Tasting editor's choice: March 2010
Panel chairman's choice
Looking for a personal recommendation? Christian Eedes discusses the wines that particularly stood out for him during this month's blind tastings.
VALUE MERLOT
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
Zevenwacht 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R60
This is the product of some thoughtful winemaking, with grapes sourced from both Banhoek and Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch, and the wine matured for 15 months in French oak hogsheads, a third new, a third second-fill and the balance third-fill. Elegant and harmonious. CE's score: 17/20.
VALUE MERLOT
★ ★ ★ ✩ three and a half stars
KWV Reserve 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R65
Previously obliged to export, KWV entered the domestic market in the mid-1990s but to date has largely struggled to make an impact. This wine, however, shows serious intent on the part of the winemaking team; it over-delivers on structure and complexity relative to price point. CE's score: 17/20.
INVESTMENT MERLOT
★ ★ ★ three stars
Boland Cellar No 1 Reserve 2007
CELLAR PRICE: R76
A statement wine from the Paarl operation that processes close on 25 000 tons of grapes per year. Prunes and fruitcake on the nose while the palate is rich and full with good fruit expression, bright acidity and chunky tannins. A weighty, powerful wine that still has balance. CE's score: 16/20.
INVESTMENT MERLOT
★ ★ ★ three stars
Eagles' Nest 2006
CELLAR PRICE: R120
This boutique cellar with vineyards high on the slopes of the mountains surrounding Constantia is rapidly making a name for itself for wines of finesse, and this is very much in that vein. Mint and some dusty notes on the nose, while the palate shows dark fruit, fine tannins and bright acidity. CE's score: 16.5/20.
