Editor's Choice: January 2009
Looking for a personal recommendation? Christian Eedes discusses the wines that particularly stood out for him during this month's blind tastings.
VALUE RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R35
In addition to containing Cabernet Sauvignon (41%) and Shiraz (40%) as designated on the label, this wine also contains 13% Ruby Cabernet and 6% Malbec. Made for early drinking, it shows good balance: dark fruit matched by fresh acidity and well-judged oak.
CE's score: 15.5/20.
INVESTMENT RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Neethlingshof Lord Neethling Laurentius 2004
CELLAR PRICE: R95
This wine is classically styled, incorporating mainly Bordeaux varieties
(67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% Cabernet Franc and 13.5% Merlot)
but gets a tweak from 6% of local grape Pinotage. I like its cassis fruit
and firm but fine tannins. Should mature well. CE's score: 17/20.
VALUE RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Backsberg Elbar 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R59
It doesn't get more exotic than this blend of 28% Malbec, 25%
Mourvèdre, 23% Sangiovese, 16% Zinfandel, 7% Syrah and 1%
Viognier. The wine has a wonderfully aromatic nose (herbs,
potpourri) and a palate that shows red berry fruit and fresh acidity.
CE's score: 16/20.
INVESTMENT RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Columella 2006 (Sadie Family)
APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE: R580
The 2005 vintage of this wine holds the distinction of being the
highest-rated SA wine ever by US magazine Wine Spectator with a
score of 95 on the 100-point scale. If anything, I believe the 2006 (a
blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre) shows even more
complexity and refinement. CE's score: 17/20.
