Monthly Archives: March 2008
The Yard Redux
I had a chance to retry The Yard Shiraz again, and it is still a revelation. From the cool-climate of Western Australia, and with a modest 13.5% alcohol, The Yard has a core of rich Aussie Shiraz fruit, but with great complexity and nice acidity on the finish. I brought it home and it really [...]
Fairview Primo Pinotage
We had lunch with the grower, Jan, and sat outside and drank slightly chilled bottles of the Primo 2004. This is the current vintage. It was very modern a delicious; a real crowd-pleaser. Not heavy, easy-drinking, smooth.
Neil Ellis
A few notes about the whites. All the Chardonnays are fantastic. Yes they have oak, but great balance and acidity. Probably my favorite Chardonnay in the world for under $20. I also really liked the Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc; it is barrel fermented, which gives it a nice richness and takes the sharp edge (all [...]
Boekenhoutskloof
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. [...]
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: [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
