Editor's choice: October 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.
INVESTMENT CAP CLASSIQUE
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Laborie Blanc de Blanc 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R65
The 2000 vintage of this wine won the Cap Classique Challenge in 2005 so this label from the KWV-owned estate in Paarl is not without pedigree. The 2006 is full bodied and rich with great depth of flavour having spent 33 months on the lees. Tangy acidity lends balance. CE's score: 16/20.
INVESTMENT CAP CLASSIQUE
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Villiera - Woolworths The Black Label
Vintage Reserve 2004
WOOLWORTHS PRICE: R92.95
The 1999 Vintage Reserve made by Stellenbosch winery Villiera on behalf of retail chain Woolworths won the trophy for best in class at the 2007 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and this release impresses again. The wine is complex and balanced and should reward further bottle maturation. CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT CAP CLASSIQUE
★ ★ ★ ✩ THREE AND A HALF STARS
Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Brut 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R225
A blend of 87.4% Pinot Noir and 12.6% Chardonnay, I found this wine light bodied and pleasingly austere. It has good fruit expression as well as fresh acidity, making for a finish that is invigoratingly dry. Only the hefty price prevents you from drinking lots and lots of it. CE's score: 16/20.
INVESTMENT CAP CLASSIQUE
★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS
Teddy Hall Blanc de Blancs 2005
CELLAR PRICE: R245
Mr Chenin Blanc turns his hand to bubbly and comes up with what was wine of the tasting for me. Whereas a lot of Cap Classique can be a little plain, this has wonderful complexity thanks, in part, to an extended 48 months on the lees. CE's score: 17/20.
