Panel chairman's choice: July 2010
Panel chairman's choice
Looking for a personal recommendation? Christian Eedes discusses some of the wines that stood out for him during this month's blind tastings.
INVESTMENT NATURAL SWEET
★ ★ ★ three stars
Buitenverwachting 1769 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R90 (500ml)
Made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan, this wine provides serious competition for the iconic Vin de Constance from nearby Klein Constantia. Appealing aromas of blossom, peach and apricot on the nose while the palate is rich and intense but balanced by vibrant acidity. Rated 5 Stars in Platter's 2010. CE's score: 16/20
INVESTMENT NOBLE LATE HARVEST
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Fort Simon Platinum Collection Viognier 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R99 (375ml)
Made from 100% Viognier, this wine puts the variety's exuberance to good use. Tropical fruit, honey and spice on the nose, while the palate is rich and viscous in texture without becoming cloying. Twelve months in French oak, a third of which was new. CE's score: 18/20
INVESTMENT NOBLE LATE HARVEST
★ ★ ★ three stars
Lourensford 2009
CELLAR PRICE: R90 (375ml)
100% Semillon. This wine shows a conspicuous botrytis-derived fungal note on the nose in addition to typical varietal notes such as musk, white pepper and green melon. The palate is very rich and fullflavoured but balanced by bright acidity. You'll either love it or hate it. CE's score: 18/20
INVESTMENT NOBLE LATE HARVEST
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Boekenhoutskloof 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R150 (375ml)
100% Semillon. The nose shows a subtle mushroom character as well as lime, green melon and appealing oak notes. The palate is remarkably elegant with layers of flavour, smooth texture and soft but sufficient acidity. As close as South Africa gets to wines of Sauternes, Bordeaux. CE's score: 18/20
