Panel Report | WINE
WINES TASTED BY THE PANEL SWEET WHITE WINE WINE-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB: De Wet White Muscadel 2016 ALSO LIKED: De Wet Special Late Harvest 2016, Simonsig Gewürtztraminer 2017, Slanghoek Noble Late Harvest 2016, Slanghoek Private Selection Special Late Harvest 2017 WINES LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER: Altydgedacht Muskarade 2016, Asara Carillon 2014, Benguela Cove Noble Late Harvest 2015, DuToitskloof Tunnel Series Sweet White NV, Gabrielskloof Broken Stem 2016, Leopard’s Leap Lookout Semi Sweet 2017, McGregor White Muscadel 2016, Môreson Fudge 2013, Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc Noble Late Harvest 2014, Orange River Cellars Nouveau 2018, Overhex Magaliesburg Sweet Wine NV, Stellenrust Kleine Rust Semi Sweet 2018, Villiera Jasmine 2017, Villiera Jasmine 2018, Waterford Heatherleigh NV
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RINGING GOOD NEWS in the middle of the relentless march of the pandemic is indeed heartwarming. We tasted (before lockdown) two terrific categories, which prompted lots of lip smacking, and big smiles all round. Oh, and positive comments. Why the government banned wine is hard to understand as it comes with a built-in feel-good factor, just what was needed. But we are not in the alcohol business or the booze business; oh no, we are in the WINE business which is so much classier. After much to-ing and fro-ing, the government even realised that we are in the agricultural sector and allowed exports again. So now we’re even officially special and we—all wine lovers that is—can take a bow. But then we knew it all along. But back to those two categories that made us smile… I T ’S A L L I N T H E B LE ND Named for the Bordeaux region in south-western France, our Bordeauxstyle wines are well-oaked blends of the two Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc, with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, and with at least two or more required
in the blend. The idea is to make good any deficiencies of a single variety or to ameliorate an unwanted character by blending. The resulting wine becoming more complex than all but the most perfect single varietal wine can be. “I am so interested to see Cab Franc as the main partner,” Winnie says. “I’ve often wondered why we don’t use it more.” Now we’ve mentioned this before, but Cab Franc has become mainstream having been re-evaluated and rated much more highly than originally. Valued for its attractive aromas, the softer and silkier palate, and its family resemblance to Cabernet Sauvignon, which it seems to enhance, it is being used more and more frequently. As a stand-alone variety, it has gathered many followers, too. Colin is particularly enthusiastic. “A big thumbs up for this category,” he says, “a lot of stunning wines, well balanced and with great intensity of flavour.” SOUTH
Even though they COULD AGE, they are READY NOW. That’s good winemaking AFRICAN CONNOISSEUR
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