Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay-Pinot Noir 2010

16 / 20

Producer: Boschendal

Region: Boschendal

Country:South Africa

An interesting blend for a still white, the first impressions on this South African white instantly take us into Champagne territory, with a lot of toast notes combined with some boiled apples and pears. Also present is an interesting mineral side and some spices impressions which gives it an edge.

Good, enticing palate that combines a good, elegant and fresh acidity with an heavier structure resulting in a very interesting and original white. It's probably worth cellaring for a couple of years as well.

Durbanville Hills Pinotage 2010

15 / 20

Producer: Durbanville Hills

Region: Durbanville

Country: South Africa

The link to Pinot Noir (Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut present in South Africa since 1925) is evident in both the color - light, not extracted at all - and in the blend from red cherries, strawberries and an earthier, smokier side that one can feel in the nose. As it was opened, there were some slightly unpleasant rustic and animal notes that overshadowed the rest. But as these became more subdued, hints of vanilla appear that give it some grace.

Not very intense or heavy in the mouth, its standout feature at first is a remarkable acidity. The same rustic, animal notes I found in the nose are also present here in the palate. Again, as time goes by, these recede into the background and some strawberries start to appear in the back of the taste. Definitely gains a lot of balance if enjoyed at a meal, instead of by itself.

Lion's Land Shiraz Pinotage 2008

15.0 / 20

Producer: Lion's Land

Region: Swartland

Country: South Africa

Clear garnet, this is a blend of Shiraz and Pinotage, pinotage being South Africa's signature variety. Apparently, it's a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. I believe this was the first time I tasted a Pinotage wine and I definitely see the link to Pinot Noir, both in the light color of the wine and in some earthy/smoky scents and flavors that I usually associate with Pinot Noir.

The bouquet brings some dried plums and jam, a bit monotone at first. It becomes a little more interesting as it opens, revealing the afore mentioned earth/smoke notes as well as a spicier, peppery side.

The first taste reveals a light body and a good deal of acidity. Surprisingly, I felt a lot more red fruits here than in the nose. As with the nose, as it opens the palate becomes more revealing and the dried plums and jam in the nose also appear here. Lightly structured and with balanced tannins, both the acidity and the spicier, peppery notes give it some interest. Medium length finish wraps up the taste.

Tasted on 2012-10-20

Engelbrecht Els 2006

16.5 / 20

Producer: Ernie Els Wines

Region: Stellenbosch

Country: South Africa

Deep purple in colour, this south african wine shows portentous aromas of red fruit, along with some pepper and vegetable aromas and just a hint of smoke. It's a full bodied, fruit forward, new worldly wine although it remains quite balanced and harmonious. A really strong and persistent finish marks the end of the tasting.

Tasted on 2010-05-19