South Africa Tasting – June 2024

  1. Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé, Robertson 2018
    Region: Robertson, Western Cape
    Grape: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
    ABV: 12.5%
    Made in the traditional method, known in South Africa as Méthode Cap Classique. A unique first for South Africa in that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were pressed together in the same press. This bubbly has a beautiful salmon pink hue. Noticeable ripe blueberries and a subtle spiciness from the Pinot Noir with creamy complexity from the Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit and slight honeysuckle flavours on the palate, with a persistent yet delicate mousse.
    Majestic £18.99 (mix six price, or £22.99 per single bottle)
  2. Klein Constantia Estate Riesling, Constantia 2021
    Region: Constantia
    Grapes: 100% Riesling
    ABV: 13.5%
    Dating to 1685, Klein Constantia is one of the world’s oldest wine estates. The label is most famous for its signature dessert wine, Vin de Constance, but also turns out a range of elegant dry bottlings, as this Riesling goes to show. Grapes ripen on granite soils set between 70m and 343m above sea level, cooled by constant ocean breezes from the nearby coast. Extended contact between grape skins and juice during the production process develops real character: expect a floral and fruity flavour with grippy acidity and full body. Try it with seafood, for example scallops with lime or freshly shucked oysters.
    Majestic £16.99 (mix six price, or £19.99 per single bottle)
  3. Luddite, ‘The Saboteur’ White Blend, Bot River/Elgin 2020
    Region: Bot River/Elgin
    Grape: Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc
    ABV: 13%
    Luddite vary the blend a little each year, but it’s always led by Chenin Blanc supported by Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc which is grown in the Bot River and surrounding areas. Each component was vinified separately and spent 6 months in barrel before blending. Complex, layered and nutty, with a salty tang and a hint of stone fruit from partial botrytis.
    Quaff Wines £22.99
  4. Beaumont ‘Hope Marguerite’ Chenin Blanc Bot River 2022
    Region: Bot River, Walker Bay, Western Cape
    Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc
    ABV:12.5%
    Sebastian Beaumont’s top Chenin Blanc. This riper, expressive South African vintage offers generous creamy texture reined in by a core of pithy freshness. The mouthfeel culminates in a long and persistent finish on the palate.
    The Wine Society £29
  5. Spice Route Pinotage, Swartland 2022
    Region: Swartland
    Grapes: 100% Pinotage
    ABV: 14%
    This Pinotage displays the unique character of the grape (a crossing of Pinot Noir x Cinsault). It is produced in the Swartland region, which is known for its warm, dry climate and diverse soils. The wine is deeply coloured, with aromas of ripe dark fruit, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, there is an explosion of rich black fruit flavours, with a touch of smokiness and well-integrated oak. The tannins are firm, but not overpowering, contributing to a lengthy and satisfying finish.
    Seven Cellars, £19.95
  6. Boekenhoutskloof, Syrah, Swartland, 2020
    Region: Swartland
    Grapes: 100% Syrah
    ABV: 14%
    Boekenhoutskloof began in 1776 and is now in the very capable hands of Marc Kent, one of the biggest names in South African wine. This is one of the most in-demand Syrah bottlings in the country. It has concentrated notes of blackcurrant, black olive, ripe plums, cardamom, and black pepper. Match with a dish that can stand up to plenty of flavour, like barbecued ribs or juicy beef burgers.
    Majestic £33.99 (mix six price, or £39.99 per single bottle)
  7. Aslina ‘Umsasane’ Red Blend, Stellenbosch, 2020
    Region: Stellenbosch
    Grape: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot
    ABV: 14.5%
    Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela has an incredible history as the first female black winemaker in South Africa. Her label, Aslina, is named in honour of her grandmother. Predominantly Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon, with portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is an elegant, well-structured and cedary Bordeaux-style blend with plenty of fruit sweetness and freshness, and smooth, moreish finish.
    Butler’s £25.50
  8. Boplaas Cape Tawny, Western Cape NV
    Region: Western Cape
    Grapes: Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional, Souzao
    ABV: 17.5%
    In the classic fortified style, this is a ten-year-old blend of classic Port grapes. The bouquet unfurls with walnut, roasted almond, honey, caramel, a melange of spices, citrus, warming brandy and charred oak notes that typify Tawny. A lusciously smooth, mouth-watering palate of brandied fruits, roasted nuts, honey, caramel toffee, warm spices and hints of citrus. The Nels first exported their fortified wines and pot-still brandies to Britain in 1880.
    The Wine Society £19.50

    The group voted the Aslina red as the wine of the evening by a large majority.

    The wines were accompanied by biltong, two pates, three cheeses, crackers, olives, various nuts and grapes.