CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE—A

WINE | Connoisseur’s Choice

CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE

A SELECTION OF TOP WINES TO TRY

1. Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 (Price R619) Understated aromas of dark fruitcake, cherry blossom and subtle violet perfume with just a hint of cocoa powder. Impressive cohesion of nose and palate with those same fruitcake, cherry and violet notes being found in the mouth. Bright, lively and juicy but wonderfully dry and structured with impressive refinement. PAIRING: Beef, lamb and poultry.

4. Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2020

(Price R79) Expressive tropical fruit salad aromas leap out of the glass, followed by underlying green fig and apple notes. Fruit forward with a rich tropical midpalate of guava and passion fruit. Lively and fresh, this Sauvignon Blanc displays complex, but beautifully balanced fruit. Drink now. PAIRING: Prawns, calamari, fresh oysters, asparagus quiche and Thai noodle salads.

38

SOUTH AFRICAN CONNOISSEUR

2. Anthonij Rupert L’Ormarins Blanc

De Blanc 2013 (Price R239) The palate is taut, zesty and crisp on entry. Bright and fresh with tangy lemon and grapefruit vivacity - that then makes way for riper, fleshier fruit – generous orange, apple and stone fruit flavour. The wine then broadens out on the midpalate with a creamier, fuller-bodied richness taking over before it tightens once more with a defined, dry and crisp tail. PAIRING: Grilled prawn salad, sushi, chocolate-dipped strawberries.

5. Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

(Price R92) This wine earns its reputation as King Cab with deep, defined flavours and incredible structure. Layers of red cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant are backed up by ripe plum and cocoa on the nose, and luscious dark chocolate notes. PAIRING: Spaghetti and meatballs, braised short rib and sticky slow-roasted pork belly.

3. Brampton Roxton Red Blend 2017

(Price R155) The Petit Verdot contributes to the muscular structure of the wine while the Shiraz adds a distinctive flavour and spice to the mid-palate. The Malbec adds bright berry fruit. Delicious dark black cherries with dark chocolate and spice on the mid-palate and a lingering finish. Drink now or cellar up to 10 years. PAIRING: Steak with chunky chips and a horseradish cream, venison or a pulled pork burger.

6. Brampton Roxton Black Cabernet

Sauvignon 2017 (Price R180) The palate expresses the vintage by bringing together the masculine firmness and length of the Cabernet Sauvignon with a juicy fruit core. A seamless integration of oak spice and oak tannin entwined with the Cabernet’s masculinity adds real depth and complexity to the wine. PAIRING: Beef, lamb and poultry.

7. De Wetshof Limestone Hill

Chardonnay 2021 (Price R99) The De Wetshof Estate Limestone Hill Chardonnay never sees oak, and offers impeccably pure, refreshing apple, peach and lemon fruit. A lively leesy richness of texture, and a nutty, chalky, fruit-filled finish of imposing length. Drink within 3-5 years. PAIRING: Oysters, cream-based pasta dishes and light curries, as well as roast pork and veal dishes.

10. Swartland Ltd Roussanne 2020

(Price R115) Mid lemon yellow; very individual aromas of yellow peach and peach pip with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Ripe and fleshy, fresh Beurre Bosc pear flavour with good whack of oak, has the big build to take it. PAIRING: Subtly-spiced fish bobotie, or braised pork fillet with potato and apple, or duck breast drizzled with ginger and honey.

8. Du Toitskloof Lands End Sauvignon

Blanc 2019 (Price R110) This classic wine exudes a bouquet of wild tropical fruit flavours intermingled with hints of flint and freshly picked herbs, ripe kiwi fruit and gooseberry on the palate with a mineral finish. Drink now or within 2 years. PAIRING: Crayfish, oysters or sautéed asparagus spears.

11. Rainbow’s End Cabernet Franc 2018

(Price R279) Nuances of dark cherry, earthy, black berries, tobacco and black forest cake. There is underlying fynbos and lavender but no heavy vegetativeness. Intense dark purple colour. Oak perfume with blackberry and hazelnut on the nose. Broad smooth tannins. Cellar for 2-5 years. PAIRING: Roasted or grilled meats, hearty stews and dishes with rich sauces.

Connoisseur’s Choice | WINE

9. Koelenbosch Merlot 2019 (Price R105) The wine has a vibrant red colour with aromas of red berries followed by slight notes of smokiness. Flavours of raspberry and mocha on the palate add to the structure of this full-bodied Merlot. PAIRING: Smoked pork ribs, pizza with parma ham and Camembert or venison pie.

12. Survivor Reserve Chenin Blanc 2019

(Price R339) A barrel-fermented wine that rewards with a medley of apricot and peach flavours. Showing excellent oak integration and a fresh lime zest finish. PAIRING: French onion tart, roast chicken, creamy butternut and Camembert.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can join our Olive Oil Club today and receive the best local olive oils and olive oil products from around South Africa. You can choose how often you would like to receive them and they’ll be delivered to your door.

Call: 021 492 4100 www.wineofthemonth.co.za

‘A medley of apricot and peach flavours’

To purchase these wines and more, head to our website WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTH.CO.ZA

SOUTH AFRICAN CONNOISSEUR 39