WINE | Connoisseur’s Choice
4. Rickety Bridge Blanc de Blanc NV (Price R180.00) A fine, gentle mousse dances on the palate with flavours of green apple, fresh citrus, light caramel and brioche nuances. These delightful flavours combine seamlessly with classic richness and finely balanced acidity. Drink now or in 8 years. PAIRING: Enjoy with salmon, prawns, sushi, oysters, crayfish and steamed fish.
7. Anthonij Rupert Optima 2015 (Price R200.00) Delightful interplay of blackcurrant, cassis, violet perfume and an earthy richness. The wine feels silky, supple and smooth when it first hits the palate. Flavours of dark berry fruit, Christmas pudding, cigar box and spice then make their presence felt. Beautifully poised and balanced. Drink now. PAIRING: Enjoy with braised beef short rib.
10. Meerlust Merlot 2016 (Price R329.00) Intense dark brambly fruit on the nose, mulberry, liquorice and damson plum with hints of dark chocolate and spice, tempered by a stony minerality. The palate has ripe, pure Merlot fruit with refreshing acidity, structured yet silky tannins and pronounced length and minerality. Drink now or in 12 years. PAIRING: Enjoy with red meats, game and strong cheeses.
5. Stellekaya Orion Reserve 2012 (Price R625.00) The bold entry on the palate is followed with fruit and tannin. A gripping but lingering finish. With an addition of Malbec to this premier blend for the 1st time with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc has added an extra smoothness. Drink in 6 to 10 years. PAIRING: Slow-cooked oxtail stew with herbs or lamb shank.
8. Meerlust Rubicon 2016 (Price R449.00) Wonderful exotic aromas of plum, sandalwood and perfume, still with a touch of creamy vanilla. The palate is medium bodied with a forward dark fruit flavour of cassis and mulberry followed by a lithe tannic structure fleshed out with juicy fruit. Drink now or in 15–30 years. PAIRING: Venison, game, pot roast and noble cheese.
11. Meerlust Pinot Noir 2018 (Price R319.00) Floral perfume on the nose with dark berry fruit, musk, wild mushrooms, hints of iron, savoury richness and spice. The palate has fruit flavours of red cherry and musk with fresh acidity. Very fine lacy, almost powdery tannin on the finish. Drink now or in 2023. PAIRING: White and red meats, duck, parma ham, grilled line fish and tuna.
6. Stellekaya Merlot 2018 (Price R146.00) Deep crimson in colour. This wine showcases attractive dark berry fruit with savoury and earthy notes. Elegant with juicy soft tannins and good acidity. Drink in 8-10 Years. PAIRING: This wine pairs well with beef carpaccio, drizzled with homemade mayonnaise, topped with rocket and Parmesan shavings.
9. Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Price R359.00) The nose of the wine shows pronounced plum and classic cedarwood-cigar box notes with lifted dark fruit aromas. A characteristic hallmark aroma of fennel and liquorice. The palate of the wine is full bodied but with richness of fruit and supple tannic. Drink now or in 4-15 years. PAIRING: Roast meat and game.
12. Allée Bleue Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Price R99.99) Sweet tropical fruits welcome you on the nose, this is followed by intense passion fruit aromas well supported by hints of green pepper and typical herbaceousness. The palate is fresh and lively with loads of summer flavours and a clean, crisp finish. Drink within 2 years. PAIRING: Light vegetarian pasta with fresh herbs or scallops.
‘Floral perfume on the nose with dark berry fruit, musk, wild mushrooms, hints of iron, savoury richness and spice’ 2 8
SOUTH AFRICAN CONNOISSEUR
Ed's Choice.indd 28
2020/07/15 11:39 AM
