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Sipping my way through the Cape Winelands

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  • Sakkie Mouton Family Wines Vloedvlak Colombar 2022

    Blog, White Wines, Wine Reviews
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    Blog, Red Wines, Wine Reviews
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Blog, Musings & Ramblings

My discomfort with ‘whites’

Blog, Musings & Ramblings

Kunye, The Wine Wise: Part 1 – The Why.

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Migliarina Harvest 2020 (Chenin Blanc: 12 483 steps)

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Migliarina Harvest 2020 (Bottling Day: 12 003 steps)

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Migliarina Harvest 2020 (Chardonnay: 14 987 steps)

Blog, Musings & Ramblings

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Hello, I'm Cape of Good Wine. I like wine. I really like wine. I live in Cape Town, South Africa. And I really really like South African Wine. Join me as I sip my way through the Cape Winelands.

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Minimalist Wines Experimental Noir 2020 I picked Minimalist Wines Experimental Noir 2020

I picked this up alongside the much hyped Stars in the Dark Syrah without knowing much about this ‘Experimental’ range. Made from a 3 hectare block on 3 different soil types planted with 3 different Syrah clones in 2006...Sam, the winemaker, leases and farms this block as a commitment to retaining the Syrah plantings in Elgin - a region where apple farming is more profitable. If we could remind ourselves that this winemaker is 20-something years old...

A righteous nose that lays a feast of dark & red cherries and guavas; a trail of rose petals lead to lavish bouquets of roses, fresh olive leaves and herbaceous fynbos with roots intact that emit a warm earthy funk; there’s coffee brewing in the background; and someone’s just cracked the black pepper.

Crunchy red fruit. Fresh acidity. Fine, slightly green, cool climate Old World tannins, but with a lightness and ripeness of fruit that tells you that you’re in the New World. Candied red cherries are most prominent on the palate, but they’re steadied by a super herbal, slightly bitter finish.

This feels like an ode to N. Rhône...but riper and sunnier and friendlier (to me). It reminds one of a still life tablescape oil painting...the subject remains the same but it’s been updated in acrylics. The Minimalist Wine team’s use of drones to survey the vineyards also shows an understanding of the importance of varnish...but bypassing the pitfalls of outdated craquelure. All for the better to see the wine, my dear?

Happy International Syrah Day, everyone!
HER Chenin Blanc 2021 Gotta finish this unintenti HER Chenin Blanc 2021

Gotta finish this unintentional streak of yellow labels (and the last lemon in the bowl). This was an emergency purchase for a braai - so no concise notes. Instead, just sheer delight at seeing this brand on Woolies shelves.

Shy nose of lemons, salinity, cashews and unripe nectarines. Medium everything. It’s an entry level wine that makes for a meaningful moment of reflection at a casual braai...before a tongue numbing round of the Fiery Five Bean Boozled Challenge has everyone tearfully diving for the ice blocks and sniffing as they swig the nearest beer.

HER is an all-female, all-black brand. From winemakers to viticulturist to the all important logistics and finance team - all strong black women. And they’ve pledged a percentage of their profits to fund a scholarship to help others achieve their dreams.

Kudos to Woolworths for stocking this. Distribution is an important link to furthering equality...a link that’s sorely missing. I’m a big believer of ‘if you build it, they will come’. If large retail chains sacrificed a tiny space of their, quite frankly, questionable business models, they could make a big difference to wine equality in this country.
Greywacke Pinot Noir 2015 👃 Pronounced leather Greywacke Pinot Noir 2015

👃 Pronounced leather, barnyard, mushroom, stewed red cherries, raspberries, persimmons, strawberry guavas, balsamic vinegar VA, herbal, earth, dried leaves, dried rose petals, meat, charcuterie.

👅 Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium bodied, medium alcohol, pronounced intensity, long finish.

💭 I tried this wine on three separate occasions. Each time I was a little troubled by how advanced this felt for a ‘15 under screwcap. Still bright and vibrant but the earthy dried leaves and florals felt like they were holding this wine back. But you can’t argue with BLIC so...

Conclusion: Outstanding quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #pinotnoir #marlborough #cloudybay
Greywacke Chardonnay 2015 👀 Medium lemon 👃 Greywacke Chardonnay 2015

👀 Medium lemon

👃 Pronounced wood, campfire smoke, reduction!, flint, candied orange rind, white nectarines, yellow apples, lime, lemon, lemon curd, vanilla bean, lime, chamomile, salinity, cream cheese, burnt butter, Parmesan, linseed, brioche.

👅 Dry, medium (+) acidity, medium (+) bodied, medium alcohol, medium(+) intensity, long finish.

Conclusion: Very Good quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #chardonnay #marlborough #cloudybay
Framingham Wines Nobody’s Hero Pinot Gris 2018 Framingham Wines Nobody’s Hero Pinot Gris 2018

👀 Medium lemon

👃 Pronounced fennel, chamomile, pear, grape, raisins, peaches, honey, ginger, and baking spices.

👅 Dry, medium (+) acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, medium(+) intensity, medium(+) finish.

Conclusion: Very Good quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #pinotgris #marlborough #nobodyshero
Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 👃 Pronounced goo Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2020

👃 Pronounced gooseberry, kiwi, green apple, mango, pineapple, lime cordial, oyster shell and salinity.

👅 Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, pronounced intensity, long finish.

💭 Similar to the previous Kia Ora but with markedly more intensity and the addition of minerality that raises the level of complexity.

Conclusion: Outstanding quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #sauvignonblanc #marlborough #nautilus
Kia Ora Sauvignon Blanc 2020 👃 Pronounced goos Kia Ora Sauvignon Blanc 2020

👃 Pronounced gooseberry, kiwi, lime, green apple, mango, melon, nettle, chamomile

👅 Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, pronounce intensity, medium(+) finish

Conclusion: Very Good quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #sauvignonblanc #marlborough
Angus Paul Transient Lands Pinotage 2021 ‘Tis t Angus Paul Transient Lands Pinotage 2021

‘Tis that day again...when winos quote from Jan van Riebeeck’s diary. I spent a bit of time reading his diary and learning about the man for my research assignment last year...and ja nee...it’s taken me a while to get here but I now know that he is not my peeps. Simon, on the other hand...who knows...maybe I coulda squirreled a wine estate out of him 😂. But nonetheless, it is a pretty epic documentation of SA’s wine beginnings and what better way to celebrate our birthday than with this Pinotage.

I’m quite possibly the very last person in the world to taste this wine...it took my dear Polish friends acquiring them in Poland to get me to finally try this SA wine. How’s that for influential!

The deep colour was a little worrying...but I need not have feared, this is the style of Pinotage I enjoy. Pronounced mulberries, black wine gums, red and black cherries, cinnamon chewing gum, light soy, coffee grinds, pepper and a touch of smoke.

Over a few hours this started to take on Pinot Noir characteristics where only the lower acidity and slightly fuller body with more oomph halted any true confusion with its lighter parent grapes. Lovely powdery pomegranate seed tannins give texture and grip, and the darker berries, spices, and smokiness linger for a satisfying length of time.

The grapes, sourced from 3 different Stellies plots, were chilled overnight - 35% left as whole bunches with the rest destemmed. Endearing foot treading with a little SO2 added at crushing. Post fermentation maceration to reinforce the tannins, and then pressed into old barrels for 10 months without racking.

I am most amused by how so many of my insta friends from other countries now influence the SA wines that I choose to purchase. Such good news for SA wines - as it shows how widely the wines are being distributed and how far SA has come. It’s also proof that I’m very influenced by all of you!
Khayelitsha’s Finest Wines 2021 White Blend

I’m a sucker for these everything but the kitchen sink blends. Especially when they’re this pretty!

Orange blossoms and honeysuckle, lemongrass, perfectly ripe nectarines, lemon slices sprinkled with salt when you’ve decided that tequila is a bad idea but need to dupe your friends, and a suggestion of musky incense or nutmeg.

Delicate and lighter bodied, with very friendly acidity. Think lightly poached nectarines in a lemongrass infused syrup, drizzled in honey, with a generous garnish of sorrel, a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a quick grating of lemon peel for added texture. The kind of refreshing dessert you’d want in summer. It tastes as pretty as it smells!

It’s a simple wine...but it’s bloody delightful - aperitif heaven on a hot, windless afternoon when everyone’s fighting over who gets to sit in the shade...and me listing off the array of delicious flavours to this glorious blend.

Let’s face it...we all know I bought into this brand because of the bold labels.🔥. And when you sit a bunch of opinionated people around a table the name and design spark deep conversations that make you proud of your diverse group of friends.

But it’s the ethos behind the brand that most resonates with us: Lindile Ndzaba, the owner, believes that great wine should not be limited to the privileged. Townships, many situated on the periphery of wine regions, deserve great wine - and to not be dominated by big brands flogging whatever quality they’ve predetermined the market deserves. It’s unsurprising that KFW are now global, available even in New York. Because this is great wine!
Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay 2015 The deeper Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay 2015

The deeper colour had me a little worried about the oak on this wine. But it’s well managed. Also...I need to make room on the shelves.

Lemon and lime leaves, chamomile flowers, lemon oil, unripe nectarines, tinned pineapples, delicious sea breezey salinity, and creamy toasted cashews.

Lovely acidity, a body that takes itself seriously, and a very decent finish. Sooooo on the warm day, I went rogue and threw this into the fridge...who woulda thunk...new year, new me? And it gave this a very pleasant textural tug that I wasn’t experiencing pre refrigeration. Perhaps some more herbal notes, greater emphasis on the salinity, and it’s certainly curbed the oak.

Chilled and/or room temp - I’ll take it...once...coz at R700+ this is hard to justify in comparison to local, Burgundian and even a few modern Cali offerings. And I’ve yet to discover this tree where money is grown upon...perhaps our parents were right after all...perhaps money doesn’t grow on trees?
Elemental Bob Cosmic Hands 2015 5 March 2019. 81s Elemental Bob Cosmic Hands 2015

5 March 2019. 81st post. 77 ❤️’s. 2 weeks after writing L2. It’s weird/embarrassing  to scroll that far back through my feed.

I’ve spent a good bit of time reflecting over the last few weeks. Time to think - a luxury of loadshedding. Clear out ‘junk’ from the house, find long lost treasures, discovering pieces of my parents history...my history...fill the gaps between my memories.

It’s the thing I love most about Elemental Bob wines. They quietly suggest the opportunity to slow down and sit with your thoughts. Deceptively contemplative. Seemingly simple at first glance...but simple tasks like clearing the bookshelf become ever more complex as you discover letters, photos of people you recognise but don’t know, query bookmark scraps hidden between the leaves. Inevitably productivity slows down as you reflect on what you’ve found. Remembering the memories.

The wine? Rich gold with an initially restrained nose that builds and draws you into its tertiary honey, walnut skins, braised chopped brown mushrooms with sprigs of woody herb notes. Lemon oil, dried peaches, yellow apples, chamomile flowers.

The palate is gentle....gentle like the way one chooses the protection of selective memories. But the acidity focuses hazy scenes, medium body proves there’s weight to your experiences...and the wine and those thoughts linger. Brandy fumes, salinity, salted dried apricots and mangoes from childhood memories...all prefaced with honeyed bitter chamomile tea to help you sleep. Oxidative but still fresh. Tired but still vibrant?

Empty glass sniff... one last lingering look back at the past: old smoke, salty apricots, naartjie peel, cloves, crushed fynbos.

Is it past it’s prime? Those yellowing, poorly preserved, but exquisitely skilled black & white photos are more charming for their wear and tear.

He phoned me late last year....and the winemaker is as haunting as his wines. The conversation stuck with me. Much like his wines.

I might delete this coz it’s far too much for insta and I need to chuck some ‘junk’. But imagine if all wines did this. Needless to say, I can’t wait to taste what I know is brewing in the Elemental Bob barrels.
BlankBottle Epileptic Inspiration 2021 Starting t BlankBottle Epileptic Inspiration 2021

Starting the year with a fave...but brace yourself for the twist, where our heroine is brave enough to admit that there are limitations to her fangirling.

A gloriously pronounced nose with brazen vanilla essence, bitter chamomile leaves, preserved lemons and slightly oxidized lemon oil, floor wax...or beeswax 😂, ripe watery apricots, fresh soapy coriander, and green melon. I want to push for spices...but it’s not as blatant as that...it’s more like fragrant honey from bees buzzing around the spice cupboard?!?

There’s lovely acidity and body, with a palate that’s fairly intense and echoes the nose. The bitter chamomile or radicchio is perfection. I know I lean on this a lot, but a hollow bitter burnt sugar crust adds beautiful depth that’s sustained for a delightful length of time.

Eish...and then I tried to guess the grape and the new oak threw me off completely...it’s not something I associate with BlankBottle. Recent oaked Verdicchio memories? Semi oaked Semillon? Wooded Chenin? Google to the rescue: Sem! And 40% new oak for the first time in this wine!

Now for the twist...as much as this is a very distinctive and memorable wine...there’s something disjointed about the flavours. All that complexity of winter melon, coriander, honey and lemon oil are prefixed and suffixed by vanilla. And vanilla isn’t my fave...especially when it detracts from the wine (for me). Does this need more time in bottle to find its cohesive footing? Or is it an oaked style that I struggle to make peace with? Or maybe it was my mood for that week.

Whatever the reason, it hasn’t halted my fandom. If you ever have the chance to watch this movie, Epileptic Inspiration, you’ll understand some of my passion for this winemaker...and develop a newfound respect for his hand crafted labels. Also...a box of tissues might come in handy.
Il Geco Cap Classique 2017 Ending the year the wa Il Geco Cap Classique 2017

Ending the year the way that I hope to start the new one: with delicious wines made by people I’ve gotten to know a little bit, supporting their ventures, and being able to celebrate their awards and successes.

And I can fully appreciate this wine’s award winning status - a gorgeous nose of tinned peaches, lemon peel, lemony biscuits, almonds, bakers yeast, brioche and light vanilla bean (and that’s a distracted birthday picnic vibe summary).

Superb acidity, soft defined bubbles, and a long finish that brings forth the apricots...alongside steely, oyster-shelly clarity.

The 2014 is still mind blowing to me...but this fresher take is superb. It’s my wine squad bestie’s birthday today and I literally ran around his garden picnic making people smell and taste the wine...they agree.

Happy birthday, G! And Happy New Year, everyone! Cheers to more (wine) adventures in 2023!
After a wine heavy year, I confess that I’ve bee After a wine heavy year, I confess that I’ve been steadily sipping at Old Fashioneds all month long. Hear me out...it’s actually been the perfect Christmas cocktail:

🎄 A splash of whiskey for the Christmas cakes I just about squeaked in...and two splashes for me. An intentional deviation from brandy this year!

🎄 Half the baked goods require orange zest and juice...the leftovers have made my garnish game strong.

🎄 It pair exceptionally well with gingerbread men...unburned. Yup...still boasting about these!

🎄 Nobody judges the block of much needed ice in my glass...clasping the cold condensation coated glass in humid hot weather is heavenly.

🎄 Also...I’m addicted to Angostura Bitters...I may or not intentionally miss the glass so that I can lick my fingers!

Whether you’re cocktailing or wining or hydrating responsibly, I wish you all a wonderfully decadent festive season. And a very Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate!
Eenzaamheid Chenin Blanc 2019 I’ve had a run of Eenzaamheid Chenin Blanc 2019

I’ve had a run of meh recommendations lately. But this one did not disappoint. Why? Coz it was pointed out to me by Shirley @vinopronto . I don’t know how, but she nails it every single time! This is a winner. Shirley is a winner!

Glorious pronounced apple blossoms and honeysuckle, ripe yellow apples, honey, ripe nectarines, light dried herbs, creamy nuts, vanilla bean, and faint campfire smoke.

Chenin acidity 😂, medium bodied, medium alcohol, and a loooong finish that offers up salty tart apricots, pineapple, caramel, bitter endives, and lemon peel zing alongside the apply apples. It’s a delightful interplay of slinky silk and light grapefruit pith texture. The wine equivalent of a slap and tickle? 🤔

I just learned that Eenzaamheid means ‘solitude’ - something that I’ve been craving for a good long while. Old dryland bushvines from Agter-Paarl, barrel fermented and then lees aged for 11 months.

I’ve added my first item of business to my New Year’s Resolutions - more visits to my favourite wine store so they can fill my shelf with more yum!
Epicurean Red 2013 How do you know you’re growi Epicurean Red 2013

How do you know you’re growing up? When, for the first time ever, you don’t burn the first batch of gingerbread men! Also...when you figure out that Bordeaux style red blends need time. Enter Epicurean who bottle age their wines before release.

Already deep garnet with a beautifully pronounced nose of pot pourri, incense, cassis, blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberries, dried cherries, cigar box, cloves, nutmeg, dried prunes, figs, sultanas, and oyster sauce.

Full bodied with fantastic acidity, serious grainy but ripe tannins, high alcohol (peep the 13.78% honest), and a satisfying finish. The vibrant berries and superb acidity make this so fresh on the palate...with spices, fynbos herbaceousness, and clay-like earthy salinity on the mid palate. Initially I thought this showed only a hint of tertiary raisins, prunes, dusty earth and leather alongside its vibrant acidity and firm tannins. But by the end of the second day it had already evolved. So I’d say this is about ready to drink - or invest in their newly released 2015’s.

I am useless at cellaring wines. For that reason, I think these Epicurean wines make wonderful gifts for people who have a similar level of patience to mine (and like a little luxury) - perhaps the gift recipient would be more tempted to share the wine with the gift giver seeing as it’s ready to rock 😉. It’s also a positive story of black excellence...and who doesn’t love a wine that demands a meaningful introduction at the table!

This was gifted to me...twice (yup, I’m spoiled). So thank you to @epicureanwines for this wonderful treat that has inspired the festive feels, ageing the wines for me, and confirming that Bordeaux style reds deserve a place on my shelf.
Happy Aszú Day! You know those bottles of wine t Happy Aszú Day!

You know those bottles of wine that you’re saving for a ‘special occasion’? This is one of them. But, in this case, I know exactly when that special occasion will be. It’s when my Aszú Guru (aka @grzesiek.just.grzesiek aka Aszú gift giver 🙏🏾❤️ ) and I can visit Bottpince together and I can hopefully meet Judit Bodó, the winemaker. I have the greatest of expectations...and already know that they will be surpassed.
Meinert Wines ‘The Italian Job’ White Merlot 2 Meinert Wines ‘The Italian Job’ White Merlot 2018

‘Twas (such a fun word) more than a year ago that I visited this farm...and I’m still sort of blown away by how few people realise that the ‘M’ in Ken Forrester’s FMC stands for Meinert. I was so distracted by their Riesling that I didn’t stop to reflect on their White Merlot. Which is silly...I drink Riesling all the time. White Merlot is a rarity.

There’s a hint of blush that reminds you that this is Merlot. And a curiously flinty nose even after all this time (screwcap?): flinty, cidery red apples with a squeeze of lemon, quince, and ripe peaches.

Yummy acidity, a weightier body than you’d expect, definite grainy texture that implies skin contact, and a lingering finish. It’s pretty much leftover spiced apple cider that’s gone cold, paired with a half eaten oxidized toffee apple. In the very best way!

I was intrigued by the umami thoughts that entered my head...so I whipped up an egg fried rice (no wok hei, no MSG...sorry Uncle Roger 😂)...and it’s a winning combo.

So it turns out there’s 15% Chenin in here (distracted by Riesling)...hence these notes leaning heavily in that direction. The Stellies Merlot was whole bunch pressed, quick sedimentation to remove solids, native yeast fermentation in 225L 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak. The old vine Swartland Chenin was vinified in a Nomblot cement egg and matured in old oak. After blending, the wine was matured sur lie for 14 months.

Conclusion: totes underrated wine. Also, shoutout out to Wine Concepts on Kloof for stocking this - great staff and a bloody lovely wine selection!
Sons of Sugarland Barbera 2022 What makes Barbera Sons of Sugarland Barbera 2022

What makes Barbera distinctive? No really...I’m asking...coz outside of the context of a Piemonte flight with the rest of the grape gang...uhm, I’m not sure I’d get further than ‘a less delicate Pinot Noir’. 😂

Pale ruby, pronounced nose of dried rose petals, red cherries, stewed red plums, goji berries, beef broth and tomato leafy, and dried origanum.

Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, light smooth ripe tannins, medium alcohol, and a savoury medium (+) finish. Prickly pear fruit, lemony black tea join the sour red berries...and there’s a stewed strawberry and goji berry texture.

After a string of Piemonte Barbera’s, I will say that the balsamic-y, tomato leafy, VA-y quality of Italian wines gives a subtle clue to the region (and then grape). Which begs a further pondering: does Barbera work in other countries if it misses the Italian-ness? After running through everything made in SA, the answer is: yes, yes it does. They may not be distinctive as a grape...but they’re bloody (some literally) tasty. Fresher than Dolcetto and so much easier than Nebbiolo...Barbera is a delightful summer sip.
Hamilton Russell Oregon Maple Grove Chardonnay 201 Hamilton Russell Oregon Maple Grove Chardonnay 2019

Whilst we’re on the topic of price points...I find it intriguing how much or little we’re willing to spend on trying a wine. As wine enthusiasts/geeks, we devote a larger budget to wine. My wine journey still centres around finding the best QPR...my wallet and taste buds are in perpetual disagreement about the precise definition of ‘value’! (with an understanding of the costs involved in producing a wine - which can justify the price).

Fair warning - I didn’t purchase this wine. It was a Willamette Valley Chard example in a hard to source US flight...made more interesting in that it’s made by a well known local producer. Wine Enthusiast lists the Oregon Chard at $69 vs the Hemel en Aarde wine at $43.

Pronounced honey, lemon grass, leesy lemon curd, roasted pineapple, mango, tangerines, lemon cream biscuits, soft vanilla bean, toast, smoke, and salinity.

Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, medium (+) intensity, and a mediumish finish.

Conclusion: Very good.

Based on memory, it’s remarkably similar in style to the SA wine (cool climate, smaller regions, oak, premium, etc). Except that I remember assessing the SA example as ‘outstanding’. As much as it was a delight to try a wine from Oregon and that was made by a familiar producer, it was too similar to justify the price...my immediate neighbours agreed. It made me realise that I prefer to spend my import budget on unusual wines/varieties or wines that set the benchmark for the grape variety and/or style.

How do you choose to spend your import budget? I’m looking at you, Chardonnay lovers 😉).
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My current favourite wine quote

“I love everything that is old; old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines.”

Oliver Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield

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Minimalist Wines Experimental Noir 2020 I picked Minimalist Wines Experimental Noir 2020

I picked this up alongside the much hyped Stars in the Dark Syrah without knowing much about this ‘Experimental’ range. Made from a 3 hectare block on 3 different soil types planted with 3 different Syrah clones in 2006...Sam, the winemaker, leases and farms this block as a commitment to retaining the Syrah plantings in Elgin - a region where apple farming is more profitable. If we could remind ourselves that this winemaker is 20-something years old...

A righteous nose that lays a feast of dark & red cherries and guavas; a trail of rose petals lead to lavish bouquets of roses, fresh olive leaves and herbaceous fynbos with roots intact that emit a warm earthy funk; there’s coffee brewing in the background; and someone’s just cracked the black pepper.

Crunchy red fruit. Fresh acidity. Fine, slightly green, cool climate Old World tannins, but with a lightness and ripeness of fruit that tells you that you’re in the New World. Candied red cherries are most prominent on the palate, but they’re steadied by a super herbal, slightly bitter finish.

This feels like an ode to N. Rhône...but riper and sunnier and friendlier (to me). It reminds one of a still life tablescape oil painting...the subject remains the same but it’s been updated in acrylics. The Minimalist Wine team’s use of drones to survey the vineyards also shows an understanding of the importance of varnish...but bypassing the pitfalls of outdated craquelure. All for the better to see the wine, my dear?

Happy International Syrah Day, everyone!
HER Chenin Blanc 2021 Gotta finish this unintenti HER Chenin Blanc 2021

Gotta finish this unintentional streak of yellow labels (and the last lemon in the bowl). This was an emergency purchase for a braai - so no concise notes. Instead, just sheer delight at seeing this brand on Woolies shelves.

Shy nose of lemons, salinity, cashews and unripe nectarines. Medium everything. It’s an entry level wine that makes for a meaningful moment of reflection at a casual braai...before a tongue numbing round of the Fiery Five Bean Boozled Challenge has everyone tearfully diving for the ice blocks and sniffing as they swig the nearest beer.

HER is an all-female, all-black brand. From winemakers to viticulturist to the all important logistics and finance team - all strong black women. And they’ve pledged a percentage of their profits to fund a scholarship to help others achieve their dreams.

Kudos to Woolworths for stocking this. Distribution is an important link to furthering equality...a link that’s sorely missing. I’m a big believer of ‘if you build it, they will come’. If large retail chains sacrificed a tiny space of their, quite frankly, questionable business models, they could make a big difference to wine equality in this country.
Greywacke Pinot Noir 2015 👃 Pronounced leather Greywacke Pinot Noir 2015

👃 Pronounced leather, barnyard, mushroom, stewed red cherries, raspberries, persimmons, strawberry guavas, balsamic vinegar VA, herbal, earth, dried leaves, dried rose petals, meat, charcuterie.

👅 Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium bodied, medium alcohol, pronounced intensity, long finish.

💭 I tried this wine on three separate occasions. Each time I was a little troubled by how advanced this felt for a ‘15 under screwcap. Still bright and vibrant but the earthy dried leaves and florals felt like they were holding this wine back. But you can’t argue with BLIC so...

Conclusion: Outstanding quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #pinotnoir #marlborough #cloudybay
Greywacke Chardonnay 2015 👀 Medium lemon 👃 Greywacke Chardonnay 2015

👀 Medium lemon

👃 Pronounced wood, campfire smoke, reduction!, flint, candied orange rind, white nectarines, yellow apples, lime, lemon, lemon curd, vanilla bean, lime, chamomile, salinity, cream cheese, burnt butter, Parmesan, linseed, brioche.

👅 Dry, medium (+) acidity, medium (+) bodied, medium alcohol, medium(+) intensity, long finish.

Conclusion: Very Good quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #chardonnay #marlborough #cloudybay
Framingham Wines Nobody’s Hero Pinot Gris 2018 Framingham Wines Nobody’s Hero Pinot Gris 2018

👀 Medium lemon

👃 Pronounced fennel, chamomile, pear, grape, raisins, peaches, honey, ginger, and baking spices.

👅 Dry, medium (+) acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, medium(+) intensity, medium(+) finish.

Conclusion: Very Good quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #pinotgris #marlborough #nobodyshero
Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2020 👃 Pronounced goo Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2020

👃 Pronounced gooseberry, kiwi, green apple, mango, pineapple, lime cordial, oyster shell and salinity.

👅 Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, pronounced intensity, long finish.

💭 Similar to the previous Kia Ora but with markedly more intensity and the addition of minerality that raises the level of complexity.

Conclusion: Outstanding quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #sauvignonblanc #marlborough #nautilus
Kia Ora Sauvignon Blanc 2020 👃 Pronounced goos Kia Ora Sauvignon Blanc 2020

👃 Pronounced gooseberry, kiwi, lime, green apple, mango, melon, nettle, chamomile

👅 Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, pronounce intensity, medium(+) finish

Conclusion: Very Good quality

#wsetdiploma #tastingnotes #newzealand #sauvignonblanc #marlborough
Angus Paul Transient Lands Pinotage 2021 ‘Tis t Angus Paul Transient Lands Pinotage 2021

‘Tis that day again...when winos quote from Jan van Riebeeck’s diary. I spent a bit of time reading his diary and learning about the man for my research assignment last year...and ja nee...it’s taken me a while to get here but I now know that he is not my peeps. Simon, on the other hand...who knows...maybe I coulda squirreled a wine estate out of him 😂. But nonetheless, it is a pretty epic documentation of SA’s wine beginnings and what better way to celebrate our birthday than with this Pinotage.

I’m quite possibly the very last person in the world to taste this wine...it took my dear Polish friends acquiring them in Poland to get me to finally try this SA wine. How’s that for influential!

The deep colour was a little worrying...but I need not have feared, this is the style of Pinotage I enjoy. Pronounced mulberries, black wine gums, red and black cherries, cinnamon chewing gum, light soy, coffee grinds, pepper and a touch of smoke.

Over a few hours this started to take on Pinot Noir characteristics where only the lower acidity and slightly fuller body with more oomph halted any true confusion with its lighter parent grapes. Lovely powdery pomegranate seed tannins give texture and grip, and the darker berries, spices, and smokiness linger for a satisfying length of time.

The grapes, sourced from 3 different Stellies plots, were chilled overnight - 35% left as whole bunches with the rest destemmed. Endearing foot treading with a little SO2 added at crushing. Post fermentation maceration to reinforce the tannins, and then pressed into old barrels for 10 months without racking.

I am most amused by how so many of my insta friends from other countries now influence the SA wines that I choose to purchase. Such good news for SA wines - as it shows how widely the wines are being distributed and how far SA has come. It’s also proof that I’m very influenced by all of you!
Khayelitsha’s Finest Wines 2021 White Blend

I’m a sucker for these everything but the kitchen sink blends. Especially when they’re this pretty!

Orange blossoms and honeysuckle, lemongrass, perfectly ripe nectarines, lemon slices sprinkled with salt when you’ve decided that tequila is a bad idea but need to dupe your friends, and a suggestion of musky incense or nutmeg.

Delicate and lighter bodied, with very friendly acidity. Think lightly poached nectarines in a lemongrass infused syrup, drizzled in honey, with a generous garnish of sorrel, a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a quick grating of lemon peel for added texture. The kind of refreshing dessert you’d want in summer. It tastes as pretty as it smells!

It’s a simple wine...but it’s bloody delightful - aperitif heaven on a hot, windless afternoon when everyone’s fighting over who gets to sit in the shade...and me listing off the array of delicious flavours to this glorious blend.

Let’s face it...we all know I bought into this brand because of the bold labels.🔥. And when you sit a bunch of opinionated people around a table the name and design spark deep conversations that make you proud of your diverse group of friends.

But it’s the ethos behind the brand that most resonates with us: Lindile Ndzaba, the owner, believes that great wine should not be limited to the privileged. Townships, many situated on the periphery of wine regions, deserve great wine - and to not be dominated by big brands flogging whatever quality they’ve predetermined the market deserves. It’s unsurprising that KFW are now global, available even in New York. Because this is great wine!
Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay 2015 The deeper Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay 2015

The deeper colour had me a little worried about the oak on this wine. But it’s well managed. Also...I need to make room on the shelves.

Lemon and lime leaves, chamomile flowers, lemon oil, unripe nectarines, tinned pineapples, delicious sea breezey salinity, and creamy toasted cashews.

Lovely acidity, a body that takes itself seriously, and a very decent finish. Sooooo on the warm day, I went rogue and threw this into the fridge...who woulda thunk...new year, new me? And it gave this a very pleasant textural tug that I wasn’t experiencing pre refrigeration. Perhaps some more herbal notes, greater emphasis on the salinity, and it’s certainly curbed the oak.

Chilled and/or room temp - I’ll take it...once...coz at R700+ this is hard to justify in comparison to local, Burgundian and even a few modern Cali offerings. And I’ve yet to discover this tree where money is grown upon...perhaps our parents were right after all...perhaps money doesn’t grow on trees?
Elemental Bob Cosmic Hands 2015 5 March 2019. 81s Elemental Bob Cosmic Hands 2015

5 March 2019. 81st post. 77 ❤️’s. 2 weeks after writing L2. It’s weird/embarrassing  to scroll that far back through my feed.

I’ve spent a good bit of time reflecting over the last few weeks. Time to think - a luxury of loadshedding. Clear out ‘junk’ from the house, find long lost treasures, discovering pieces of my parents history...my history...fill the gaps between my memories.

It’s the thing I love most about Elemental Bob wines. They quietly suggest the opportunity to slow down and sit with your thoughts. Deceptively contemplative. Seemingly simple at first glance...but simple tasks like clearing the bookshelf become ever more complex as you discover letters, photos of people you recognise but don’t know, query bookmark scraps hidden between the leaves. Inevitably productivity slows down as you reflect on what you’ve found. Remembering the memories.

The wine? Rich gold with an initially restrained nose that builds and draws you into its tertiary honey, walnut skins, braised chopped brown mushrooms with sprigs of woody herb notes. Lemon oil, dried peaches, yellow apples, chamomile flowers.

The palate is gentle....gentle like the way one chooses the protection of selective memories. But the acidity focuses hazy scenes, medium body proves there’s weight to your experiences...and the wine and those thoughts linger. Brandy fumes, salinity, salted dried apricots and mangoes from childhood memories...all prefaced with honeyed bitter chamomile tea to help you sleep. Oxidative but still fresh. Tired but still vibrant?

Empty glass sniff... one last lingering look back at the past: old smoke, salty apricots, naartjie peel, cloves, crushed fynbos.

Is it past it’s prime? Those yellowing, poorly preserved, but exquisitely skilled black & white photos are more charming for their wear and tear.

He phoned me late last year....and the winemaker is as haunting as his wines. The conversation stuck with me. Much like his wines.

I might delete this coz it’s far too much for insta and I need to chuck some ‘junk’. But imagine if all wines did this. Needless to say, I can’t wait to taste what I know is brewing in the Elemental Bob barrels.
BlankBottle Epileptic Inspiration 2021 Starting t BlankBottle Epileptic Inspiration 2021

Starting the year with a fave...but brace yourself for the twist, where our heroine is brave enough to admit that there are limitations to her fangirling.

A gloriously pronounced nose with brazen vanilla essence, bitter chamomile leaves, preserved lemons and slightly oxidized lemon oil, floor wax...or beeswax 😂, ripe watery apricots, fresh soapy coriander, and green melon. I want to push for spices...but it’s not as blatant as that...it’s more like fragrant honey from bees buzzing around the spice cupboard?!?

There’s lovely acidity and body, with a palate that’s fairly intense and echoes the nose. The bitter chamomile or radicchio is perfection. I know I lean on this a lot, but a hollow bitter burnt sugar crust adds beautiful depth that’s sustained for a delightful length of time.

Eish...and then I tried to guess the grape and the new oak threw me off completely...it’s not something I associate with BlankBottle. Recent oaked Verdicchio memories? Semi oaked Semillon? Wooded Chenin? Google to the rescue: Sem! And 40% new oak for the first time in this wine!

Now for the twist...as much as this is a very distinctive and memorable wine...there’s something disjointed about the flavours. All that complexity of winter melon, coriander, honey and lemon oil are prefixed and suffixed by vanilla. And vanilla isn’t my fave...especially when it detracts from the wine (for me). Does this need more time in bottle to find its cohesive footing? Or is it an oaked style that I struggle to make peace with? Or maybe it was my mood for that week.

Whatever the reason, it hasn’t halted my fandom. If you ever have the chance to watch this movie, Epileptic Inspiration, you’ll understand some of my passion for this winemaker...and develop a newfound respect for his hand crafted labels. Also...a box of tissues might come in handy.
Il Geco Cap Classique 2017 Ending the year the wa Il Geco Cap Classique 2017

Ending the year the way that I hope to start the new one: with delicious wines made by people I’ve gotten to know a little bit, supporting their ventures, and being able to celebrate their awards and successes.

And I can fully appreciate this wine’s award winning status - a gorgeous nose of tinned peaches, lemon peel, lemony biscuits, almonds, bakers yeast, brioche and light vanilla bean (and that’s a distracted birthday picnic vibe summary).

Superb acidity, soft defined bubbles, and a long finish that brings forth the apricots...alongside steely, oyster-shelly clarity.

The 2014 is still mind blowing to me...but this fresher take is superb. It’s my wine squad bestie’s birthday today and I literally ran around his garden picnic making people smell and taste the wine...they agree.

Happy birthday, G! And Happy New Year, everyone! Cheers to more (wine) adventures in 2023!
After a wine heavy year, I confess that I’ve bee After a wine heavy year, I confess that I’ve been steadily sipping at Old Fashioneds all month long. Hear me out...it’s actually been the perfect Christmas cocktail:

🎄 A splash of whiskey for the Christmas cakes I just about squeaked in...and two splashes for me. An intentional deviation from brandy this year!

🎄 Half the baked goods require orange zest and juice...the leftovers have made my garnish game strong.

🎄 It pair exceptionally well with gingerbread men...unburned. Yup...still boasting about these!

🎄 Nobody judges the block of much needed ice in my glass...clasping the cold condensation coated glass in humid hot weather is heavenly.

🎄 Also...I’m addicted to Angostura Bitters...I may or not intentionally miss the glass so that I can lick my fingers!

Whether you’re cocktailing or wining or hydrating responsibly, I wish you all a wonderfully decadent festive season. And a very Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate!
Eenzaamheid Chenin Blanc 2019 I’ve had a run of Eenzaamheid Chenin Blanc 2019

I’ve had a run of meh recommendations lately. But this one did not disappoint. Why? Coz it was pointed out to me by Shirley @vinopronto . I don’t know how, but she nails it every single time! This is a winner. Shirley is a winner!

Glorious pronounced apple blossoms and honeysuckle, ripe yellow apples, honey, ripe nectarines, light dried herbs, creamy nuts, vanilla bean, and faint campfire smoke.

Chenin acidity 😂, medium bodied, medium alcohol, and a loooong finish that offers up salty tart apricots, pineapple, caramel, bitter endives, and lemon peel zing alongside the apply apples. It’s a delightful interplay of slinky silk and light grapefruit pith texture. The wine equivalent of a slap and tickle? 🤔

I just learned that Eenzaamheid means ‘solitude’ - something that I’ve been craving for a good long while. Old dryland bushvines from Agter-Paarl, barrel fermented and then lees aged for 11 months.

I’ve added my first item of business to my New Year’s Resolutions - more visits to my favourite wine store so they can fill my shelf with more yum!
Epicurean Red 2013 How do you know you’re growi Epicurean Red 2013

How do you know you’re growing up? When, for the first time ever, you don’t burn the first batch of gingerbread men! Also...when you figure out that Bordeaux style red blends need time. Enter Epicurean who bottle age their wines before release.

Already deep garnet with a beautifully pronounced nose of pot pourri, incense, cassis, blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberries, dried cherries, cigar box, cloves, nutmeg, dried prunes, figs, sultanas, and oyster sauce.

Full bodied with fantastic acidity, serious grainy but ripe tannins, high alcohol (peep the 13.78% honest), and a satisfying finish. The vibrant berries and superb acidity make this so fresh on the palate...with spices, fynbos herbaceousness, and clay-like earthy salinity on the mid palate. Initially I thought this showed only a hint of tertiary raisins, prunes, dusty earth and leather alongside its vibrant acidity and firm tannins. But by the end of the second day it had already evolved. So I’d say this is about ready to drink - or invest in their newly released 2015’s.

I am useless at cellaring wines. For that reason, I think these Epicurean wines make wonderful gifts for people who have a similar level of patience to mine (and like a little luxury) - perhaps the gift recipient would be more tempted to share the wine with the gift giver seeing as it’s ready to rock 😉. It’s also a positive story of black excellence...and who doesn’t love a wine that demands a meaningful introduction at the table!

This was gifted to me...twice (yup, I’m spoiled). So thank you to @epicureanwines for this wonderful treat that has inspired the festive feels, ageing the wines for me, and confirming that Bordeaux style reds deserve a place on my shelf.
Happy Aszú Day! You know those bottles of wine t Happy Aszú Day!

You know those bottles of wine that you’re saving for a ‘special occasion’? This is one of them. But, in this case, I know exactly when that special occasion will be. It’s when my Aszú Guru (aka @grzesiek.just.grzesiek aka Aszú gift giver 🙏🏾❤️ ) and I can visit Bottpince together and I can hopefully meet Judit Bodó, the winemaker. I have the greatest of expectations...and already know that they will be surpassed.
Meinert Wines ‘The Italian Job’ White Merlot 2 Meinert Wines ‘The Italian Job’ White Merlot 2018

‘Twas (such a fun word) more than a year ago that I visited this farm...and I’m still sort of blown away by how few people realise that the ‘M’ in Ken Forrester’s FMC stands for Meinert. I was so distracted by their Riesling that I didn’t stop to reflect on their White Merlot. Which is silly...I drink Riesling all the time. White Merlot is a rarity.

There’s a hint of blush that reminds you that this is Merlot. And a curiously flinty nose even after all this time (screwcap?): flinty, cidery red apples with a squeeze of lemon, quince, and ripe peaches.

Yummy acidity, a weightier body than you’d expect, definite grainy texture that implies skin contact, and a lingering finish. It’s pretty much leftover spiced apple cider that’s gone cold, paired with a half eaten oxidized toffee apple. In the very best way!

I was intrigued by the umami thoughts that entered my head...so I whipped up an egg fried rice (no wok hei, no MSG...sorry Uncle Roger 😂)...and it’s a winning combo.

So it turns out there’s 15% Chenin in here (distracted by Riesling)...hence these notes leaning heavily in that direction. The Stellies Merlot was whole bunch pressed, quick sedimentation to remove solids, native yeast fermentation in 225L 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak. The old vine Swartland Chenin was vinified in a Nomblot cement egg and matured in old oak. After blending, the wine was matured sur lie for 14 months.

Conclusion: totes underrated wine. Also, shoutout out to Wine Concepts on Kloof for stocking this - great staff and a bloody lovely wine selection!
Sons of Sugarland Barbera 2022 What makes Barbera Sons of Sugarland Barbera 2022

What makes Barbera distinctive? No really...I’m asking...coz outside of the context of a Piemonte flight with the rest of the grape gang...uhm, I’m not sure I’d get further than ‘a less delicate Pinot Noir’. 😂

Pale ruby, pronounced nose of dried rose petals, red cherries, stewed red plums, goji berries, beef broth and tomato leafy, and dried origanum.

Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, light smooth ripe tannins, medium alcohol, and a savoury medium (+) finish. Prickly pear fruit, lemony black tea join the sour red berries...and there’s a stewed strawberry and goji berry texture.

After a string of Piemonte Barbera’s, I will say that the balsamic-y, tomato leafy, VA-y quality of Italian wines gives a subtle clue to the region (and then grape). Which begs a further pondering: does Barbera work in other countries if it misses the Italian-ness? After running through everything made in SA, the answer is: yes, yes it does. They may not be distinctive as a grape...but they’re bloody (some literally) tasty. Fresher than Dolcetto and so much easier than Nebbiolo...Barbera is a delightful summer sip.
Hamilton Russell Oregon Maple Grove Chardonnay 201 Hamilton Russell Oregon Maple Grove Chardonnay 2019

Whilst we’re on the topic of price points...I find it intriguing how much or little we’re willing to spend on trying a wine. As wine enthusiasts/geeks, we devote a larger budget to wine. My wine journey still centres around finding the best QPR...my wallet and taste buds are in perpetual disagreement about the precise definition of ‘value’! (with an understanding of the costs involved in producing a wine - which can justify the price).

Fair warning - I didn’t purchase this wine. It was a Willamette Valley Chard example in a hard to source US flight...made more interesting in that it’s made by a well known local producer. Wine Enthusiast lists the Oregon Chard at $69 vs the Hemel en Aarde wine at $43.

Pronounced honey, lemon grass, leesy lemon curd, roasted pineapple, mango, tangerines, lemon cream biscuits, soft vanilla bean, toast, smoke, and salinity.

Dry, high acidity, medium bodied, medium alcohol, medium (+) intensity, and a mediumish finish.

Conclusion: Very good.

Based on memory, it’s remarkably similar in style to the SA wine (cool climate, smaller regions, oak, premium, etc). Except that I remember assessing the SA example as ‘outstanding’. As much as it was a delight to try a wine from Oregon and that was made by a familiar producer, it was too similar to justify the price...my immediate neighbours agreed. It made me realise that I prefer to spend my import budget on unusual wines/varieties or wines that set the benchmark for the grape variety and/or style.

How do you choose to spend your import budget? I’m looking at you, Chardonnay lovers 😉).
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