Editor's choice: July 2009
Editor's choice: July 2009
This month Christian Eedes looks at wines from Slanghoek, Usana, Neethlingshof and Paul Cluver.
VALUE NATURAL SWEET
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Slanghoek Private Selection Crème de Chenin 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R25 (500ML)
This Worcester co-op has a reputation for delivering great quality relative to price. This Natural Sweet shows a hint of floral perfume on the nose, with complexity of flavour on the palate - a savoury overlay to preserved citrus fruit. Zippy acidity lends balance and makes for good drinkability. CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT NOBLE LATE HARVEST
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Usana Nectar 2008
APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE: R100 (500ML)
From Sauvignon Blanc. Pale yellow in colour. Aromatic nose showing spearmint and apple aroma, light bodied but intensely flavoured on the palate. Shows a hint of pepperiness. CE's score: 17/20
INVESTMENT NOBLE LATE HARVEST
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS
Neethlingshof Lord Neethling Weisser Riesling 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R75 (375ML)
From a vineyard planted in 1992. This wine shows a particular marmalade character on the nose and palate. In addition, there are flavours of dried apricot and honey. Medium bodied with fresh acidity - an elegant, well-balanced wine. Both the 1997 and 1998 vintages of this wine were rated 5 Stars in Platter's. CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT NOBLE LATE HARVEST
★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS
Paul Cluver Weisser Riesling 2008
CELLAR PRICE: R170 (375ML)
Very dark yellow in colour. Dried apricot on the nose and palate. Good viscosity but also wonderfully clean, pure fruit and an exquisite line of acidity. A very fine example. See pp. 56- 63 for more on this wine. CE's score: 18/20.
