Editor's Choice: November 2008

Looking for a personal recommendation? Christian Eedes discusses the wines
that particularly stood out for him during this month's blind tastings.

VALUE CHARDONNAY
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS

 

Peacock Ridge 2006* (Waterkloof)
WATERKLOOF PRICE: R53
Second label of Somerset West winery Waterkloof, owned by UK wine importer Boutinot. Rich and full despite minimal use of oak (30% barrel fermented). Packed with citrus fruit and a good line of acidity.
CE's score: 16/20

VALUE SAUVIGNON BLANC
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS

Alexanderfontein 2008*
ORMONDE PRICE: R32
Dusty on the nose. Juicy fruit, fresh but not aggressive acidity. The palate has good weight and layers of flavour. Finishes bone dry - has residual sugar of only 1.2g/l. From Ormonde in the district of Darling.
CE's score: 17/20.

VALUE WHITE BLEND
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS

Altydgedacht Estate White 2008*
CELLAR PRICE: R60
A blend of 30% Viognier, 28% Chardonnay, 26% Chenin Blanc and 16% Gewürztraminer. Perfumed nose. The palate shows juicy fruit, fresh acidity and a touch of oak. Long, dry finish.
CE's score: 16/20.

INVESTMENT CHARDONNAY
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R87
Citrus on the nose and palate. Medium bodied and well balanced - crisp acidity lends freshness. Eight months in 40% new oak, rest second- and third-fill barrels.
CE's score: 17/20.

INVESTMENT SAUVIGNON BLANC
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS

Neil Ellis Groenekloof 2008*
CELLAR PRICE: R65
Shy nose but the palate shows sweet and juicy fruit balanced by zippy acidity. Has texture and should pair well with food. From Groenekloof ward in Darling.
CE's score: 17/20.

INVESTMENT WHITE BLEND
★ ★ ★ THREE STARS

Schalk Burger & Sons Myra 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R275
A blend of 50% Viognier, 40% Chenin Blanc and 10% Chardonnay. Forthcoming nose of stone fruit, citrus and melon. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and intensely flavourful. Lots of honey and
spice. Fresh acidity.
CE's score: 17/20.