South African Wines - Tasting July 2010

For the South African wine tasting, I decided to go in a slightly different direction, and do regional comparisons for some of the wines.  For example, we tasted a Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, but also one from the Loire Valley.  While South Africa has made many admirable strides in the last 15 years, it is still a very new wine region.  As a result, there isn’t a lot of regionality to the wines – varietals determine.  There are great values to be had and I’m excited to see how South African wines evolve...  

Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2008 ~ $14

Stellenbosch

This wine did not have much a nose.  A very pale wine, it had a light fruity palate with tastes of pineapple and citrus.  There was a nice minerality as well.  This is not an amazing wine, but a nice little summer quaff.  

Sauvion Vouvray 2006 ~ $14

Loire Valley

In comparison to the Raats, this wine was much more voluptuous.  It was a light gold color again, but it had fantastic aromas off pear and apricots.  The palate was a little on the sweet side for some of the tasters.  It had a nice lemony, floral quality and great mouth feel.  For a Vouvray lover, this is a deal!

Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2008 ~ $15

Paarl

This golden chardonnay had a pretty strong lemony, nutty nose.  The palate continues with lemon, toasted nuts and butter.      I felt that the tastes were a little rough, though, and that the wine could have been better integrated.  Good buy, in any case…

Chappellet Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 ~ $25

Napa Valley

This is a classic Napa chard – all butter and toast.  Now while this is not my style of wine, it is nicely made.  It has a delicate, floral nose.  It was rounded and creamy on the palate, with pineapple and apple and a toasty finish.

Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ~ $40

Stellenbosch

This cab had an overwhelming nose of green pepper and smoky spice.  On the palate, there was a little black fruit, but the main flavors were smoke, earth and coffee.  This felt more old world in character than new world.  But it still had that meaty edge that I associate with South African reds.  

Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon Premiere 2006 ~ $75

Napa Valley

This is an intense Napa can. The nose was spicy, with pepper and tobacco notes and not much fruit.  The palate was similarly rich with almost no fruit, and an earthy/tobacco finish.  I think this tannic wine needs a few more years in the bottle to round it out.  

Warwick Pinotage “Old Bush Vines” 2007 ~ $19

Stellenbosch

I admit, I am not the biggest fan of pinotage, however, this is possibly one of the nicest I’ve ever tasted.  It has a fantastic cherry nose, with a little underpinning of earth.  On the palate, there is less fruit, and a lot of tobacco, spice and smoke.  Think grilled.  

Graham Beck Brut Rose NV ~ $16

Robertson & Stellenbosch

My first sparkling wine from South Africa and I enjoyed it.  I was not blown away by its complexity, but it was drinkable, for sure.  A blend of pinot noir & chardonnay, it had nice flavors of raspberries with a mineral finish.  A good party wine.  

J Vineyards Vintage Brut 200 ~ $40

Russian River Valley

This was a last minute addition to contrast with the Graham Beck.  This is a more complex sparkling wine.  The nose is quite reminiscent of biscuits or bread, with almond undertones.  The palate is very clean, with apple flavors and a continuation of the nutty nose.  I like this wine a lot.