South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Coastal Region | 5 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€443.65 |
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Vinous (91)(15% alcohol; 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 14% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Franc; aged in 100% new French oak): Full ruby-red. Lively aromas of dark plum, currant, coffee and mocha complicated by an herbal/peppery aspect and a note of menthol. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with currant, plum and spice flavors complicated by subtle hints of underbrush, truffle and menthol. Conveys a lovely impression of slow ripening. This plush, full, satisfying Cabernet finishes with big but ripe tannins and subtle persistence, and without obvious heat. |
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Coastal Region | 9 | 88 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€203.65 |
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Vinous (88)(15.3% alcohol; aged for 18 months in 35% new French oak): Good dark red. Musky, slightly wild, almost Syrah-like nose hints at mocha, woodsmoke and pepper. Very smooth and very dry, offering subtle red berry, woodsmoke and pepper flavors. A bit too woodsmoky for my taste but there's no denying the wine's silky middle palate. A serious dusting of tannins currently cuts off the fruit of this savory Merlot, giving the persistent finish a faint dryness. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Coastal Region | 5 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
€351.00 |
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Vinous (91)(15% alcohol; 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 14% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Franc; aged in 100% new French oak): Full ruby-red. Lively aromas of dark plum, currant, coffee and mocha complicated by an herbal/peppery aspect and a note of menthol. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with currant, plum and spice flavors complicated by subtle hints of underbrush, truffle and menthol. Conveys a lovely impression of slow ripening. This plush, full, satisfying Cabernet finishes with big but ripe tannins and subtle persistence, and without obvious heat. |
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Coastal Region | 9 | 88 (VN) |
In Bond
€151.00 |
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Vinous (88)(15.3% alcohol; aged for 18 months in 35% new French oak): Good dark red. Musky, slightly wild, almost Syrah-like nose hints at mocha, woodsmoke and pepper. Very smooth and very dry, offering subtle red berry, woodsmoke and pepper flavors. A bit too woodsmoky for my taste but there's no denying the wine's silky middle palate. A serious dusting of tannins currently cuts off the fruit of this savory Merlot, giving the persistent finish a faint dryness. |
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