This was the place I was most exciting about visiting and trying the wines. Marc Kent, the winemaker, is hilarious and candid. Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc: Nice; not at all green or vegetal. 12.5% alcohol. Best Sauv Blanc in South Africa for the money. Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2005: From 40-100+ year old vines. Wonderful Chardonnay alternative. [More]
MAN Vintners
Sauvignon Blanc 2007: Mildly herbaceous; subtle, with nice acidity. All steel. Would be great ice cold. Chenin Blanc 2007: Good acid, nice midpalate and richness, especially for such an inexpensive wine. A touch of RS on the finish. Simply on of the best whites for the price (around $7); fantastic with Asian cuisine. Pinotage 2007: [More]
Fairview
Fairview Goats do Roam White 2007: kinda hot; reminds me of Tablas Creek White. Viognier/Grenache Blanc/Chenin Blanc Goats do Roam Rose 2008: Tank sample. Drawn off juice from reds, normally Pinotage/Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre Goats do Roam Red 2006: Mostly Shiraz with Pinotage. Aussie-style red with plump fruit. Goats In Villages Red 2006: Shiraz/Pinotage. Good and tannic. Pinotage [More]
Stark-Conde
Stellenbosch Syrah 2005: smoky, spicy, big fruit pop on finish Jonkershoek Twin Peaks Vineyards Syrah 2005: longer finish, more sappy/rich Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2004: Softer than 2006; really benefits from bottle age. We had the 2001 Cab with lunch and it was great. I really think you need to lay down wines like these for [More]
Hamilton Russell
Chardonnay 2007: The vintage produced wines that are “easy and open” and “mineral instead of fruit-driven.” The wine had lots of acidity and was oaky (but not insanely obstrusive). Low pH like Chablis; it is a “dry, austere, and mineral” wine. Chardonnay 2006: Less acidity, probably due to the extra year in bottle. Southern Right [More]
South Africa: Tasting Notes
I am going to post my notes/thoughts from tastings at each of the wineries in South Africa I visited for the next few posts.
