1992 La Motte Millennium Stellenbosch Wynlandgoed Franschhoek South Africa. Wine of the Month; Retail $14.00; Club $11.00. 13.5% alcohol. A blend of various grapes from a variety of vineyards.
It's fun to compare my wine notes over time. Three nights ago I found a bottle of this wine in my efforts to clear out Janet's cellar -- I remember buying from a South African wine club in the first year of drinking wine seriously, and this was a special -- purchased three bottles if memory serves. My first note was so so -- I was actually trying to count how long a finish persisted. :-)
10/16/1995. Deep red color; earthy aroma with some fruit; full mouth feel; some fruit and earth taste with mild tannin; five second finish. Disappointing. 3*.
Almost 11 years later, one bottle was an absolute delight, perhaps the best wine I've ever had from South Africa. Deep red color, deep hue, slight bricking, lovely subdued aromas of fruit, a bit of spice, chocolate, some earth; lovely well integrated tastes of fruit, spice, earth, coffee and more, medium mouth feel, smooth tannins, long lingering finish with lovely chocolate and fruit notes. An exceptional sipping wine. 4*+.
La Motte has a very pretty web page at http://www.franschhoek.org.za/La_Motte.htm ; You have to love this description:
"La Motte’s owner, Hanneli Koegelenberg, has established herself under her professional name, Hanneli Rupert, as one of South Africa’s leading mezzo-sopranos. In South Africa and abroad she enthralls concert audiences with her magnificent voice. As Hanneli strives towards perfection in music, La Motte strives towards creating prestigious wines, which are truly memorable. In this, the wine cellar has achieved an unparalleled level of artistry. It is nothing short of pure art. Perhaps even great art."
This little wine made great music for Janet and me three nights ago.
Regards, Bob