnay 83 Points
2005 Danie de Wet Bateleur Chardonnay 83 Points
Ripe lime, oranges and toast, complex palate of glazed grapefruit peel,barleyand toast, complex aftertaste. Now until 2011
Ripe lime, oranges and toast, complex palate of glazed grapefruit peel,barleyand toast, complex aftertaste. Now until 2011
2005 Bonnievale Vertex Chardonnay Reserve 83 Points
2005 Bonnievale Vertex Chardonnay Reserve 83 Points
Ripe citrus, pears, Cointreau like orange liqueur, intense with notes of burnt butter, grilled hazelnut, creamy long clean toasty aftertaste. Now until 2011
Ripe citrus, pears, Cointreau like orange liqueur, intense with notes of burnt butter, grilled hazelnut, creamy long clean toasty aftertaste. Now until 2011
2006 Robertson Winery Kings River Chardonnay 82 Points
2006 Robertson Winery Kings River Chardonnay 82 Points
Sweet tangerine, peach and apricot, floral complexity, hints of oak and vanilla. Crisp, intense peach, citrus and barley, but lacking freshness and steeliness, as the foundation is excellent, if only………. This would have been a stunning chardonnay, but nevertheless will drink well until 2011
Sweet tangerine, peach and apricot, floral complexity, hints of oak and vanilla. Crisp, intense peach, citrus and barley, but lacking freshness and steeliness, as the foundation is excellent, if only………. This would have been a stunning chardonnay, but nevertheless will drink well until 2011
2006 Rietvallei Estate Natural Chardonnay Unwooded 81+
2006 Rietvallei Natural Chardonnay Unwooded 81+ Points
Austere, dry straw, hints of lime, fresh and juicy, leesy mouth feels, uncomplicated, good for everyday home drinking. Now until 2010
Austere, dry straw, hints of lime, fresh and juicy, leesy mouth feels, uncomplicated, good for everyday home drinking. Now until 2010
2007 Weltevrede River's Edge Unwooded Chardonnay 81 Points
2007 Weltevrede River’s edge Unwooded Chardonnay 81 Points
Fresh peach and lime, fragrant, crisp flavours follow through, juicy, fresh summery white mineral aftertaste.
Fresh peach and lime, fragrant, crisp flavours follow through, juicy, fresh summery white mineral aftertaste.
2006 Van Loveren Wolverine Creek Chardonnay Reserve 80+ Points.
2006 Van Loveren Wolverine Creek Chardonnay Reserve 80+ Points
Medley of dry citrus fruit, pot pourri, flavourful citrus, leesy complexity, delicate and subtle aftertaste. Now until 2010
Medley of dry citrus fruit, pot pourri, flavourful citrus, leesy complexity, delicate and subtle aftertaste. Now until 2010
2007 Cloverfield Unwooded Chardonnay 79+ Points
2007 Cloverfield Unwooded Chardonnay 79+ Points
Fragrant, sweet melon, guava and limes, hints of raisiny Muscat charcter, adds complexity, intense lime and green guava, fresh but mid palate deceiving, short finish. Now until 2010
Fragrant, sweet melon, guava and limes, hints of raisiny Muscat charcter, adds complexity, intense lime and green guava, fresh but mid palate deceiving, short finish. Now until 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
2007 Danie de Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 85 Points
2007 Danie de Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 85 Points
Fragrant and subtle whiff of lemon, orange and tropical fruit medley, crisp, fresh, juicy, clean texture, quite long finish. Huge step in quality over the 2006, well done, try to keep it that way, and maintain the consistency from there, but unfortunately the 2008, does not have the same richness and complex structure, may be the 2009……..to be reviewed soon
Now until 2011.
Fragrant and subtle whiff of lemon, orange and tropical fruit medley, crisp, fresh, juicy, clean texture, quite long finish. Huge step in quality over the 2006, well done, try to keep it that way, and maintain the consistency from there, but unfortunately the 2008, does not have the same richness and complex structure, may be the 2009……..to be reviewed soon
Now until 2011.
2006 Yannick Thonet Mondeuse Vin de Savoie 83+ - 85+ Points
2006 Yannick Thonet Mondeuse Vin de Savoie 83+ - 85+ Points
Clear, bright, ruby red with slight purple rim, medium plus concentration, more akin to Burgundy than Rhône, low viscosity.
Clean, low plus viscosity, with primary fruit of young berry, just ripe strawberry and sour cherries, hints of dried white roses, lavender, touch of rhubard and peach kernel, delicate spiciness, earthy, kind of a cross between Burgundian complexity and Southern Rhone warmth and complexity, tends toward a Burgundian village in a generous year.
Mineral is prominent with clay and white stone minerality, even stony, large wood / barrel influence evident, subtle integration, respecting the delicate fruit profile.
Dry, confirms the delicate red fruits, new flavours of rosehip tea leaf character with hints of leather, stuffy mid palate, medium plus acidity, almost crunchy for a red, low alcohol, medium plus finish and complexity.
Fine representation of a cool climate wine with Burgundian delicacy.
Now until 2014.
Mondeuse is a rare grape variety, and one of the oldest of Savoie, less than 200 ha were still grown in 2000, another for the challenge in South Africa, to bring back some cuttings? Also grown in the Bugey region.
Clear, bright, ruby red with slight purple rim, medium plus concentration, more akin to Burgundy than Rhône, low viscosity.
Clean, low plus viscosity, with primary fruit of young berry, just ripe strawberry and sour cherries, hints of dried white roses, lavender, touch of rhubard and peach kernel, delicate spiciness, earthy, kind of a cross between Burgundian complexity and Southern Rhone warmth and complexity, tends toward a Burgundian village in a generous year.
Mineral is prominent with clay and white stone minerality, even stony, large wood / barrel influence evident, subtle integration, respecting the delicate fruit profile.
Dry, confirms the delicate red fruits, new flavours of rosehip tea leaf character with hints of leather, stuffy mid palate, medium plus acidity, almost crunchy for a red, low alcohol, medium plus finish and complexity.
Fine representation of a cool climate wine with Burgundian delicacy.
Now until 2014.
Mondeuse is a rare grape variety, and one of the oldest of Savoie, less than 200 ha were still grown in 2000, another for the challenge in South Africa, to bring back some cuttings? Also grown in the Bugey region.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
2007 Windmeul Kelder Chenin Blanc 81 Points
2007 Windmeul Kelder Chenin Blanc 81 Points
Lime, orange peel, hints of tangerine, rich and delicate, mouth filling, lovely integration of fruit and acid, hints of wood ? slight caramel on aftertaste. Now until 2010
Lime, orange peel, hints of tangerine, rich and delicate, mouth filling, lovely integration of fruit and acid, hints of wood ? slight caramel on aftertaste. Now until 2010
2004 Kanu Chenin Blanc 72+ Points
2006 Anura Paarl Chenin Blanc 78 Poinnts
Ripe lemon sherbet, sweet vanilla, complex, barley, ripe pineapples, very full bodied, lacking freshness, almost a wooded chardonnay copy cat, not enough acidity to support fruit concentration, overripe, alcohol overwhelming, more interesting on the nose than palate, now until 2010
Ripe lemon sherbet, sweet vanilla, complex, barley, ripe pineapples, very full bodied, lacking freshness, almost a wooded chardonnay copy cat, not enough acidity to support fruit concentration, overripe, alcohol overwhelming, more interesting on the nose than palate, now until 2010
2007 Swartland Winery Indalo Chenin Blanc 76+ Points
2007 Swartland Winery Indalo 76+ Points
Fragrant peach, apricot, jasmine, relatively complex aromas, crisp subtle oak, fruit on the green / lean side, disappointing palate
Fragrant peach, apricot, jasmine, relatively complex aromas, crisp subtle oak, fruit on the green / lean side, disappointing palate
2006 Sagila Chenin Blanc 81 Points
2006 Sagila Chenin Blanc 81 Points
Ripe pineapples, melon, sweet lime, fairly complex, straw like, soft palate structure, good acidity, now until 2012
Ripe pineapples, melon, sweet lime, fairly complex, straw like, soft palate structure, good acidity, now until 2012
2004 Stormhoek The Mountain Side Chenin Blanc 79+ Points
2004 Stormhoek The Mountain Side Chenin Blanc 79+ Points
Ripe apples with hints of citrus and quince, guava. Lovely structure, delicate fruit follows through, hints of bottle age, green barley aftertaste, lacking finish, now until 2010
Ripe apples with hints of citrus and quince, guava. Lovely structure, delicate fruit follows through, hints of bottle age, green barley aftertaste, lacking finish, now until 2010
2006 Cederberg V Generations Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
2006 Cederberg V Generations Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
Fragrant pear, lime and lychee, hints of Bellini, Complex, clean, crisp green apples, lemon and citrus follow through, from 2010 until 2012+
Fragrant pear, lime and lychee, hints of Bellini, Complex, clean, crisp green apples, lemon and citrus follow through, from 2010 until 2012+
2007 Rietvallei Juanita Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 77 Points
2007 Rietvallei Juanita Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 77 Points
Blackcurrant, cassis, with whiff of green pepper, tutti frutti. Delicate summer berries, crisp, dry, fruity, refreshing great summer Rosé for uncomplicated drinking, could have attained higher rating, if it was not pricey at R 49 a bottle.
Blackcurrant, cassis, with whiff of green pepper, tutti frutti. Delicate summer berries, crisp, dry, fruity, refreshing great summer Rosé for uncomplicated drinking, could have attained higher rating, if it was not pricey at R 49 a bottle.
2007 Haute Cabriere Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 72 Points
2007 Haute Cabriere Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 72 Points
Papaya, peach, hints of honey dew melon and hints of talcum, fresh, sweet fruited, but not very expressive, lacking definition, dry, shy fruit. Drink now until 2010
Papaya, peach, hints of honey dew melon and hints of talcum, fresh, sweet fruited, but not very expressive, lacking definition, dry, shy fruit. Drink now until 2010
2001 Rijk’s Private Cellar Coastal Region Cabernet Sauvignon 85+ Points
2001 Rijk’s Private Cellar Coastal Region Cabernet Sauvignon 85+ Points
Complex cassis, red currant, plums, tar, tobacco and new leather. Complex mouthfeels, rich fruitcake, ripe red fruit, fresh acids, savoury and delicate now until 2012
Complex cassis, red currant, plums, tar, tobacco and new leather. Complex mouthfeels, rich fruitcake, ripe red fruit, fresh acids, savoury and delicate now until 2012
2006 Spice Route Pinotage 78 Points
2006 Spice Route Pinotage 78 Points
Lovely fragrant perfume nose of lavender, Turkish delight and ripe plums, underlying toast and hints of new wood. Fresh, light and juicy, moderate structure, lacking complexity. Now until 2011
Lovely fragrant perfume nose of lavender, Turkish delight and ripe plums, underlying toast and hints of new wood. Fresh, light and juicy, moderate structure, lacking complexity. Now until 2011
2006 Rheboksloof Pinotage 76+ Points
2006 Rheboksloof Pinotage 76+ Points
Cherry bon bon, red fruit pastille and hints of plum, ripe, very sweet ripe red fruit, medium bodied, dry puckering bitter tannins distract. Now until 2011
Cherry bon bon, red fruit pastille and hints of plum, ripe, very sweet ripe red fruit, medium bodied, dry puckering bitter tannins distract. Now until 2011
2006 Onderkloof Chardonnay 73 Points
2006 Onderkloof Chardonnay 73 Points
Smoky toasty oaky style, ripe citrus like, dry, overt oak character, green lean and thin, too much oak, not enough fruit.
Smoky toasty oaky style, ripe citrus like, dry, overt oak character, green lean and thin, too much oak, not enough fruit.
2005 Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Chardonnay 85+ Points
2005 Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Chardonnay 85+ Points
Fragrant, complex marmalade and honey, hints of new wood and ripe pineapples, rich, complex, creamy mouth feels, light and delicate toasty, almondy aftertaste, now until 2011
Fragrant, complex marmalade and honey, hints of new wood and ripe pineapples, rich, complex, creamy mouth feels, light and delicate toasty, almondy aftertaste, now until 2011
2005 Linton Park Claire Division Slangrivier Chardonnay 75+ Points
2005 Linton Park Claire Division Slangrivier Chardonnay 75+ Points
New wood and varnish lacquer dominate the delicate fruit, hints of vanilla yogurt, very oaky style. Now until 2010.
New wood and varnish lacquer dominate the delicate fruit, hints of vanilla yogurt, very oaky style. Now until 2010.
2006 De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay sur Lie 79+ Points
2006 De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Chardonnay sur Lie 79+ Points
Lime, dry straw, hints of jack fruit, limey, citrussy style, touch leesy, but somehow lacking fruit and structure, short, dry barley finish. Now until 2010
Lime, dry straw, hints of jack fruit, limey, citrussy style, touch leesy, but somehow lacking fruit and structure, short, dry barley finish. Now until 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
2005 De Wetshof Estate Chardonnay D’Honneur 79 Points
Tangerine and burnt butter, with strange notes of seafood bisque and crayfish butter, delicate, subtle oaking, lightly toasted, short finish, not in same league as the older vintages.
2005 Springfield Wild Yeast Chardonnay 77 Points
2005 Springfield Wild Yeast Chardonnay 77 Points
Intense peach, apricot and ripe mangoes, hints of botrytis. Crisp, but fruit did not follow, low complexity, nose aromatic more promising, could have been a fine chardonnay, if the structure was present. Now until 2011
Intense peach, apricot and ripe mangoes, hints of botrytis. Crisp, but fruit did not follow, low complexity, nose aromatic more promising, could have been a fine chardonnay, if the structure was present. Now until 2011
2006 Rietvallei Special Select Chardonnay 76+ Points
Unripe yellow lemon juice, green mango, crisp, green acidity, slightly out of balance, leesy structure to smoothen rough acidity edges. Now until 2010
2006 Graham Beck Chardonnay 76 Points
Floral notes with hints of Muscat grape, hints of dry straw and sundried peach, subtle oaking and toasty cereals, good everyday drinking, but not for restaurant listing. Now until 2010
2007 False Bay Unwooded Chardonnay 85 Points
2007 False Bay Unwooded Chardonnay 85 Points
Intense tropical fruit, medley of lime, guavas, fresh, crisp and dry, very lemony with nice mid palate, good structure. Now until 2011.
Intense tropical fruit, medley of lime, guavas, fresh, crisp and dry, very lemony with nice mid palate, good structure. Now until 2011.
2006 Vin’s D’Orrance Chardonnay 83+ Points
2006 Vin’s D’Orrance Chardonnay 83+ Points
Full complex aromatics of citrus, smoke and toasty nuts. Creamy and broas citrus mouth feels, oily texture, juicy, complimented by subtle oaking. Now until 2012
Full complex aromatics of citrus, smoke and toasty nuts. Creamy and broas citrus mouth feels, oily texture, juicy, complimented by subtle oaking. Now until 2012
2006 Ataraxia Chardonnay 83+ Points
2006 Ataraxia Chardonnay 83+ Points
Peach pip, vanilla and nutmeg, crisp lemony fruit, steely freshness and minerals, juicy, green fruit, need time to integrate. Now until 2012
Peach pip, vanilla and nutmeg, crisp lemony fruit, steely freshness and minerals, juicy, green fruit, need time to integrate. Now until 2012
2005 L’Ormarins Chardonnay 81 Points
2005 L’Ormarins Chardonnay 81 Points
Complex hazelnut and other grilled nuts, ripe tangerine and hints of bourbon vanilla. Crisp, green citrus, delicate mineral, but slightly on the lean side, otherwise could have been a very good chardonnay, if more substance were present. Now until 2011
Complex hazelnut and other grilled nuts, ripe tangerine and hints of bourbon vanilla. Crisp, green citrus, delicate mineral, but slightly on the lean side, otherwise could have been a very good chardonnay, if more substance were present. Now until 2011
2005 Jack & Knox Coincidence Chardonnay 81 Points
2005 Jack & Knox Coincidence Chardonnay 81 Points
Fresh toast, burnt lemon and hints of pineapple jam. Juicy, round fruits, hints of creamy toast and marmalade, well define and balance. Now until 2011
Fresh toast, burnt lemon and hints of pineapple jam. Juicy, round fruits, hints of creamy toast and marmalade, well define and balance. Now until 2011
2005 Saronsberg Coastal Region Chardonnay 79 Points
2005 Saronsberg Coastal Region Chardonnay 79 Points
Austere, discreet lime fruit, creamy, delicate mouth feels, toast, ripe lime and hints of smoke, complex long finish, quite refined. Now until 2011
Austere, discreet lime fruit, creamy, delicate mouth feels, toast, ripe lime and hints of smoke, complex long finish, quite refined. Now until 2011
2004 Clovelly Chardonnay 78+ Points
2004 Clovelly Chardonnay 78+ Points
Dry straw, yeasty, preserved orange peel, pineapples, simple palate structure, fruit aromatics does not follow through, earthy aftertaste. Now until 2010
Dry straw, yeasty, preserved orange peel, pineapples, simple palate structure, fruit aromatics does not follow through, earthy aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 De Leuwen Jagt Unwooded Chardonnay 77+ Points
2006 De Leuwen Jagt Unwooded Chardonnay 77+ Points
Peach, apricot and hints of Muscat character as well as botrytis flavours follow through delicate creamy vanilla, crisp, but somehow lacking structure for higher rating.
Peach, apricot and hints of Muscat character as well as botrytis flavours follow through delicate creamy vanilla, crisp, but somehow lacking structure for higher rating.
2007 Graham Beck Waterside Unwooded Chardonnay 77 Points
2007 Graham Beck Waterside Unwooded Chardonnay 77 Points
Lime, sweet pungent dry straw, melon and hint of peach, crisp, but lacking fruit definition, very green acid, short aftertaste. Now until 2010.
Lime, sweet pungent dry straw, melon and hint of peach, crisp, but lacking fruit definition, very green acid, short aftertaste. Now until 2010.
2007 Swartland Winery Chardonnay 76+ Points
2007 Swartland Winery Chardonnay 76+ Points
Fresh, fragrant, peach, melon and lime, juicy green lime and guava, on the green side of ripeness, crunchy, short uncomplex mouth feels. Now until 2010
Fresh, fragrant, peach, melon and lime, juicy green lime and guava, on the green side of ripeness, crunchy, short uncomplex mouth feels. Now until 2010
2007 Laroche L’Avenir Chardonnay 85 Points
2007 Laroche L’Avenir Chardonnay 85 Points
Ripe, good chardonnay fruit, dry straw, Chablis style with lovely peach, yellow stone fruit, fresh, touch clay minerality, good weight and length, touch lighter than the 2006, but nevertheless have maintain consistency, now until 2013
Ripe, good chardonnay fruit, dry straw, Chablis style with lovely peach, yellow stone fruit, fresh, touch clay minerality, good weight and length, touch lighter than the 2006, but nevertheless have maintain consistency, now until 2013
2006 Herold Red Men 81 Points
2006 Herold Red Men 81 Points
This blend of 72% Shiraz and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon is made from fruit grown in Bo Langkloof and Outeniqua, shows dusty oak character with ripe plums, with hints of earthy character along with medium plus acidity, needing time to integrate.
Watch out for the 2007 vintage, just reviewed, rating tobe annouced soon..................
This blend of 72% Shiraz and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon is made from fruit grown in Bo Langkloof and Outeniqua, shows dusty oak character with ripe plums, with hints of earthy character along with medium plus acidity, needing time to integrate.
Watch out for the 2007 vintage, just reviewed, rating tobe annouced soon..................
Constantia Uitsig Constantia Red 2004 80 Points
Constantia Uitsig Constantia Red 2004 80 Points
Complex melange of ripe red fruits, sweet blackcurrant, winey, soft tannins, elegant mouth feels, blend of 2 cabernet and merlot, now until 2014
Complex melange of ripe red fruits, sweet blackcurrant, winey, soft tannins, elegant mouth feels, blend of 2 cabernet and merlot, now until 2014
Scali 2004 91 Points
Scali 2004 91 Points
Clear, day bright, ruby red, very good clarity, with notes of Malaga / old rum vanilla type of fragrance, preserved maraschino cherries, Rhône profile, very elegant mouth feels.
Trellised vine grown on granite and shale.
Clear, day bright, ruby red, very good clarity, with notes of Malaga / old rum vanilla type of fragrance, preserved maraschino cherries, Rhône profile, very elegant mouth feels.
Trellised vine grown on granite and shale.
2006 Beyerskloof Cape Blend CWG 86 Points
2006 Beyerskloof Cape Blend CWG 86 Points
Fragrant plum, earthy minerality notes, complex, with spicy mouth feels, sweet molasses concentration, ripe texture and cedary oaky notes, fresh and elegant, now until 2016
Fragrant plum, earthy minerality notes, complex, with spicy mouth feels, sweet molasses concentration, ripe texture and cedary oaky notes, fresh and elegant, now until 2016
1999 Champagne Deutz Brut 88+ Points
1999 Champagne Deutz Brut 88+ Points
Ripe, complex, biscuity, meaty structure but delicate, rich creamy finish
Ripe, complex, biscuity, meaty structure but delicate, rich creamy finish
NV Silverthorn The Green Man Brut 85+ Points
NV Silverthorn The Green Man Brut 85+ Points
Austere with hints of Granny Smith apples, delicate yeasty notes, subtle.
Very fine bubbles / mousse with intense and crisp lime freshness, delicate white fruits and hints of toast. Fuller and bigger structure than 2004.
Will gain depth and complexity with cellaring, now until 2013. Robertson fruit
Austere with hints of Granny Smith apples, delicate yeasty notes, subtle.
Very fine bubbles / mousse with intense and crisp lime freshness, delicate white fruits and hints of toast. Fuller and bigger structure than 2004.
Will gain depth and complexity with cellaring, now until 2013. Robertson fruit
1969 Chateau Yquem Sauternes 96 Points
1969 Chateau Yquem Sauternes 96 Points
Ripe, intense, nutty, caramel, ripe peach and sundried apricot coming fore, honey, wild spring flowers, impressive length and freshness all in a finale of buttered toast, impressive mid palate, ever ending finish, can easily last another 15 years plus, a masterpiece
Ripe, intense, nutty, caramel, ripe peach and sundried apricot coming fore, honey, wild spring flowers, impressive length and freshness all in a finale of buttered toast, impressive mid palate, ever ending finish, can easily last another 15 years plus, a masterpiece
2007 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 88 Points
2007 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 88 Points
Oxidative style, straw like, deliberate bruised apple, cider like.
Phenolic ripeness, lemon tart, yellow pears and touch straw.
Crunchy, elegant minerality, tight, with green limey notes, need time +/- 3 years, to mesh, very fresh orange blossom on aftertaste. From 2012 until 2015
Oxidative style, straw like, deliberate bruised apple, cider like.
Phenolic ripeness, lemon tart, yellow pears and touch straw.
Crunchy, elegant minerality, tight, with green limey notes, need time +/- 3 years, to mesh, very fresh orange blossom on aftertaste. From 2012 until 2015
2006 Racetrack Chenin Blanc 72 Points
2006 Racetrack Chenin Blanc 72 Points
Peach, hints of apricot, banana, ripe lemon, simple, uncomplex, lacking structure and freshness, short finish, now until 2010
Peach, hints of apricot, banana, ripe lemon, simple, uncomplex, lacking structure and freshness, short finish, now until 2010
2006 Ken Forrester Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 72+ Points
2006 Ken Forrester Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 72+ Points
Terpene aromas, almost like a 2 year old hot climate Riesling, before the Golden delicious apples come to the fore, hints of hay, with baked apples texture, touch flabby, simple aftertaste. Now until 2010
Terpene aromas, almost like a 2 year old hot climate Riesling, before the Golden delicious apples come to the fore, hints of hay, with baked apples texture, touch flabby, simple aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 L’Avenir Laroche Chenin Blanc 86+ Points
2006 L’Avenir Laroche Chenin Blanc 86+ Points
Baked apple, lemon meringue, quince, complex. Crisp, ripe pineapple, pears lovely balance between fruit / acid, medium bodied, ripe full bodied texture.
Now until 2012
Baked apple, lemon meringue, quince, complex. Crisp, ripe pineapple, pears lovely balance between fruit / acid, medium bodied, ripe full bodied texture.
Now until 2012
2006 Kanu Chenin Blanc 71 Points
2006 Kanu Chenin Blanc 71 Points
Discreet, very austere, green apples and lime on the palate, lean and uncomplex, now until 2010
Discreet, very austere, green apples and lime on the palate, lean and uncomplex, now until 2010
2006 De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc - both samples corked
2006 De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc, both samples CORKED
It's long overdue that more South African wineries need to switch to screwcap.
I remember the near world class 2005 De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc, what a pity that such wonderful old vine fruit be tainted by TCA. The sooner South Africa producer stop relying on cork as closure the better it will be for everyone.
It's long overdue that more South African wineries need to switch to screwcap.
I remember the near world class 2005 De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc, what a pity that such wonderful old vine fruit be tainted by TCA. The sooner South Africa producer stop relying on cork as closure the better it will be for everyone.
2007 Swartland Winery Chenin Blanc 68+ Points
2007 Swartland Winery Chenin Blanc 68+ Points
Medley of tropical fruit, crisp, green lean and watery, very dilute
Medley of tropical fruit, crisp, green lean and watery, very dilute
2007 Rietvallei Estate Chenin Blanc 85+ Points
2007 Rietvallei Estate Chenin Blanc 85+ Points
Fragrant, complex, typical Chenin, clean pure fruit, crisp mouth filling, multilayered, fresh green apples acidity, subtle fresh structure.
Now until 2012
Fragrant, complex, typical Chenin, clean pure fruit, crisp mouth filling, multilayered, fresh green apples acidity, subtle fresh structure.
Now until 2012
2004 Virgin Earth Chenin Blanc 78 Points
2004 Virgin Earth Chenin Blanc 78 Points
Unripe green limes, bay leaves and hints of dried herbs, palate fresher than nose suggest, crisp, green lime, but unripe structure lingers, shy fruit, not enough concentration
Unripe green limes, bay leaves and hints of dried herbs, palate fresher than nose suggest, crisp, green lime, but unripe structure lingers, shy fruit, not enough concentration
2006 Welbedacht Bush Vine Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 79+ Points
2006 Welbedacht Bush Vine Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 79+ Points
Green apples, delicate white fruit and hints of vanilla, creamy and soft, well integrated with the nutty and light toast aftertaste, now until 2012
Green apples, delicate white fruit and hints of vanilla, creamy and soft, well integrated with the nutty and light toast aftertaste, now until 2012
2007 Cederberg Chenin Blanc 75+ Points
2007 Cederberg Chenin Blanc 75+ Points
Fresh, summery, hints of iodine, melon and guava skin, juicy, a bit on the green side, mid palate lacking, mouth feels not as complex as nose suggest.
Fresh, summery, hints of iodine, melon and guava skin, juicy, a bit on the green side, mid palate lacking, mouth feels not as complex as nose suggest.
2006 Meerendal Chenin Blanc 75 Points
2006 Meerendal Chenin Blanc 75 Points
Whiff of peach, apricot honey and citrus, crisp, dry, acidity out of balance as well as oaky. Too green and tart, now until 2010
Whiff of peach, apricot honey and citrus, crisp, dry, acidity out of balance as well as oaky. Too green and tart, now until 2010
2006 Slanghoek Private Selection Chenin Blanc 77 Points
2006 Slanghoek Private Selection Chenin Blanc 77 Points
Straw like, ripe red apples, hints of barley, fruit follows through, medium bodied, crisp mineral acidity, good texture. Now until 2010.
Straw like, ripe red apples, hints of barley, fruit follows through, medium bodied, crisp mineral acidity, good texture. Now until 2010.
2006 Eagle’s Cliff Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
2006 Eagle’s Cliff Chenin Blanc 82+ Points
Lovely golden delicious apples aromas, lime guava and quince. Fresh, lively acidity, green apples and lime follows through, delicate and pleasant aftertaste. Now until 2010
Lovely golden delicious apples aromas, lime guava and quince. Fresh, lively acidity, green apples and lime follows through, delicate and pleasant aftertaste. Now until 2010
2007 Klein Constantia Estate KC Rosé 83+ - 85+
2007 Klein Constantia Estate KC Rosé 83+ - 85+
Near perfect Rosé hue, summer red berries, fruit pastille, muddle fresh raspberries, very clean and fresh with delicate summer red berries medley follow through on the palate, elegant, subtle, very well poised acidity, fairly complex for a Rosé, nice structure and mid palate, drink until 2011
Near perfect Rosé hue, summer red berries, fruit pastille, muddle fresh raspberries, very clean and fresh with delicate summer red berries medley follow through on the palate, elegant, subtle, very well poised acidity, fairly complex for a Rosé, nice structure and mid palate, drink until 2011
2004 Edgebaston Stellenbsoch Shiraz 73 Points
2004 Edgebaston Stellenbsoch Shiraz 73 Points
Complex, sweaty, gamey, shiraz with notes of brambleberries, high alcohol, dry tannin, not supported by enough fruit, lean structure, short finish. Now until 2010.
Complex, sweaty, gamey, shiraz with notes of brambleberries, high alcohol, dry tannin, not supported by enough fruit, lean structure, short finish. Now until 2010.
2004 De Waal CT de Waal Pinotage 73 Points
2004 De Waal CT de Waal Pinotage 73 Points
Lovely colour extraction, purple rim, old wood influence evident, but overall structure disappointing, lacking substance and complexity. Now until 2010
Lovely colour extraction, purple rim, old wood influence evident, but overall structure disappointing, lacking substance and complexity. Now until 2010
2005 Swartland Winery Indalo Pinotage 76+ Points
2005 Swartland Winery Indalo Pinotage 76+ Points
Complex nose of ripe red fruit, smoke meat, new leather and acetone, hints of cloves and cinnamon powder, flavours follow through, lean, thin structure, nose better than palate, raisiny aftertaste. Now until 2011
Complex nose of ripe red fruit, smoke meat, new leather and acetone, hints of cloves and cinnamon powder, flavours follow through, lean, thin structure, nose better than palate, raisiny aftertaste. Now until 2011
2003 Rose Garden Pinotage 76 Points
2003 Rose Garden Pinotage 76 Points
Medium clear, stewed red fruits, gamey.
Light, not as complex as nose suggest, lean and slight bitterness on finish, now until 2010
Medium clear, stewed red fruits, gamey.
Light, not as complex as nose suggest, lean and slight bitterness on finish, now until 2010
2006 Deetlefs Estate Breedekloof Pinotage 85 Points
2006 Deetlefs Estate Breedekloof Pinotage 85 Points
Fragrant, red currants, smoke, toast and sweet spices complexity, dry tannins, fresh, soft red fruit coulis texture (raspberry), lavender incense with hints of saltiness minerality.
Now until 2012
Fragrant, red currants, smoke, toast and sweet spices complexity, dry tannins, fresh, soft red fruit coulis texture (raspberry), lavender incense with hints of saltiness minerality.
Now until 2012
2005 Graham Beck Pinotage 81+ Points
2005 Graham Beck Pinotage 81+ Points
Raspberry, juicy red currants, tea leaf scent, almost a ripe Pinot Noir in aromas profile, delicate and soft structure, round creamy tannins, good length. Now until 2011
Raspberry, juicy red currants, tea leaf scent, almost a ripe Pinot Noir in aromas profile, delicate and soft structure, round creamy tannins, good length. Now until 2011
2006 False Bay Pinotage 79+ Points
Sweet mulberry, ripe plum juice and currants, soft delicate structure, finishes rather short and the dry unripe tannins, does not make justice for the lovely complex nose, now until 2011.
2005 Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Pinotage 79 Points
2005 Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Pinotage 79 Points
Green cherry pip, eucalyptus oil, mint, hints of old wood and wet earth, light crunchy green tannins bitterness, little fruit, tannin prominent, need rustic country style food. Now until 2012.
Green cherry pip, eucalyptus oil, mint, hints of old wood and wet earth, light crunchy green tannins bitterness, little fruit, tannin prominent, need rustic country style food. Now until 2012.
2006 Paradyskloof Chardonnay 72 Points
2006 Paradyskloof Chardonnay 72 Points
Aromas of dry straw, crisp dry, thin structure, uncomplex. Now until 2010
Aromas of dry straw, crisp dry, thin structure, uncomplex. Now until 2010
2006 Buitenverwachting Chardonnay Barrique 81+ Points
2006 Buitenverwachting Chardonnay Barrique 81+ Points
Complex, candied ripe citrus medley, buttered toast, marmalade, complex mouth feels, creamy mid palate, fresh, toasty flavours follow through, refined. Now until 2010
Complex, candied ripe citrus medley, buttered toast, marmalade, complex mouth feels, creamy mid palate, fresh, toasty flavours follow through, refined. Now until 2010
2006 Niel Joubert Chardonnay 75 Points
2006 Niel Joubert Chardonnay 75 Points
Citrus and hints of wet earth, candied pineapples, fruit and oak in balanced, but lacking structure and complexity. Now until 2010
Citrus and hints of wet earth, candied pineapples, fruit and oak in balanced, but lacking structure and complexity. Now until 2010
2006 Bon Courage Chardonnay Prestige Cuvee 75+ Points
2006 Bon Courage Chardonnay Prestige Cuvee 75+ Points
Lime, green jack fruit, and hints of kumquat, delicate, crisp and light bodied, soft structure. Now until 2010
Lime, green jack fruit, and hints of kumquat, delicate, crisp and light bodied, soft structure. Now until 2010
2007 Du Toitskloof Cellar Chardonnay 76 Points
2007 Du Toitskloof Cellar Chardonnay 76 Points
Fresh fermentation character, lime, apples, hint of green figs, light and fresh, easy drinking, quaffing chardonnay.
Fresh fermentation character, lime, apples, hint of green figs, light and fresh, easy drinking, quaffing chardonnay.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2006 Micu Narunsky Lemanja Paarl 83 Points
2006 Micu Narunsky Lemanja Paarl 83 Points
Touriga Nacional / Tinta Barocca blend. Fragrant, ripe, smoky, toasty, lots of red fruit, clean and complex.
Smooth rounded tannins, very delicate structure, Old world feel, bitter cherry pip, now until 2012
Touriga Nacional / Tinta Barocca blend. Fragrant, ripe, smoky, toasty, lots of red fruit, clean and complex.
Smooth rounded tannins, very delicate structure, Old world feel, bitter cherry pip, now until 2012
2006 De Meye Unwooded Chardonnay 72 Points
2006 De Meye Unwooded Chardonnay 72 Points
Fragrant, cloudy apple, pear and lime juice. Crisp, lemony, simple texture, lacking substance. Now until 2010.
Fragrant, cloudy apple, pear and lime juice. Crisp, lemony, simple texture, lacking substance. Now until 2010.
2006 Constantia Uitsig Unwooded Chardonnay 80+ Points
2006 Constantia Uitsig Unwooded Chardonnay 80+ Points
Fresh limes, apples, crunchy green pears. Crisp, juicy, hints of peas, lovely balance between ruit and acid, clean, crisp, fresh, leesy mid palate. Now until 2010.
Fresh limes, apples, crunchy green pears. Crisp, juicy, hints of peas, lovely balance between ruit and acid, clean, crisp, fresh, leesy mid palate. Now until 2010.
2005 Paul Cluver Estate Elgin Chardonnay 86 Points
2005 Paul Cluver Estate Elgin Chardonnay 86 Points
Complex lime, toasted barley, preserved kumquat, complex mouthfeel, steely freshness, sweet oak, delicate concentration of fruit, fresh aftertaste.
Now until 2012+
Complex lime, toasted barley, preserved kumquat, complex mouthfeel, steely freshness, sweet oak, delicate concentration of fruit, fresh aftertaste.
Now until 2012+
2006 Eaglevlei Chardonnay 74 Points
2006 Eaglevlei Chardonnay 74 Points
Very evolved, almost terpene, primary fruit fading, oxidative style, short aftertaste, weak structure. Now until 2010
Very evolved, almost terpene, primary fruit fading, oxidative style, short aftertaste, weak structure. Now until 2010
2006 Kleine Draken Paarl Chardonnay 74 Points
2006 Kleine Draken Paarl Chardonnay 74 Points
Sunburnt lime and dried orange peel, soft lacking definition, freshness and complexity, lean and green, vegetal aftertaste. Now until 2010
Sunburnt lime and dried orange peel, soft lacking definition, freshness and complexity, lean and green, vegetal aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 Weltevrede Place of Rocks Robertson Chardonnay 75 Points
2006 Weltevrede Place of Rocks Robertson Chardonnay 75 Points
New wood, vanilla notes overpowering, shadowing ripe citrus fruit, simple uncomplicated, on the green side. Now until 2010.
New wood, vanilla notes overpowering, shadowing ripe citrus fruit, simple uncomplicated, on the green side. Now until 2010.
2005 Louisvale Chavant Lightly oaked Chardonnay 74+ Points
2005 Louisvale Chavant Lightly oaked Chardonnay 74+ Points
Fairly intense and complex peach, citrus confit and hints of honey, citrus farewell goodbye, slight toasty / caramel finish. Now until 2010
Fairly intense and complex peach, citrus confit and hints of honey, citrus farewell goodbye, slight toasty / caramel finish. Now until 2010
2005 Kleine Zalze Chardonnay 74+ Points
2005 Kleine Zalze Chardonnay 74+ Points
Sedate version with faint lime and orange segment note, simple and uncomplex palate structure. Now until 2010.
Sedate version with faint lime and orange segment note, simple and uncomplex palate structure. Now until 2010.
2005 Haut Espoir Chardonnay Reserve Franschhoek 86+ Points
2005 Haut Espoir Chardonnay Reserve Franschhoek 86+ Points
Ripe oranges marmalade, toast, complex citrus medley, intense, juicy, rounded creamy fruit, freshly toasted cereal, long minerally aftertaste, elegant style.
Now until 2012. Amongst Franschhoek top league Chardonnay and one of South Africa's Top 15
Ripe oranges marmalade, toast, complex citrus medley, intense, juicy, rounded creamy fruit, freshly toasted cereal, long minerally aftertaste, elegant style.
Now until 2012. Amongst Franschhoek top league Chardonnay and one of South Africa's Top 15
Saturday, January 16, 2010
2005 Raka Pinotage 77+ Points
2005 Raka Pinotage 77+ Points
Very ripe red berries, plums, cinnamon and earth note, complex and layered aromatics, however the palate was very one dimensional and thin with a rather lean and acidic structure, could this be the result of very high yields form young vineyards or rain prior to harvest??? If only the palate could follow, this would haver been a cracking Pinotage.
Very ripe red berries, plums, cinnamon and earth note, complex and layered aromatics, however the palate was very one dimensional and thin with a rather lean and acidic structure, could this be the result of very high yields form young vineyards or rain prior to harvest??? If only the palate could follow, this would haver been a cracking Pinotage.
2005 Du Toitskloof Cellar Pinotage 74 Points
2005 Du Toitskloof Cellar Pinotage 74 Points
Bright fruited with notes of over ripe plums and spicy nutmeg, plain and simple in texture, wishy washy style, drink around your fattiest sausage BBQ
Bright fruited with notes of over ripe plums and spicy nutmeg, plain and simple in texture, wishy washy style, drink around your fattiest sausage BBQ
2006 Micu Narunsky Touriga Nacional / Tinta Barocca Western Cape 81 Points
2006 Micu Narunsky Touriga Nacional / Tinta Barocca Western Cape 81 Points
Delicate red fruit, tar, hint of smoke and ripe cherries, complex, ripe red fruit melange.
Very clean palate, ripe tannins, no greenness here, well balanced, savoury food wine, now until 2012
Delicate red fruit, tar, hint of smoke and ripe cherries, complex, ripe red fruit melange.
Very clean palate, ripe tannins, no greenness here, well balanced, savoury food wine, now until 2012
2005 Klein Constantia Estate Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc Limited Release 85+ Points
2005 Klein Constantia Estate Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc Limited Release 85+ Points
Beautiful, compact, tense structure, juicy, peppery, freshly squeeze white grapefruit texture, need food to express it’s best.
Beautiful, compact, tense structure, juicy, peppery, freshly squeeze white grapefruit texture, need food to express it’s best.
2007 Thelema Sutherland Elgin Sauvignon 81 Points
2007 Thelema Sutherland Elgin Sauvignon 81 Points
Pungent, peppery, grassy and passion fruit, complex. Crisp dry and light, lacking mid palate, dry, refreshing, but short finish. Drink now.
Pungent, peppery, grassy and passion fruit, complex. Crisp dry and light, lacking mid palate, dry, refreshing, but short finish. Drink now.
2006 Asara Unwooded Chardonnay 71+ Points
2006 Asara Unwooded Chardonnay 71+ Points
Peach peel and lime, delicate, fresh but touch austere. Crisp clean, lacking fruit vibrancy and structure, watery short finish, inexisting aftertaste. Now until 2010.
Peach peel and lime, delicate, fresh but touch austere. Crisp clean, lacking fruit vibrancy and structure, watery short finish, inexisting aftertaste. Now until 2010.
2004 Cape Point Vineyards Chardonnay 79+ Points
2004 Cape Point Vineyards Chardonnay 79+ Points
Ripe citrus, with hints of barley, Old world austerity, crisp, creamy texture, without loosing freshness, juicy, complex mid palate, balanced, delicate and refined, almondy aftertaste. Now until 2010
Ripe citrus, with hints of barley, Old world austerity, crisp, creamy texture, without loosing freshness, juicy, complex mid palate, balanced, delicate and refined, almondy aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 Welbedacht Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 81+ Points
2006 Welbedacht Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 81+ Points
Fragrant cedar, vanilla and hints of toast, soft, delicate peach and hints of vanilla cream, nutty aftertaste. Now until 2011
Fragrant cedar, vanilla and hints of toast, soft, delicate peach and hints of vanilla cream, nutty aftertaste. Now until 2011
2006 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 86 Points
2006 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 86 Points
Delicate toast, citrus and marmalade, honeyed sweetness, with light caramel complexity. Fresh, delicate, elegant minerality intermingle with broad citrus mouthfeels, complimented by orange and tangerine aftertaste, very subtle oaking, now until 2012.
Delicate toast, citrus and marmalade, honeyed sweetness, with light caramel complexity. Fresh, delicate, elegant minerality intermingle with broad citrus mouthfeels, complimented by orange and tangerine aftertaste, very subtle oaking, now until 2012.
2005 Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 85+ Points
2005 Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 85+ Points
Delicate grilled hazelnut, toast and marmalade, rich, elegant, intense, burnt lime and orange peel, vanilla and hazelnut aftertaste, long mieral fresh clean finish.
Now until 2012
Delicate grilled hazelnut, toast and marmalade, rich, elegant, intense, burnt lime and orange peel, vanilla and hazelnut aftertaste, long mieral fresh clean finish.
Now until 2012
2006 Oak Valley Chardonnay 83 Points
2006 Oak Valley Chardonnay 83 Points
Full, complex, fragrant citrus, yellow stone fruit, sweet cinnamon spices, hints of honey and nut, delicate with fresh mouth feels, elegant palate.
Full, complex, fragrant citrus, yellow stone fruit, sweet cinnamon spices, hints of honey and nut, delicate with fresh mouth feels, elegant palate.
2006 Perdeberg Winery Reserve Chardonnay 73 Points
2006 Perdeberg Winery Reserve Chardonnay 73 Points
Austere, sharp and over acidified, lacking chardonnay plump fruit, short finish.
Austere, sharp and over acidified, lacking chardonnay plump fruit, short finish.
2006 Danie de Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 75 Points
2006 Danie de Wet Limestone Hill Chardonnay 75 Points
Austere, fresh, lemony, green acidity, lacking chardonnay fruit, hints of sunburnt grape. Now until 2010.
Austere, fresh, lemony, green acidity, lacking chardonnay fruit, hints of sunburnt grape. Now until 2010.
2006 Towerkop Chardonnay 74 Points
2006 Towerkop Chardonnay 74 Points
Green limes and hints of pineapples, delicate, soft structure and light bodied, too much acidity. Now until 2010
Green limes and hints of pineapples, delicate, soft structure and light bodied, too much acidity. Now until 2010
2007 Kloovenburg Unwooded Chardonnay 82 Points
2007 Kloovenburg Unwooded Chardonnay 82 Points
Intense Granny Smith flavours, lime and hints of green guava, fresh and lively, zesty aftertaste. Now until 2011
Intense Granny Smith flavours, lime and hints of green guava, fresh and lively, zesty aftertaste. Now until 2011
2006 Altydgedacht Chardonnay 81 Points
2006 Altydgedacht Chardonnay 81 Points
Ripe candied citrus, sweet vanilla, toast and hints of nuts, moderate structure, citrus follow through, light oaking regime, elegant.
Ripe candied citrus, sweet vanilla, toast and hints of nuts, moderate structure, citrus follow through, light oaking regime, elegant.
2007 Deetlefs Estate Wooded Chardonnay 80 Points
2007 Deetlefs Estate Wooded Chardonnay 80 Points
Fragrant pears, lime and hints of guava, ripe, intense, mouth filling, but not as concentrated as nose perceived, with flavours of pineapple and lime, leesy mid palate, delicate oaking.
Fragrant pears, lime and hints of guava, ripe, intense, mouth filling, but not as concentrated as nose perceived, with flavours of pineapple and lime, leesy mid palate, delicate oaking.
2006 Glenwood Chardonnay Vignerons Reserve Selection 82 Points
2006 Glenwood Chardonnay Vignerons Reserve Selection 82 Points
Complex nose of tangerine, toasted cereal, barley and citrus oil, hints of smoke lends character. Juicy citrus fruit, rich and mouthfilling, creamy trexture with hints of butter. Now until 2011.
Complex nose of tangerine, toasted cereal, barley and citrus oil, hints of smoke lends character. Juicy citrus fruit, rich and mouthfilling, creamy trexture with hints of butter. Now until 2011.
Friday, January 15, 2010
2007 Pulpit Rock Chenin Blanc 67 Points
2007 Pulpit Rock Chenin Blanc 67 Points
Discreet, lemon meringue, straw, lime. Palate lacks structure, acid out of balance, very simple fruit, unbalanced. Now until 2010.
Discreet, lemon meringue, straw, lime. Palate lacks structure, acid out of balance, very simple fruit, unbalanced. Now until 2010.
2006 Rietvallei Chenin Blanc 80 Points
2006 Rietvallei Chenin Blanc 80 Points
Austee, some green peas, crisp, intense, racy acidity, nervous, juicy citrus, salty tang, hints of minerals, from now until 2012
Austee, some green peas, crisp, intense, racy acidity, nervous, juicy citrus, salty tang, hints of minerals, from now until 2012
2006 Beaumont Hope Marguerite 85+ Points
2006 Beaumont Hope Marguerite 85+ Points
Intense lime, tangerine and vanilla, hints of baked apples and nuts, complex creamy and well rounded, very fresh almost like biting into a ripe Granny Smith apples / crusty lemon pie, long citrus and grilled hazelnuts aftertaste.
Now until 2012
Intense lime, tangerine and vanilla, hints of baked apples and nuts, complex creamy and well rounded, very fresh almost like biting into a ripe Granny Smith apples / crusty lemon pie, long citrus and grilled hazelnuts aftertaste.
Now until 2012
2007 Du Toitskloof Cellar Chenin Blanc 75+ Points
2007 Du Toitskloof Cellar Chenin Blanc 75+ Points
Fresh, summery, medley of tropical fruit, bubble gum, citrus and lime aftertaste, watery structure, now until 2010
Fresh, summery, medley of tropical fruit, bubble gum, citrus and lime aftertaste, watery structure, now until 2010
2005 Rijk’s Private Cellar Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 84 Points
2005 Rijk’s Private Cellar Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 84 Points
Peach, apricot and lemon meringue, fragrant oak and Granny Smith skin, sweet profile and texture ( for spicy food?), caramel and barley, ripe and rich, creamy lemon and hints of botrytis.
Peach, apricot and lemon meringue, fragrant oak and Granny Smith skin, sweet profile and texture ( for spicy food?), caramel and barley, ripe and rich, creamy lemon and hints of botrytis.
2006 Lazanou Organic Vineyards Chenin Blanc 71 Points
2006 Lazanou Organic Vineyards Chenin Blanc 71 Points
Crushed rocket leaves, nuts and dried apples, almost cider like, crisp, dry fruit a little tired. Now until 2010
Crushed rocket leaves, nuts and dried apples, almost cider like, crisp, dry fruit a little tired. Now until 2010
2007 Ondine Chenin Blanc 75+ Points
2007 Ondine Chenin Blanc 75+ Points
Tropical fruit, pot pourri, crisp fresh and light bodied, for uncomplicated drinking. Now until 2010
Tropical fruit, pot pourri, crisp fresh and light bodied, for uncomplicated drinking. Now until 2010
2007 Hidden Valley Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 84 Points
2007 Hidden Valley Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 84 Points
Very fresh, tropical fruits abounds, lime guavas, litchi with hints of pepper and passion fruit, piercing acidity, but in check, medium bodied, well defined fruit structure, chiselled freshness, texture and crisp, slight CO2 fizz for mouth feels, elegant mineral.
Far better and cheaper that their 2008 CWG, which was lean, unstructured and simple, sometime wines is not meant to be expensive to be good, excellent for home entertaining. Now until 2010
Very fresh, tropical fruits abounds, lime guavas, litchi with hints of pepper and passion fruit, piercing acidity, but in check, medium bodied, well defined fruit structure, chiselled freshness, texture and crisp, slight CO2 fizz for mouth feels, elegant mineral.
Far better and cheaper that their 2008 CWG, which was lean, unstructured and simple, sometime wines is not meant to be expensive to be good, excellent for home entertaining. Now until 2010
2006 Altydgedacht Estate Chenin Blanc 75 Points
2006 Altydgedacht Estate Chenin Blanc 75 Points
Discreet and delicate apple like aromas, hay and dried herbs. Dry, crisp, but lacking fleshy chenin fruit, on the green side, uncomplicated. Now until 2010
Discreet and delicate apple like aromas, hay and dried herbs. Dry, crisp, but lacking fleshy chenin fruit, on the green side, uncomplicated. Now until 2010
2006 Mountain Oak Slanghoek Chenin Blanc 71 Points
2006 Mountain Oak Slanghoek Chenin Blanc 71 Points
Floral with hints of rose petal and talcum powder, dry, dusty, little fruit follows through, lacking concentration and structure. Now until 2010
Floral with hints of rose petal and talcum powder, dry, dusty, little fruit follows through, lacking concentration and structure. Now until 2010
2005 Alvi’s Drift Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 74+ Points
2005 Alvi’s Drift Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 74+ Points
Straw and sweet sugar candy, honeyed, lacking freshness and structure, overripe, acid too low, with lingering notes of dried scrub herb, barley and sundried apricot, slight bitterness on finish, now until 2010
Straw and sweet sugar candy, honeyed, lacking freshness and structure, overripe, acid too low, with lingering notes of dried scrub herb, barley and sundried apricot, slight bitterness on finish, now until 2010
2006 Conradie Single Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 69 Points
2006 Conradie Single Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 69 Points
Austere, green unripe no fruit, drink now
Austere, green unripe no fruit, drink now
2006 Diamond Sun Diamond White Chenin Blanc 76 Points
2006 Diamond Sun Diamond White Chenin Blanc 76 Points
Green pepper and peas, almost like a bottle aged Sauvignon blanc of 2 years old from a hot climate, spicy, crisp flavours follow through, more Sauvignon than Chenin! Now until 2010
Green pepper and peas, almost like a bottle aged Sauvignon blanc of 2 years old from a hot climate, spicy, crisp flavours follow through, more Sauvignon than Chenin! Now until 2010
2006 Barton Chenin Blanc 75 Points
2006 Barton Chenin Blanc 75 Points
Green apples, fig, lime and hints of green pepper, spicy, with almost a dusty feel to this chenin reminescent of Elim sauvignon, lacking fruit and a touch tart on finish, now until 2010
Green apples, fig, lime and hints of green pepper, spicy, with almost a dusty feel to this chenin reminescent of Elim sauvignon, lacking fruit and a touch tart on finish, now until 2010
2007 Moreson Chenin 76 Points
Austere, crisp, soft, lacking steeliness and freshness, quaffable at best, drink now until 2010
2003 Saxenburg Private Collection Stellenbosch Shiraz 73+ Points
2003 Saxenburg Private Collection Stellenbosch Shiraz 73+ Points
Pungent sweet molasses, marmite, truffles, wet earth, earthy, meaty, touch oxidative, prune aftertaste. No until 2010
Pungent sweet molasses, marmite, truffles, wet earth, earthy, meaty, touch oxidative, prune aftertaste. No until 2010
2006 Lammershoek Roulette Blanc - Chenin / Chardonnay / Viognier 78 Points
2006 Lammershoek Roulette Blanc - Chenin / Chardonnay / Viognier 78 Points
Reductive, oxidative style, barley, wet earth, wheat fields after rain, Old World austerity. Complex creamy peachy mouth feels, somewhat sweet, southern Rhone style, lacking freshness, short finish.
Reductive, oxidative style, barley, wet earth, wheat fields after rain, Old World austerity. Complex creamy peachy mouth feels, somewhat sweet, southern Rhone style, lacking freshness, short finish.
2006 Rozier Reef Chenin 85 % / Chardonnay 15 % Western Cape 72 Points
2006 Rozier Reef Chenin 85 % / Chardonnay 15 % Western Cape 72 Points
Dry straw, hints of green apples, dry and crisp, soft structure, now until 2010
Dry straw, hints of green apples, dry and crisp, soft structure, now until 2010
2006 Beau Joubert Oak Lane Chenin Sauvignon 71 Points
2006 Beau Joubert Oak Lane Chenin Sauvignon 71 Points
Nose reminiscent of a 2 year old Riesling, oily, hints of terpene, dry straw, crisp, very lean and green, watery mouthfeel. Now until 2010
Nose reminiscent of a 2 year old Riesling, oily, hints of terpene, dry straw, crisp, very lean and green, watery mouthfeel. Now until 2010
2007 Terra Del Capo Pinot Grigio Coastal Region 78 Points
2007 Terra Del Capo Pinot Grigio Coastal Region 78 Points
Textbook Pinot Grigio, with pears, red apples and hints of citrus medley. Fresh, fruity, crisp, good balance between fruit and acid structure, quite oily. Dried pears and apples follow through, could have attain higher rating if the palate was more filling and structured
Well made, but somewhat lack the seriousness of a very good Alsace or South Island Pinot Gris, I suspect a combination of yield on the high side as well as young vineyard, to keep up with demand, good everyday aperitif, but not for restaurant listing. Now until 2010
Textbook Pinot Grigio, with pears, red apples and hints of citrus medley. Fresh, fruity, crisp, good balance between fruit and acid structure, quite oily. Dried pears and apples follow through, could have attain higher rating if the palate was more filling and structured
Well made, but somewhat lack the seriousness of a very good Alsace or South Island Pinot Gris, I suspect a combination of yield on the high side as well as young vineyard, to keep up with demand, good everyday aperitif, but not for restaurant listing. Now until 2010
2006 Thokozani Chenin (95 %) Viognier (5%) Wellington 74+ Points
2006 Thokozani Chenin (95 %) Viognier (5%) Wellington 74+ Points
Discreet tropical fruit, hints of talcum, crisp, clean and dry, but lacking acidity for freshness, now until 2011.
Discreet tropical fruit, hints of talcum, crisp, clean and dry, but lacking acidity for freshness, now until 2011.
2007 Haute Cabriere Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 72 Points
2007 Haute Cabriere Chardonnay / Pinot Noir 72 Points
Simple, faint citrus fruit and hints of white mushroom, un complex not worth the price of R 60 a bottle, there are far more interesting Chenin Blanc or unwooded Chardonnay at that price, highly commercial
Simple, faint citrus fruit and hints of white mushroom, un complex not worth the price of R 60 a bottle, there are far more interesting Chenin Blanc or unwooded Chardonnay at that price, highly commercial
2005 Eagles Nest Constantia Merlot 74 Points
2005 Eagles Nest Constantia Merlot 74 Points
Austere, tight, lacked Merlot pulp and lushness, green unripe fruit, lacking structure, acidity on the high side, in the same league as 98% of Cape Merlot. Now until 2010.
Austere, tight, lacked Merlot pulp and lushness, green unripe fruit, lacking structure, acidity on the high side, in the same league as 98% of Cape Merlot. Now until 2010.
2004 Ilka Banhoek Valley 59 Points
2004 Ilka Banhoek Valley 59 Points
Unfortunately affected by high level of Brettanomyces, did not purchase a second bottle.
Unfortunately affected by high level of Brettanomyces, did not purchase a second bottle.
2004 Rietvallei Vineyard Selection Robertson Cabernet Sauvignon 73 Points
2004 Rietvallei Vineyard Selection Robertson Cabernet Sauvignon 73 Points
Discreet nose of overripe and sweet molasses. Soft tannins, but somehow lean structure, lacking depth and complexity, light with slight bitterness and herbaceousness.
Discreet nose of overripe and sweet molasses. Soft tannins, but somehow lean structure, lacking depth and complexity, light with slight bitterness and herbaceousness.
2004 Fort Simon Pinotage 67 Points
2004 Fort Simon Pinotage 67 Points
Lean, shy fruit, unrevealing, sedate version.
Lean, shy fruit, unrevealing, sedate version.
2002 Spice Route Pinotage 59 Points
2002 Spice Route Pinotage 59 Points
Very high level of Brettanomyces! Undrinkable
Very high level of Brettanomyces! Undrinkable
2006 Kleine Parys Pinotage 75 Points
2006 Kleine Parys Pinotage 75 Points
Complex, meaty, marmite nose, hints of raisin and cinnamon, touch of wet earth. Crisp, lacking fruit definition and structure, lan and uncomplex. Now until 2010
Complex, meaty, marmite nose, hints of raisin and cinnamon, touch of wet earth. Crisp, lacking fruit definition and structure, lan and uncomplex. Now until 2010
2004 Stanford Hills Jackson’s Limited Release Walker Bay Pinotage 80 Points
2004 Stanford Hills Jackson’s Limited Release Walker Bay Pinotage 80 Points
Clean, delicate pure red fruit, fresh, with hints of coffee.
Rich, well defined and balanced, soft structure medium bodied, Pinot Noir like in structure, savoury with ripe tannins, well made, now until 2010
Clean, delicate pure red fruit, fresh, with hints of coffee.
Rich, well defined and balanced, soft structure medium bodied, Pinot Noir like in structure, savoury with ripe tannins, well made, now until 2010
2002 Graham Beck Old Road Pinotage 77 Points
2002 Graham Beck Old Road Pinotage 77 Points
Still dark in colour, nose redolent of oak and soft red fruits, medium intensity, with hints of mint and eucalyptus, high alcohol.
Overipe texture with tannins are dry and hard, fruit fading, savoury fruit cake texture, slight bitterness. Now until 2012
Still dark in colour, nose redolent of oak and soft red fruits, medium intensity, with hints of mint and eucalyptus, high alcohol.
Overipe texture with tannins are dry and hard, fruit fading, savoury fruit cake texture, slight bitterness. Now until 2012
2005 Slanghoek Private Selection Pinotage 80 Points
2005 Slanghoek Private Selection Pinotage 80 Points
Spicy, cinnamon dust and cloves, hints of cedar and red cherry pip. Soft and delicate red berries follow, good Pinotage definition, meat jus, slight mintiness on finish suggest stress fruit, dry tannin, but short finish. Now until 2011
Spicy, cinnamon dust and cloves, hints of cedar and red cherry pip. Soft and delicate red berries follow, good Pinotage definition, meat jus, slight mintiness on finish suggest stress fruit, dry tannin, but short finish. Now until 2011
2005 Welbedacht Barrique Select Pinotage 81 Points
2005 Welbedacht Barrique Select Pinotage 81 Points
Ripe beetroot, farmyardy, and hints of wet earth, fragrant oak add complexity, lovely delicate fruit extraction but marred by unbalanced acidity, spicy, smoked tea finish. Now until 2011
Ripe beetroot, farmyardy, and hints of wet earth, fragrant oak add complexity, lovely delicate fruit extraction but marred by unbalanced acidity, spicy, smoked tea finish. Now until 2011
2006 Micu Narunsky La Complicité 74+ Points
2006 Micu Narunsky La Complicité 74+ Points
Faint hints of rose water, talcum and white flower. Elegant, soft and delicate, very fresh, soft aftertaste of caramel, now until 2010
Faint hints of rose water, talcum and white flower. Elegant, soft and delicate, very fresh, soft aftertaste of caramel, now until 2010
2007 Steenberg Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 86+ Points
2007 Steenberg Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 86+ Points
Ripe, peppery, prominent grass, crisp, juicy complex mid palate , spiciness follows through with salt minerals, intense, mid palate better than the 2006, more nervous style than previous vintage, quite similar in some way to the 2005 vintage.
Long complex minerally finish.
For now with complex creamy sauce, rich sea food, to be enjoy/cellar until 2011
Ripe, peppery, prominent grass, crisp, juicy complex mid palate , spiciness follows through with salt minerals, intense, mid palate better than the 2006, more nervous style than previous vintage, quite similar in some way to the 2005 vintage.
Long complex minerally finish.
For now with complex creamy sauce, rich sea food, to be enjoy/cellar until 2011
2007 Waterford Estate Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 79+ Points
2007 Waterford Estate Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 79+ Points
Complex tropical fruit medley and pronounced guava. Mouthfilling, elegant and rounded, with minerally driven mid palate, from now until 2010
Complex tropical fruit medley and pronounced guava. Mouthfilling, elegant and rounded, with minerally driven mid palate, from now until 2010
2007 Ecology Sauvignon Blanc Overberg 80 Points
2007 Ecology Sauvignon Blanc Overberg 80 Points
Good varietal definition, sweet peppers, passion fruit, lime and green peas.
Crisp with notes of lime, very green, lack structure, too much on the unripe side, simple short aftertaste, un complex, now until 2010.
Good varietal definition, sweet peppers, passion fruit, lime and green peas.
Crisp with notes of lime, very green, lack structure, too much on the unripe side, simple short aftertaste, un complex, now until 2010.
2005 Radford Dale Chardonnay 71+ Points
2005 Radford Dale Chardonnay 71+ Points
Austere, with lime and dusty oak, hints of grapefruit. Crisp, citrusy, but oak dominant, lacking fruit to support, brittle structure, short finish.
Austere, with lime and dusty oak, hints of grapefruit. Crisp, citrusy, but oak dominant, lacking fruit to support, brittle structure, short finish.
2005 Buitenverwachting Chardonnay 78 Points
2005 Buitenverwachting Chardonnay 78 Points
Austere, lime and orange, subtle hints of toasty oak, juicy lime, moderate intensity, creamy palate, light and delicate oaking, soft texture, now until 2011.
Austere, lime and orange, subtle hints of toasty oak, juicy lime, moderate intensity, creamy palate, light and delicate oaking, soft texture, now until 2011.
2006 Napier Saint Catherine Chardonnay 76+ Points
2006 Napier Saint Catherine Chardonnay 76+ Points
Fermentation character, yeasty. Lime freshness, pure palate, delicate and elegant, but somewhat lacking complexity, touch on the flabby side.
Fermentation character, yeasty. Lime freshness, pure palate, delicate and elegant, but somewhat lacking complexity, touch on the flabby side.
2005 Newton Johnson Overberg Chardonnay 81+ Points
2005 Newton Johnson Overberg Chardonnay 81+ Points
Ripe and pungent mangoes and pineapples, peach and other stone fruit complexity, citrusy, moderate palate texture, lacked chardonnay fruit concentration, though peach follows through. Now until 2012
Ripe and pungent mangoes and pineapples, peach and other stone fruit complexity, citrusy, moderate palate texture, lacked chardonnay fruit concentration, though peach follows through. Now until 2012
2006 Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 79+ Points
2006 Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 79+ Points
Old world austerity, faint fruit, candied orange peel, hints of toast, light un complex structure. Now until 2011
Old world austerity, faint fruit, candied orange peel, hints of toast, light un complex structure. Now until 2011
2005 Neil Ellis Chardonnay 77 Points
2005 Neil Ellis Chardonnay 77 Points
Citrus with hints of straw and barley, fruit fading, lemony, and yeasty aftertaste. Now until 2010
Citrus with hints of straw and barley, fruit fading, lemony, and yeasty aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 Windmeul Kelder Paarl Chardonnay 73 Points
2006 Windmeul Kelder Paarl Chardonnay 73 Points
Overt asparagus and green pepper, almost like a 3 year old hot climate Sauvignon Blanc, uncomplex, wood and acid overpowering on texture.
Overt asparagus and green pepper, almost like a 3 year old hot climate Sauvignon Blanc, uncomplex, wood and acid overpowering on texture.
2006 Janeza Chardonnay 74 Points
2006 Janeza Chardonnay 74 Points
Citrus, barley, hints of yellow peach, fresh, primary fruit, but short on palate and finish. Now until 2010
Citrus, barley, hints of yellow peach, fresh, primary fruit, but short on palate and finish. Now until 2010
2007 Cloverfield Robertson Wooded Chardonnay 73 Points
2007 Cloverfield Robertson Wooded Chardonnay 73 Points
Fresh bananas, citrus, fermentation character, bubble gum. Crisp dry, apple aromas follows through, but very green and thin, lacking structure, dusty oak chip character. Now until 2010
Fresh bananas, citrus, fermentation character, bubble gum. Crisp dry, apple aromas follows through, but very green and thin, lacking structure, dusty oak chip character. Now until 2010
2005 Pulpit Rock Swartland Chardonnay 81+ Points
2005 Pulpit Rock Swartland Chardonnay 81+ Points
Complex sweet vanilla, burnt citrus, hints of marmalade and toffee. Creamy, delicate texture, toasted cereals with hints of honey on aftertaste, fairly complex.
Now until 2011
Complex sweet vanilla, burnt citrus, hints of marmalade and toffee. Creamy, delicate texture, toasted cereals with hints of honey on aftertaste, fairly complex.
Now until 2011
2006 Diemersdal Durbanville Chardonnay Reserve 78+ Points
2006 Diemersdal Durbanville Chardonnay Reserve 78+ Points
Pungent limes, pink pepper spiciness, oaky, tangy candied lime and hints of caramel, lacking fruit concentration for higher rating, too much oak character. Now until 2011.
Pungent limes, pink pepper spiciness, oaky, tangy candied lime and hints of caramel, lacking fruit concentration for higher rating, too much oak character. Now until 2011.
2006 Deetlefs Estate Breedekloof Chardonnay 79 Points
2006 Deetlefs Estate Breedekloof Chardonnay 79 Points
Reductive, austere, lime and hints of green orange peel. Discreet peach pip, delicate and elegant, juicy citrus, uncomplex short finish. Now until 2011
Reductive, austere, lime and hints of green orange peel. Discreet peach pip, delicate and elegant, juicy citrus, uncomplex short finish. Now until 2011
2005 Moreson Premium Franschhoek Chardonnay 82 Points
2005 Moreson Premium Franschhoek Chardonnay 82 Points
Banana peel, barley and complex citrus, creamy texture, broad mouth feels, delicate. Now until 2011
Banana peel, barley and complex citrus, creamy texture, broad mouth feels, delicate. Now until 2011
2007 Ondine Darling Chardonnay 79+ Points
2007 Ondine Darling Chardonnay 79+ Points
Fresh citrus, with orange zest, crisp lemony freshness, very fresh mouth feels, light and uncomplicated, for everyday home drinking. Now until 2011.
Fresh citrus, with orange zest, crisp lemony freshness, very fresh mouth feels, light and uncomplicated, for everyday home drinking. Now until 2011.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1988 Champagne Bollinger RD 72+ Points
1988 Champagne Bollinger RD 72+ Points
May be it was a bad bottle as it shows an overt sherry fino character, with meaty notes and cider aftertaste
May be it was a bad bottle as it shows an overt sherry fino character, with meaty notes and cider aftertaste
South African wines to seek during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
South African wines to seek and enjoy during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
In 4 month, I will post a bumber issue of wines that have performed very well in the last 10 years and these are wines you should seek, whilst visiting South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
If they are not on the list, by all means do not order, drink local beer or brandy, do not waste your hard earn Pound, Dollar or Euro on plonk, Coca Cola drinks better.............. watch this space
In 4 month, I will post a bumber issue of wines that have performed very well in the last 10 years and these are wines you should seek, whilst visiting South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
If they are not on the list, by all means do not order, drink local beer or brandy, do not waste your hard earn Pound, Dollar or Euro on plonk, Coca Cola drinks better.............. watch this space
2005 Rico Suter Wines Pinotage 80 Points
2005 Rico Suter Wines Pinotage 80
Ripe, gamey, hints of game, wet earth, dusty nutmeg, and dry mint. Delicate, soft fruit spices, follow through, warm fruitcake, lingering finish. Now until 2011
Ripe, gamey, hints of game, wet earth, dusty nutmeg, and dry mint. Delicate, soft fruit spices, follow through, warm fruitcake, lingering finish. Now until 2011
2007 Groot Constantia Estate Gouverneurs Sauvignon 85 Points
Ripe pepper, grass, pungent nose, mouthfilling, fresh, delicate and elegant, well poised, complex food wine, piquant style, oodles of personality. Single vineyard offering made
in exceptional vintage only. Very limited. ……… from experience the Gouverneurs Sauvignon need time in bottles and usually shows very well from 18 month after vintages.
in exceptional vintage only. Very limited. ……… from experience the Gouverneurs Sauvignon need time in bottles and usually shows very well from 18 month after vintages.
2006 Uitkyk Simonsberg Sauvignon Blanc Simonsberg 73+ Points
2006 Uitkyk Sauvignon Blanc - Simonsberg 73+ Points
Hints of grass bell pepper, austere, crisp, quite broad mouth feels, crisp, delicate, fruit holding well, drink now until 2010
Hints of grass bell pepper, austere, crisp, quite broad mouth feels, crisp, delicate, fruit holding well, drink now until 2010
2007 Creation Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 78 Points
2007 Creation Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 78 Points
Grassy, green pepper, hints of passion fruit, crisp moderately intense palate, fresh, but lacking sauvignon fruit and mid palate to warrant higher ratings. Now until 2010
Grassy, green pepper, hints of passion fruit, crisp moderately intense palate, fresh, but lacking sauvignon fruit and mid palate to warrant higher ratings. Now until 2010
2007 Tukulu Papkuilsfontein Darling Viognier 84+ Points
2007 Tukulu Papkuilsfontein Darling Viognier 84+ Points
Fragrant, grapey, almost Muscat like with notes of ripe apricot and sun ripened peach.
Fresh, pleasant structure, juicy, quite intense mouth feels. Now until 2011
Fragrant, grapey, almost Muscat like with notes of ripe apricot and sun ripened peach.
Fresh, pleasant structure, juicy, quite intense mouth feels. Now until 2011
2006 De Waal Viognier 79+ Points
2006 De Waal Viognier 79+ Points
Floral, peach, apricot pip, hints of rose water, flavours follow through, supportive oak and delicate mouth feels, fresh and vibrant. Now until 2011
Floral, peach, apricot pip, hints of rose water, flavours follow through, supportive oak and delicate mouth feels, fresh and vibrant. Now until 2011
2005 Hoopenburg Chardonnay 71 Points
2005 Hoopenburg Chardonnay 71 Points
Dusty oak and hints of terpene, overshadows fruit, lacking structure. Now until 2010
Dusty oak and hints of terpene, overshadows fruit, lacking structure. Now until 2010
2005 Klein Constantia Estate Constantia Chardonnay 76+ Points
2005 Klein Constantia Estate Constantia Chardonnay 76+ Points
Citrus and green peppercorn, hints of white peach and apricot, good austerity, creamy, oily texture, delicate oaking, but somewhat lacking X factor of stunning 2004. Now until 2010.
Citrus and green peppercorn, hints of white peach and apricot, good austerity, creamy, oily texture, delicate oaking, but somewhat lacking X factor of stunning 2004. Now until 2010.
2006 Wamakersvallei Bain’s Way Wellington Chardonnay 75 Points
2006 Wamakersvallei Bain’s Way Wellington Chardonnay 75 Points
Green pepper whiff, hints of lime, but again that aged Sauvignon character! Moderately intense, lacking structure, fruit and complexity. Now until 2010
Green pepper whiff, hints of lime, but again that aged Sauvignon character! Moderately intense, lacking structure, fruit and complexity. Now until 2010
2006 Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Overberg Chardonnay 75+ Points
2006 Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Overberg Chardonnay 75+ Points
Touch reductive, lime, citrus and hints of green pineapple, yeasty, crisp, dry and uncomplex, not much definition and structure. Now until 2010
Touch reductive, lime, citrus and hints of green pineapple, yeasty, crisp, dry and uncomplex, not much definition and structure. Now until 2010
2006 Iona Elgin Chardonnay 73 Points
2006 Iona Elgin Chardonnay 73 Points
Peppery aged sauvignon character with hints of asparagus, lime in the foreground, crisp and peppery, but fruit subdued. Now until 2010
Peppery aged sauvignon character with hints of asparagus, lime in the foreground, crisp and peppery, but fruit subdued. Now until 2010
2006 Capell’s Court Chardonnay 69+ Points
2006 Capell’s Court Chardonnay 69+ Points
Austere, faint hints of lime, thin and diluted texture, very short finish. Now until 2010.
Austere, faint hints of lime, thin and diluted texture, very short finish. Now until 2010.
2006 De Wetshof Estate Chardonnay Finesse 71 Points
2006 De Wetshof Estate Chardonnay Finesse 71 Points
Austere, dry straw with hints of lime, crisp, leesy mid palate, but somehow lacking rounder structure, short finish.
Austere, dry straw with hints of lime, crisp, leesy mid palate, but somehow lacking rounder structure, short finish.
2006 The Winery of Good Hope Chardonnay 77 Points
2006 The Winery of Good Hope Chardonnay 77 Points
Reductive and austere, faint hint of lime, crisp, dry, citrusy mouthfeels with hints of dry straw. Now until 2010
Reductive and austere, faint hint of lime, crisp, dry, citrusy mouthfeels with hints of dry straw. Now until 2010
2006 La Motte Chardonnay 74+ Points
2006 La Motte Chardonnay 74+ Points
Fresh limes, hints of smoke and tangerines, fresh clean citrus fruit, simple aftertaste. Now until 2010
Fresh limes, hints of smoke and tangerines, fresh clean citrus fruit, simple aftertaste. Now until 2010
2006 Ernst & Co Chardonnay 72+ Points
2006 Ernst & Co Chardonnay 72+ Points
Discreet, very austere, hints of yeast, crisp, lemony, thin un complex finish, now until 2010
Discreet, very austere, hints of yeast, crisp, lemony, thin un complex finish, now until 2010
2006 Towerkop Chardonnay 70 Points
2006 Towerkop Chardonnay 70 Points
Sweet molasses, cane, barley, crisp lemony, simple structure, very short finish. Now until 2010
Sweet molasses, cane, barley, crisp lemony, simple structure, very short finish. Now until 2010
2006 Babylons peak Swartland Chardonnay Corked
2006 Babylons peak Swartland Chardonnay Corked
Tasted 2 bottles on 2 seperate occasion and both were badly tainted with TCA, what a disaster. Long live screwcap...................
Tasted 2 bottles on 2 seperate occasion and both were badly tainted with TCA, what a disaster. Long live screwcap...................
2005 Meerendal Durbanville Chardonnay 78+ Points
2005 Meerendal Durbanville Chardonnay 78+ Points
Austere lime and straw, delicate, crisp, lemony somewhat lacking fruit concentration and definition. Now until 2010
Austere lime and straw, delicate, crisp, lemony somewhat lacking fruit concentration and definition. Now until 2010
2007 Deetlefs Estate Unwooded Chardonnay 76+ Points
2007 Deetlefs Estate Unwooded Chardonnay 76+ Points
Fresh fermentation character, sweet tropical fruit and lime. Crisp lemony, dry mid palate, lacking fruit for structure, on the greener side. Now until 2010.
Fresh fermentation character, sweet tropical fruit and lime. Crisp lemony, dry mid palate, lacking fruit for structure, on the greener side. Now until 2010.
2006 Slanghoek Private Selection Chardonnay 65 Points
2006 Slanghoek Private Selection Chardonnay 65 Points
Peppery, pungent asparagus remisnescent of aged hot climate Sauvignon, lacking chardonnay character and profile.
Peppery, pungent asparagus remisnescent of aged hot climate Sauvignon, lacking chardonnay character and profile.
2004 Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay 78+ Points
2004 Chamonix Reserve Chardonnay 78+
Autolysis character, yeasty, hints of dried orange, creamy buttery, charry with fragrant caramel, end on a slight bitter aftertaste. For fans of 1980’s oaky style chardonnay.
Autolysis character, yeasty, hints of dried orange, creamy buttery, charry with fragrant caramel, end on a slight bitter aftertaste. For fans of 1980’s oaky style chardonnay.
2006 Cloof Dusty Road Darling Chardonnay 78+ Points
2006 Cloof Dusty Road Darling Chardonnay 78+ Points
Green citrus medley, crisp, delicate freshness, but somehow lacking fruit, hints of sunburnt fruit evident. Now until 2010
Green citrus medley, crisp, delicate freshness, but somehow lacking fruit, hints of sunburnt fruit evident. Now until 2010
2005 Eagles Cliff Chardonnay Reserve 81 Points
2005 Eagles Cliff Chardonnay Reserve 81 Points
Candied pineapple, ripe mango and citrus zest melange. Soft delicate fruit follows with orange peel note, toast and marmalade, light caramel farewell, toasty aftertaste but lacks freshness
Candied pineapple, ripe mango and citrus zest melange. Soft delicate fruit follows with orange peel note, toast and marmalade, light caramel farewell, toasty aftertaste but lacks freshness
2007 Tradouw Chardonnay Barrydale Cellar 81 Points
2007 Tradouw Chardonnay Barrydale Cellar 81 Points
Fragrant vanilla, candied peras, toast and marmalade, complex, earthy minerality, needs time to integrate, from 2010 until 2012
Fragrant vanilla, candied peras, toast and marmalade, complex, earthy minerality, needs time to integrate, from 2010 until 2012
2006 Luddite Shiraz 87 Points
2006 Luddite Shiraz 87 Points
Intense red with slight purple rim, complex fragrance of rosemary and lavender, ripe tannins structure, elegant, huge stylistic change from 2005, very Rhône in style, excellent oaking
Intense red with slight purple rim, complex fragrance of rosemary and lavender, ripe tannins structure, elegant, huge stylistic change from 2005, very Rhône in style, excellent oaking
2006 Herold Gertrude Natural Sweet Pinot Noir 82+ Points
2006 Herold Gertrude Natural Sweet Pinot Noir 82+ Points
Unusual and unique, this is made from vine dried Pinot Noir, unfortified, showing complex, raisined earthy gamey character, textured freshness, creamy and viscous palate weight, perfect with a black forest cake. Now until 2013.
Unusual and unique, this is made from vine dried Pinot Noir, unfortified, showing complex, raisined earthy gamey character, textured freshness, creamy and viscous palate weight, perfect with a black forest cake. Now until 2013.
Buitenverwachting Christine 2004 84+ Points
Buitenverwachting Christine 2004 84+ Points
Fragrant and complex notes of blackcurrant and cedary oak with lead pencil minerality, good length, ripe grainy tannins, blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, 24 month in 100% new French oak, now until 2014
Fragrant and complex notes of blackcurrant and cedary oak with lead pencil minerality, good length, ripe grainy tannins, blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, 24 month in 100% new French oak, now until 2014
Saronsberg Seismic 2005 85 Points
Saronsberg Seismic 2005 85 Points
Very ripe blackcurrant, porty, with tomato leaf character, earthy, burned sweet fruited red berries, showing and controversial on the aromatics, but scores extremely well on the mouth feels, excellent taste, now until 2015
Very ripe blackcurrant, porty, with tomato leaf character, earthy, burned sweet fruited red berries, showing and controversial on the aromatics, but scores extremely well on the mouth feels, excellent taste, now until 2015
2005 Spier Vintage Selection 85+ Points
2005 Spier Vintage Selection 85+ Points
Fragrant with blackcurrant earthy note and cedar wood, fresh, ripe tannins, very good Cape Bordeaux style blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Pure fruited, good tannins with medium intensity complexity, elegant.
Now until 2016
Fragrant with blackcurrant earthy note and cedar wood, fresh, ripe tannins, very good Cape Bordeaux style blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Pure fruited, good tannins with medium intensity complexity, elegant.
Now until 2016
2008 L’Avenir Sauvignon Blanc 77+ Points
2008 L’Avenir Sauvignon Blanc 77+ Points
Touch pink! Ripe gooseberries, overripe kiwi, good everyday profile, now until 2011
Touch pink! Ripe gooseberries, overripe kiwi, good everyday profile, now until 2011
2004 Slowine Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points
2004 Slowine Cabernet Sauvignon 89
Intense cassis, blackcurrant and mint, ripe, light elegant structure, lead pencil, crushed rocks minerality, tannins ripe and round, warming chocolatey aftertaste, good length, very well made, elegant and balanced.Overberg fruit.
Now until 2011
Intense cassis, blackcurrant and mint, ripe, light elegant structure, lead pencil, crushed rocks minerality, tannins ripe and round, warming chocolatey aftertaste, good length, very well made, elegant and balanced.Overberg fruit.
Now until 2011
2006 Kleine Zalze Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 86 Points
2006 Kleine Zalze Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 86 Points
Almost like a Viognier complexity, apricot, peach, hints of raisin and Muscat grape / botrytis. Complex broad mouthfeel, rich ripe peach follow through and creamy acidity, tense and steely, cut through nicely, apple aftertaste.
Now until 2015
Almost like a Viognier complexity, apricot, peach, hints of raisin and Muscat grape / botrytis. Complex broad mouthfeel, rich ripe peach follow through and creamy acidity, tense and steely, cut through nicely, apple aftertaste.
Now until 2015
2006 Klein Parys Chenin Blanc 70 Points
2006 Klein Parys Chenin Blanc 70
Austere, pears, lime green pepper and peas, very green and unripe, thin structure, diluted, now until 2010
Austere, pears, lime green pepper and peas, very green and unripe, thin structure, diluted, now until 2010
2003 Morgenster Estate Lourens River Valley 83 Points
2003 Morgenster Estate Lourens River Valley 83 Points
Ripe currants, cassis, hints of wet earth, dark chocolate and pencil shavings, soft structure with black pepper core, cassis, currant follows through, elegant, fresh complex mouth feels, now until 2012
Ripe currants, cassis, hints of wet earth, dark chocolate and pencil shavings, soft structure with black pepper core, cassis, currant follows through, elegant, fresh complex mouth feels, now until 2012
NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve 91+ Points
NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve 91+
Ripe, biscuity, baked apples, structured, mouth filling, rich style, very charming, intense leesy aftertaste.
Ripe, biscuity, baked apples, structured, mouth filling, rich style, very charming, intense leesy aftertaste.
2007 Sir Lambert Sauvignon Blanc Cape West Coast 75+ Points
2007 Sir Lambert Sauvignon Blanc Cape West Coast 75+ Points
Fresh, primary sauvignon characters, still very evident.
Fresh, with notes of guava, hints of overripe green pepper, not overly complex.
Crisp, un complex, somewhat lacking structure and mid palate, very short finish.
Has an aromatic and flavour profile very similar to DuToitskloof highly commercial Sauvignon Blanc, now until 2010
Fresh, primary sauvignon characters, still very evident.
Fresh, with notes of guava, hints of overripe green pepper, not overly complex.
Crisp, un complex, somewhat lacking structure and mid palate, very short finish.
Has an aromatic and flavour profile very similar to DuToitskloof highly commercial Sauvignon Blanc, now until 2010
Waterford Estate Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2006 83+ Points
Waterford Estate Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2006 83+ Points
Plummy, earthy, great minerality, complex dusty oak character dominates at that stage, soft textured, plums fruit follows through, tight grippy tannins, touch leathery, from 2011 until 2016
Plummy, earthy, great minerality, complex dusty oak character dominates at that stage, soft textured, plums fruit follows through, tight grippy tannins, touch leathery, from 2011 until 2016
Steenberg Catharina 2002 81+ Points
Steenberg Catharina 2002 81+ Points
Cherry red with slight brown rim, spicy, full mouth feels with minty notes, suggest water stressed fruit, fresh, good attack and length, complex touch of game, savoury finish, now until 2013
11% Cabernet franc – 36% Cabernet Sauvignon – 25% Merlot – 26% Shiraz and 2% Nebbiolo
Cherry red with slight brown rim, spicy, full mouth feels with minty notes, suggest water stressed fruit, fresh, good attack and length, complex touch of game, savoury finish, now until 2013
11% Cabernet franc – 36% Cabernet Sauvignon – 25% Merlot – 26% Shiraz and 2% Nebbiolo
2006 Laroche L’Avenir Stellenbosch Pinotage 78+ Points
2006 L’Avenir Stellenbosch Pinotage 78+ Points
Fresh, upfront plum, uncomplicated, good length, clean and pure, now until 2012
Fresh, upfront plum, uncomplicated, good length, clean and pure, now until 2012
2003 Brut Cuvée Clive Graham Beck 88 - 90 Points
2003 Brut Cuvée Clive Graham Beck 88 - 90 Points
The long awaited release and the first flagship of the house. Provocatively priced, could this be the first Grande Marque Méthode Cap Classique ? well, all the directions lead to it. Selection of the best and most matured vineyard, impressive 6 years on lees, 6 grams dosage, and a striking acidity which lends a laser like freshness.
The long awaited release and the first flagship of the house. Provocatively priced, could this be the first Grande Marque Méthode Cap Classique ? well, all the directions lead to it. Selection of the best and most matured vineyard, impressive 6 years on lees, 6 grams dosage, and a striking acidity which lends a laser like freshness.
2007 Tokara Zondernaam Stellenbosch Chardonnay 83+ - 85+ Points
2007 Tokara Zondernaam Stellenbosch Chardonnay 83+ - 85+ Points
Austere, green fig, lime, green guava skin, needs time for aromas to integrate, crisp, lime, green fruit follows, delicate, much lighter style than the 2005, fruit shy on palate, leesy structure, short and quite tight aftertaste, will however develop positively and should start drinking well from Spring 2009
16 March 2008
Austere, green fig, lime, green guava skin, needs time for aromas to integrate, crisp, lime, green fruit follows, delicate, much lighter style than the 2005, fruit shy on palate, leesy structure, short and quite tight aftertaste, will however develop positively and should start drinking well from Spring 2009
16 March 2008
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
2006 Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Stellenbosch 85+ Points
2006 Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay Stellenbosch 85+
Ripe lime, tangerine, hints of toast, intense lime peel on palate, clean, crisp with hints of white peach and pineapples, excellent length, but not as striking as 2005, but very good indeed.
Now until 2013.
Ripe lime, tangerine, hints of toast, intense lime peel on palate, clean, crisp with hints of white peach and pineapples, excellent length, but not as striking as 2005, but very good indeed.
Now until 2013.
2007 Steenberg Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 86+ Points
2007 Steenberg Reserve Sauvignon – Constantia - 13.5 % 86+ Points
Ripe, peppery, prominent grass, crisp, juicy complex mid palate spiciness follows through with salt minerals, intense, mid palate better than the 2006, more nervous style than previous vintage, quite similar in some way to the 2005 vintgae.
Long complex minerally finish.
For now with complex creamy sauce, rich sea food, to be enjoy/cellar until 2011
Ripe, peppery, prominent grass, crisp, juicy complex mid palate spiciness follows through with salt minerals, intense, mid palate better than the 2006, more nervous style than previous vintage, quite similar in some way to the 2005 vintgae.
Long complex minerally finish.
For now with complex creamy sauce, rich sea food, to be enjoy/cellar until 2011
2005 Klein Constantia Estate Brut MCC 87 - 89 Points
2005 Klein Constantia Estate Brut MCC 87 - 89 Points
Delicate citrus, whiff of marmalade with hints of toasty warm brioche and white blanched almonds flake’s, inviting aromas with subtle hints of grilled hazelnut. Precise acidity, which is quite rare in many MCC, make this Brut stand out, fresh, complex structure, lively persistent quite fine bubbles / mousse.
Superb mid palate, richly textured, without being heavy, tight has grip and body. Very well made, now until 2017.
By far the finest MCC in Constantia Valley to date
Delicate citrus, whiff of marmalade with hints of toasty warm brioche and white blanched almonds flake’s, inviting aromas with subtle hints of grilled hazelnut. Precise acidity, which is quite rare in many MCC, make this Brut stand out, fresh, complex structure, lively persistent quite fine bubbles / mousse.
Superb mid palate, richly textured, without being heavy, tight has grip and body. Very well made, now until 2017.
By far the finest MCC in Constantia Valley to date
2008 Koelenbosch Semillon 73 Points
Koelenbosch 2008 Semillon 73 Points
Good definition, crisp, uncomplex, refreshing acidity and touch oily, now until 2011
Good definition, crisp, uncomplex, refreshing acidity and touch oily, now until 2011
2007 Tierhoek Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir 83+ - 85+ Points
2007 Tierhoek Piekenierskloof Grenache Noir 83+ - 85+ Points
Medium clear, (barrel sample) bright, ruby red with purple rim, medium concentration medium plus viscosity, clean, medium plus intensity with dark ripe cherry note, earthy and stone fruit pip, touch jammy and slight high alcohol burn, complex with hints of violets, reflect the sunshine.
Fresh, dry with good fruit texture, no influence of wood at all, 4 year old barrel, flavours follows through but somehow lack the sweet spot for higher rating, it’s individual, fine bridge between Old world Grenache and new world opulence will express better with food, well made a style to be supported.
Now until 2015
Tasted 08 december 2009
Medium clear, (barrel sample) bright, ruby red with purple rim, medium concentration medium plus viscosity, clean, medium plus intensity with dark ripe cherry note, earthy and stone fruit pip, touch jammy and slight high alcohol burn, complex with hints of violets, reflect the sunshine.
Fresh, dry with good fruit texture, no influence of wood at all, 4 year old barrel, flavours follows through but somehow lack the sweet spot for higher rating, it’s individual, fine bridge between Old world Grenache and new world opulence will express better with food, well made a style to be supported.
Now until 2015
Tasted 08 december 2009
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