South Africa is perhaps one of the most under-appreciated wine regions in the world. Most of the South African wine vineyards are farmed cooperatively. There are around 5,000 growers in South Africa, most of which take their grapes to co-ops. South Africa has had various problems throughout the years because of isolationist practices from its government. For years, South African growers had difficult times importing vine cuttings because of a quarantine system that was in place. Chenin Blanc does particularly well in South Africa as does the most famous hybrid in the country, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Besides its signature wines, Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, South Africa has had good success with Bordeaux varietals and Syrah.
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Very pleasant Merlot with a slightly jammy style. A mix of soft plum, cherry and prune fruit laced with grilled herb notes. Toasty finish. No sulfite added...less than 10 parts per million.
Has a dark, mountain-grown fruit profile, with a brambly undertow to the dark licorice, loam, black currant, tobacco and coffee flavors. Solid structure dominates the finish. Drink now.
Combining Old-world style tannins with New World style fruit is one of the things Cape wines do best. This example has characteristic Stellenbosch minerality, structure and depth, but with some delightful ripe red fruit & cherries -and an overall balanced nature with a supple texture which promotes easy drinkability.
90 pts - WS Supertaut and bony, with chive, chalk dust and dried thyme notes backed by a long, white asparagus-filled finish. This has mouthwatering acidity. Begs for food. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.
90 pts - WE Prominent coffee aromas are backed by notes of black berries, sweet smoke, crushed violets and chocolate mousse. The medium-weight mouth with a texture like crushed velvet is full and rich but not overdone, with a striking balance between cherry and brambly fruit and sweet spice flavors. A long, mouthwatering finish unfolds with each sip.
Here's a lively and fruit driven Pinotage with a hint of fudgy brownie adding depth to the forward black berry and cherry fruit. The palate is light and easy going with low tannins and a short but clean finish. Drink up!
Light-bodied and soft, with easygoing cherry, spice and earth notes. Raspberry red color. Nice minerality and texture. Drink now.
88 pts - WS Bracing and taut, with nice depth to the lemon peel, thyme and fleur de sel notes. Solid length. Drink now. 250 cases imported.
85 pts -- WS Fresh and light, with easygoing peach and melon notes. Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Riesling, Viognier, and Grenache Blanc. Drink now. 13,500 cases made. \ufffd JM
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