Interesting evening at DeVines downtown, hosted by Hayley who lived in SA for 5yrs. 20 participants and sit-down with food........Borwurst, a great sausage and Bobotie which is a spiced ground meat dish topped with a sort of egg custard. I thought the addition of a hint of curry worked nicely with the white wines served.
1) NV Tribal Sparkling Brut (Paarl).
Reception wine, $13 Cdn, co-op, simple with apple flavors. Blend of Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Colombard, Semillon. Summer sipper on the patio.
2). `06 Mulderbosch Sauv Blanc (Stellenbosch).
Winner no doubt about that!...... but $28 Cdn. Aroma of green pepper,olive, fig, guava. Lovely finish, reminds me of Montana NZ. Gooseberry, grass, green pepper et al. Great SB.
3) `05 Rudera Chenin Blanc, (Stellenbosch).
Think my glass was suffering from detergent problems. No nose but all thought citrus, peach, mineral. I did find some apricot. Palate was lovely and great with the Bobotie. Apple, spice, lime, think this is a great producer! Tasted previous the `03/`04.
4) `03 Eikendal Shiraz (Stellenbosch).
Great wine but like all shiraz, some like it others not so sure (comments in room). I thought this could be N Rhone with meaty, bacon tar nose. Good mid-palate and nose followed through on finish. Chewy, plum, blackberry, spice, mint. Buy and taste alongside Vasse Felix!!! Well, I like both so there!
5) `05 Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block (Fransschoek).
Many ladies attended and all liked this. Us men not so sure! Big purple in color, nose of mocha, choc, blackberry. Dry finish, needs time with plum, currant, tobacco. Flew out of the store! $42 Cdn, blend of Cab Sauv, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier.
6) `04 Saxenburg Private Collection Pinotage (Kuils River).
As usual much discussion about this grape variety! Some head scratching, some can I have more. Not the most popular wine served and was this typical I asked? Aroma was smoked meat, plum and on palate tar, earth, clove (lots). Good tannins but one taster thought "paint and plastocine".
I noted at end of evening not the greatest seller, but did create much comment. $28 Cdn.
7) `05 Springfield Whole Berry Cab Sauv. (Robertson Valley).
Very nice wine, obviously different. Softish tannins, black and red berry fruits. Spice, currant, licorice, long finish. $38 Cdn, big buy at store I heard. Someone said this is old style of winemaking in SA?
`05 Eikendal Late Harvest Chenin Blanc (Stell.).
Many like this out there. I was surprised at deep color for 3 yrs old. Nose tad closed, medium gold. Pineapple, mint, good balance, nice acidity. Must drink up some I have in the cellar from other producers.
So a good tasting and always interesting to hear other comments. Food was spot on eh.
