Panel chairman's choice: September 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 BORDEAUX-STYLE
RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R93
A medium-bodied, classically styled wine with red and black fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins. All five Bordeaux varieties are represented in the blend and the wine spent 21 months in French oak, 50% new. Supposedly the ‘little brother' to the flagship Die Arnoldus but not at all overshadowed. CE's score: 18/20
INVESTMENT BORDEAUX-STYLE
RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Durbanville Hills Caapmans Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R210
How much green character do you find attractive on your red wine? This from cool-climate Durbanville shows a pronounced herbal note on both nose and palate that I like very much but may not be loved by all. Plenty of dark fruit, fresh acidity and well-judged oak in addition. CE's score: 17/20
INVESTMENT BORDEAUX-STYLE
RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Capaia 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R155
This Philadelphia winery burst onto the scene when the maiden
2003 vintage was rated 5 Stars in WINE magazine during the course of 2005. The 2006 shows dark fruit, bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. Fifteen months in new French oak contributes to an elegant, well-assembled package. CE's score: 17/20
INVESTMENT BORDEAUX-STYLE
RED BLEND
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond 2007
CELLAR PR ICE: R286
A complex nose showing cassis, some dusty oak notes and violets. The palate shows great finesse with juicy fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins all combining seamlessly. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, it spent 22 months in new French oak. CE's score: 17/20
