My experience with South African red wines is limited, but I’ve enjoyed some Meerlust reds and a few other random bottles. I have to say, while this wasn’t a revelation, it is the best South African wine I’ve had to date.
This was a bottle opened blind for a few people. Oddly enough, there were similarities to this and a 2013 Almaviva…a burnt rubber/tire note on the nose alongside a vegetal/herbal pronounced note on the nose. Tangy/sour black cherries, red currant and red licorice too. Mostly red and black underripe fruit dominant. Even a bit of tar. This drinks like a chinon mixed with a lean vintage Bordeaux…the spice and vegetal flair is there next to the lightweight mid palate from a cooler Bordeaux vintage. A blend of five “noble varietals” in honor of Bordeaux, this was a unique wine that had people guessing from all over the world. After 1-2hrs of air from
bottle, it was balanced/integrated and ready to roll. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later.
My experience with South African red wines is limited, but I’ve enjoyed some Meerlust reds and a few other random bottles. I have to say, while this wasn’t a revelation, it is the best South African wine I’ve had to date.
This was a bottle opened blind for a few people. Oddly enough, there were similarities to this and a 2013 Almaviva…a burnt rubber/tire note on the nose alongside a vegetal/herbal pronounced note on the nose. Tangy/sour black cherries, red currant and red licorice too. Mostly red and black underripe fruit dominant. Even a bit of tar. This drinks like a chinon mixed with a lean vintage Bordeaux…the spice and vegetal flair is there next to the lightweight mid palate from a cooler Bordeaux vintage. A blend of five “noble varietals” in honor of Bordeaux, this was a unique wine that had people guessing from all over the world. After 1-2hrs of air from
bottle, it was balanced/integrated and ready to roll. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later.
Dec 8th, 2021
Always trying to spread the love and give a little bit of knowledge about South African wines. We decided to bring a solid Bordeaux Blend to share with some new friends at Hatchet Hall in LA.
Deep and dark ruby red with purple hues. Dark spices on the nose with some gravel, cassis and dark black cherries. Medium plus dry tannins (7.5/10) and medium plus to full bodied. Definitely benefited from the short decant. Layered palate with notes of dark red berries, minerality, and some sweet spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028. (92+)
Always trying to spread the love and give a little bit of knowledge about South African wines. We decided to bring a solid Bordeaux Blend to share with some new friends at Hatchet Hall in LA.
Deep and dark ruby red with purple hues. Dark spices on the nose with some gravel, cassis and dark black cherries. Medium plus dry tannins (7.5/10) and medium plus to full bodied. Definitely benefited from the short decant. Layered palate with notes of dark red berries, minerality, and some sweet spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028. (92+)
May 24th, 2018Ninth red wine at our annual DMV South African wine tasting. Medium to deep ruby red. Muted nose to start with notes of iron, cassis, dark sweet spices, and cocoa. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Almost caramel like on the palate with vanilla and dark berries. Nice level of richness and very long finish. Drink till 2028.
Ninth red wine at our annual DMV South African wine tasting. Medium to deep ruby red. Muted nose to start with notes of iron, cassis, dark sweet spices, and cocoa. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Almost caramel like on the palate with vanilla and dark berries. Nice level of richness and very long finish. Drink till 2028.
Mar 5th, 2018Deep ruby red. Savory notes on the nose, a bit meaty, cherries and herbal notes. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied. A little bit of bitter dark cocoa, leather, herbal notes, and dark cherries. Dry and long finish. Drink till 2028.
Deep ruby red. Savory notes on the nose, a bit meaty, cherries and herbal notes. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied. A little bit of bitter dark cocoa, leather, herbal notes, and dark cherries. Dry and long finish. Drink till 2028.
1 person found it helpfulNov 29th, 2017
Excellent wine ... Never disappoints
Excellent wine ... Never disappoints
1 person found it helpfulNov 20th, 2017Second red wine at Table #4 at Oakton Wine Shops Bucket List Tasting.
Deep ruby red with a touch of garnet. Mute nose to start but still tight with barnyard and meaty undertones. Some dark berries, and perfume. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) with a rich palate. Dark berries, gravel, spices and twigs. Full bodied with a long and dry finish. Drink till 2028. (91+)
Second red wine at Table #4 at Oakton Wine Shops Bucket List Tasting.
Deep ruby red with a touch of garnet. Mute nose to start but still tight with barnyard and meaty undertones. Some dark berries, and perfume. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) with a rich palate. Dark berries, gravel, spices and twigs. Full bodied with a long and dry finish. Drink till 2028. (91+)
1 person found it helpfulJul 23rd, 2017
Excellent. Vintage 2014.
Oct 19th, 2018
Hmm.
Jun 24th, 2017
David had this 7 years ago
David had this 7 years ago
Dec 2nd, 2017
Matt had this 7 years ago
Matt had this 7 years ago
Aug 13th, 2017
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
