Editor's choice: May 2009
Investment Pinot Noir
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 2007
Cellar price: R270
Pinot Noir, grown and made outside of Burgundy, often flatters to deceive. Not so HRV, which has a proven track record dating from the first commercial release in 1981. This vintage is full but balanced and should reward at least three years of bottle maturation.
CE's score: 16/20.
Investment Cabernet Franc
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Zorgvliet Silvermyn Cabernet Franc 2007
Cellar price: R70
The Zorgvliet address alone suggests that this winery should be capable of excellence: it sits on the Helshoogte Pass near Thelema and Tokara. This wine shows cassis and some attractive herbaceous character on nose and palate, and I liked it for its freshness and elegance. CE's score: 17/20.
Value Port
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
De Krans Cape Vintage 2007
Cellar price: R58
What's the difference between Vintage and Vintage Reserve Port? In the case of the 2007 vintage wines from Calitzdorp producer De Krans, I preferred the less expensive and more elegant Vintage to its blockbuster Vintage Reserve counterpart. CE's score: 17/20.
Investment Port
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE STARS
Muratie Cape Vintage 2006
Cellar price: R130
The Muratie Cape Vintage Port is produced from a single vineyard planted in 1965. The different varieties (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Francesca, and Souzâo) are all planted in the same block. What particularly appeals to me about the 2006 is its purity and focus. CE's score: 17/20.
