This is a top drop, Wine Magazine rated this Merlot as the best in South Africa. No surprise when you know that winemaker Francois Van Zyl is passionate about this grape having worked and been a fan of Pomerol wines from Bordeaux. Hand selected grapes and natural free run juice, produces a ruby red colour, with a rich and complex aroma. Clearly defined notes of mocha, violets and seductive plumminess lead through to silky ripe tannins which are supported with spicy notes. This sensational award winning wine has a great depth of flavour and good length.
The Gooseberry Bush 2013
Nestled between the Breede River and the Langeberg Mountains, Bon Courage is the showpiece estate of Robertson. Its stately Cape Dutch homestead dates back to 1818 but grape growing only started there in 1921. Three generations later, the Bruwer family wins armfuls of awards every vintage. Bon Courage was Robertson’s best performing winery at the South African Young Wines Show 2009, with nine Champion Wines and 19 Gold medals. Shortly afterwards the 2009 Gooseberry Bush beat 200 wines to win the ‘Best White Blend’ Trophy. It’s an uplifting glassful of grassy, kiwi fruit Colombard with a dash of lemony Sauvignon. Zesty and appetising, this wine is best served chilled solo, as a party wine, or with avocado and prawn salad or grilled chicken.
Reds to Try Collection
Restock your wine rack with these hand-picked reds from around the world. Great value, juicy Brigando is from a top Portuguese wine maker while Palacio del Conde Gran Reserva is an old-vine Spanish Tempranillo. Chile’s The Patriots is a smooth, plummy Merlot from a cellar which helped shape Chile’s political history and Italy’s Villa Farnia de Farnese Montepulciano is from a three times ‘Winery of the Year’ winner. Bob Berton’s Willy Willly Shiraz is known and loved by 100s of customers and it won’t be long before NEW Californian Hang Ten Pinot Noir will be, too. Two full-bodied stars complete your line up: Le XV du Président’s 25th Anniversary special edition and South Africa’s mocha-scented Pinotage The Grinder.
The Huguenot Chenin Blanc 2013
Franschhoek is the culinary capital of South Africa – perhaps because of the influence of the French Huguenots who settled there in the 17th century. This white is from a top cellar in the region, and was created to honour the contribution these immigrants made to the country’s wine industry. Young winemaker Richard Duckitt began his career in Stellenbosch, and quickly showed a flair for his craft during his first year at the Muratie Wine Estate – going on to gain valuable experience at the world renowned Stags’ Leap cellars in the Napa Valley. He crafted this fine Chenin Blanc using a special yeast to slow fermentation and matured it on its fine lees for a nutty complexity. A fine partner to a creamy fish pie, chicken or spicy Thai dishes.
White River Chenin Blanc 2012
White River is from the Bergsig Estate, set amongst beautiful countryside in Worcester and dominated by a mountainous backdrop and the sweeping Breede River. The Lategan family have tended the land for over 150 years and young De Wet Lategan made his mark soon after taking the helm, becoming South Africa’s ‘Young Winemaker of the Year’.His sorbet fresh Chenin Blanc is very crisp, thanks to night harvesting of the grapes at the peak of ripeness, while cool fermentation has captured the lively lemon, lime and green apple character. Serve chilled as an apéritif or enjoy with white meat dishes, and pork.
