Editor's choice: December 2009
Editor's choice
Looking for a personal recommendation? Christian Eedes discusses the wines that particularly stood out for him during this month's blind tastings.
VALUE CHENIN BLANC
★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Stellar Organics Chenin Blanc 2009
CELLAR PRICE: R19.95
Real bang for your buck from Stellar Winery, situated near the hamlet of Trawal in Namaqualand and South Africa's largest producer of wines from organically grown grapes. Very primary on the nose with guava and tropical fruit aromas. The palate shows good fruit expression and bright acidity. CE's score: 16/20.
INVESTMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Reyneke Reserve White 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R160
From South Africa's only officially registered biodynamic producer, this wine is positioned simply as a "dry white" but is actually 100% barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc. The nose is expressive with aromas of musk and green melon. The palate displays juicy fruit and tangy acidity. Good fIavour intensity but not weighty. CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Bon Cap Cape Blend 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R60
43% Pinotage, 35% Petit Verdot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. This winery situated in the Eilandia ward of Robertson has been making wine from organically grown grapes since 2002. Black fruit and some floral fragrance on the nose, while the palate displays good fruit and refreshing acidity. Elegant, balanced. CE's score: 16.5/20.
INVESTMENT STRAW WINE
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Groot Parys Die Tweede Droom Vin de Paille 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R89
Maiden vintage of a vin de paille from this small winery (only 1 500 cases in total per year) outside Paarl. Yellow-orange in colour, the nose shows dried apricots and honey. The palate is complex and layered, showing dried fruit, spice and again honey. Long, nutty finish. CE's score: 17/20.
