BUYING GUIDE - Wine Enthusiast

More documents

Recommendations

Info

licious now, but should hold together nicely for another couple of years. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $19 88 Steenberg 2010 Private Cellar Series Sauvignon Blanc (Coastal Region). Tart and fresh, with lovely aromas of grass, green plum and asparagus. Glimmers of stony minerality flash on the palate, with lime pith and plum skin flavors driving through to the mouthwatering finish. Brisk and slightly pricky texture. Maritime Wine Trading Collective. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $16 88 Thelema 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch). There’s a detectible fynbos character to the herbal edge of this wine, mingling with the white peach and gooseberry fruit aromas and flavors. A clementine citrus edge remains through the long finish. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $20 86 Glen Erskine 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Elgin). A good value selection, with green notes of bell pepper, asparagus and lime on the nose and in the mouth. Lightweight, with good lift and a herbal character that lingers on the finish. The Triton Collection. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $12 86 Morgenhof 2010 Fantail Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch). Solid and straightforward, this refreshing and vibrant Sauv Blanc is light and approachable, with aromas and flavors of lemon, sweet grass and pineapple core throughout. A crowd-pleasing selection for entertaining. Terry Seitz. —L.B. abv: 11.5% Price: $19 85 Thelema 2010 Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc (Elgin). A bit muted and shy on the nose, with faint accents of fresh grass, sweet citrus and just-ripe gooseberry. The palate offers a pithy-citrus flavor, adding a touch of bitterness to the clean close. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $15 CHARDONNAY 92 Hamilton Russell 2010 Chardonnay (Hemel en Aarde). Hamilton Russell just knows how to do Chard right, striking superb balance and finesse in a wine that’s drinkable now but can age for another five-plus years. Baked apple, barely-ripe honeydew, lemon custard and a touch of beeswax dance in the bouquet and transition seamlessly into the softlytoasted palate. A beautiful seam of acidity threads it all together and lifts the lengthy finish. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $32 91 Buitenverwachting 2010 Chardonnay (Constantia). Rich, ripe and full aromas of baked apple and melon are laced with spicy accents of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla bean. Medium weight but well-balanced in the mouth; bright acidity and minerality tie everything together on the palate. A lime flavor lingers on the long close, followed finally by a touch 36 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | MONTH 2012 of spice. Drink now–2015. Cape Classics. Editors’ Choice. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $20 91 Rustenberg 2010 Chardonnay (Stellenbosch). A stunning Chard that shows the greatness of the vintage in the wine’s superb balance between ripe fruit flavors of pear and melon and vibrant acidity. Soft floral accents add depth to the nose, while well-integrated oak flavors infuse the palate and spice up the long finish. Delicious now, but shows promise for some aging. Cape Classics. Editors’ Choice. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $20 91 Rustenberg 2009 Five Soldiers Chardonnay (Stellenbosch). Named after five stone pine trees that stand over the vineyards, this small-production Chard is lush and toasty, offering great weight and richness followed by a long, nutty finish. Notes of red apple skin and peach are accented by hints of white clover and honeysuckle that unfold with time in the glass. Brisk lime-flavored acidity lifts the mouth and provides freshness to the palate. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $38 91 Vins d’Orrance 2010 Cuvée Anaïs Chardonnay (Western Cape). Named for the winemaker’s youngest daughter, this ripe and sweet selection boasts intense oak-driven aromas of butter and creamy vanilla that mingle well with the honeydew, pear and peach notes. Thankfully, there’s good cut to the round mouthfeel, as zesty orange-flavored acidity keeps the finish fresh and long. Drink now–2014. Broadbent Selections, Inc. —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $33 90 Hartenberg 2009 Chardonnay (Stellenbosch). Rich and round but not overdone, with a nice brightness to the apple, clementine and white peach aromas and flavors. Balanced and well-integrated, with all of the components working together in harmony. Closes on a brisk citrus-rind finish. Drink now–2014. Terry Seitz. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $32 89 Thelema 2009 Sutherland Chardonnay (Elgin). Forward aromas of sweet spice and baked apple lead the nose, while secondary hints of cobbler and vanilla cream follow. The palate is lush and ripe, but it’s kept in check by a streak of acidity that braces up the nutty finish. Rich, balanced and accessible. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $15 84 Fairvalley 2009 Chardonnay (Western Cape). Flashy aromas of toast and butter mingle with tropical fruit aromas and flavors. There’s a touch of warmth on the nose, and the mouthfeel is round and fleshy. Drink now. World Premiere Wines LLC. —L.B. abv: 13.8% Price: $11 VIOGNIER 88 Spice Route 2010 Viognier (Swartland). Delicate sweet-pea and white-flower aromas marry into forward fruit notes of fresh pear and hard apricot. A mineral streak weaves through the lush palate, and a peach pit nuttiness lingers into the finish. Accessible and enjoyable now. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $23 88 Spice Route 2009 Viognier (Swartland). Decadent scents of buttered brioche, honeydew and crushed yellow flowers lead the nose, while flavors of grilled yellow peaches and orange oil flood the palate. The mouthfeel is round and full, but countered by medium acidity and a slightly bitter note on the close. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $22 86 Radford Dale 2009 Viognier (Stellenbosch). Flashy notes of wood-grilled apple, brioche and apricot fill the nose. The mouth is round and the palate spicy, as flavors of ginger and cedar dominate the stone fruit. World Premiere Wines LLC. —L.B. abv: 13% Price: $25 MOSCATO 86 Jam Jar 2011 Moscato (Western Cape). Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straightforward ripe peach and white gummy bear aromas. There’s a good balance in the mouth, with a nice acidic lift and slightly bitter edge to cut the sweetness on the finish and close with the faintest hint of astringency. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 10% Price: $12 84 Makulu NV Sustainable Agriculture Perlè Moscato (Western Cape). A spritzy and effervescent selection, the carbonation helps to lift the inherent sweet fruit aromas and flavors of guava, peach and mushy pear. An ideal choice for a warm summer day by the pool, served very cold. Prestige Wine Group. Best Buy. —L.B. abv: 6.5% Price: $7 84 Two Oceans 2011 Moscato (Western Cape). Sweet but not overdone, with attractive aromas of lychee, peach and rose water. Medium weight, with a fruity but somewhat thin finish. Drink now. Aveniù Brands, Inc. —L.B. abv: 7.5% Price: $10 83 Chaza NV Moscato (Western Cape). Sweet aromas and flavors of peach and lychee are accented by a hint of fresh rose petals. A soft spritz in the mouth cleans up the finish. Drink now. Prestige Wine Group. Best Buy. —L.B. abv: 6.5% Price: $5 WHITE BLENDS 92 Bizoe 2010 Henrietta Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Western Cape). This beautiful Semillon-dominant blend that shows great finesse, depth and power. Rich and opulent in every way, notes of baked red apple, lemon verbena, honey-drizzled peach and sweet orange oil flood the nose and mouth, while additional flavors of hazelnut cream, fig bread and soft sweet spice carry into the long finish. Round, but with enough acidic lift to keep it from being flab-
y. Drink now–2015. The Triton Collection. Editors’ Choice. —L.B. abv: 12.8% Price: $30 90 A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2009 White Blend (Coastal Region). A complex, kitchen-sink blend of 29% Chenin Blanc, 23% Roussanne, 11% Viognier, 11% Chardonnay, 10% Grenache Blanc, 5% Colombar, 5% Grenache Gris, 2% Sémillon, 2% Clairette and 1% Verdelho, there’s a lot to be discovered in this wine. Melon, pear and sweet citrus lead the bouquet, with nuances of orange blossom and honeysuckle, while spicy flavors of baked apple, glazed canteloupe and lightly-mulled pear flood the palate. Round and forward, with a silky texture; give it time to open up now or hold another couple of years. Broadbent Selections, Inc. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $42 87 Bradgate 2010 Sauvignon Blanc-Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch). A lovely blend of 77% Sauvignon Blanc and 23% Chenin Blanc, this light and lively wine is direct and focused, with good briskness to the green plum, fig and pear notes. A touch of floral character adds depth to the bouquet, while a lemon rind bitterness unfolds on the end. World Premiere Wines LLC. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $14 86 Boekenhoutskloof 2010 The Wolftrap Viognier-Chenin Blanc-Grenache Blanc (Western Cape). This blend of 67% Viognier, 19% Chenin Blanc and 14% Grenache Blanc is crisp and tasty, with forward aromas of pear, hard peach, yellow florals and a touch of oak-driven spice. Roundly structured, with a lush texture and a nice, clean herbal characteristic to the close. Drink now. Vineyard Brands. Best Buy. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $11 MERLOT 90 Ernie Els 2009 Merlot (Stellenbosch). A dark and rich style of Merlot, this wine boasts intense aromas and flavors of black forest berries, plum flesh, cocoa powder and pencil shavings. Succulent, with a creamy texture, the tannins are fine but mouthcoating and provide a good frame to the sultry flavors. Chocolate and cedar spice linger on the close. Terlato Wines International. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $25 87 Glenelly 2009 The Glass Collection Merlot (Stellenbosch). Jammy black fruit and berry notes fill the nose and mouth, while a hint of bramble and milk chocolate add depth and interest. Medium weight, with dusty but structured tannins, and a fudgy finish. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $20 87 Ken Forrester 2009 Merlot (Stellenbosch). Herbal accents grace the black plum and berry aromas and flavors, and a touch of biltong spice and meat mingle with the fruit for added character. Approachable and soft, with delicate tannins and an easy, friendly finish. Drink now. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $22 86 Helderberg Wijnmakerij 2009 Merlot (Stellenbosch). Red plum and small berries lead the nose of this Merlot, with hints of dusty dried blackberry in the back. The palate offers similar flavors, with a touch of sweet spice hanging on to the short but clean finish. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $13 PINOTAGE 91 Fairview 2009 Primo Pinotage (Coastal Region). A stunning Pinotage that shows great varietal character in its aromas and flavors of black cherry and currant infused with spicy notes of biltong, bark, clay, cinnamon and soft tar. The wine is firmly structured, with gripping tannins and medium acidity, striking a balance between the astringency of the tannins and freshness of the fruit. Nuances of baking spice and fudge linger on the close. Tight now; try after 2015. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $30 90 Spice Route 2009 Pinotage (Swartland). For full review see page 8. abv: 14% Price: $23 89 Lions Drift 2009 Silkbush Mountain Vineyards Pinotage (Breedekloof). Dusty dark cherry and blackberry fruit dominate the nose, with secondary aromas of game, peppery spice and tobacco. The dark fruit character continues on the palate, transitioning into the finish, which is laced with hints of mocha and spice. Medium weight, with nice vibrancy in the mouth. Drink now-2015. South Atlantic Wines. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $18 MOURVÈDRE 87 Tormentoso 2009 Mourvèdre (Paarl). Fleshy black-plum, cherry and blackberry notes lead this medium-weight wine, with a light dusting of cocoa powder. Dark but vibrant in the mouth, with a good amount of pepper and licorice on the finish. Drink now. Vineyard Brands. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $13 RED BLENDS 93 Ernie Els 2007 Signature (Stellenbosch). The 2007 vintage was generally a great one for Bordeaux-style reds in Stellenbosch, and the Els Signature definitely demonstrates it. Sure, it’s ripe and sexy with a lot of sweet oak characteristics like cocoa powder and smoky wood, but it’s got the ripe fruit core of black plum and dark forest berries to back it up. Spicy layers of leather, cigar box and black tea leaves add complexity to the palate, while chewy tannins provide a firm structure. A bit young now, so try after 2015. Terlato Wines International. —L.B. abv: 15% Price: $95 92 Meerlust 2007 Rubicon (Stellenbosch). One of the best vintages of Rubicon to date, and for the price it’s a fantastic value that’s great for building up your cellar. Right now, the wine is still young and tight, with firm, gripping tannins that need some time to mellow. Fortunately, there’s a great concentrated blackfruit core and enough acidity alongside the tannins to support long-term aging. Spicy and earthy, with accents of black tea, cedar and crushed violets. Try after 2016. Maisons Marques & Domaines USA. Cellar Selection. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $31 91 Constantia Glen 2008 Five (Constantia). This stunning Bordeaux-style blend opens with ripe aromas of black fruits like cherry, currant and plum, laced with a serious licorice and spice streak that shows staying power. The seductive mouthfeel boasts a slightly creamy texture with mouthfilling tannins. The palate is loaded with mulled boysenberry. Hints of tobacco, mocha and sweet spice all linger on the long close. Amara Wines LLC. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $38 90 A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines 2010 Secateurs Red Blend (Coastal Region). A complex blend of 75% Shiraz, 10% Cinsault, 8% Cab Sauv, 6% Gren and 1% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, this is a concentrated and flavorful selection that’s brimming with raspberry sauce and dark berry fruit aromas and flavors. Framed by black tea, sweet spice and vanilla bean accents, the mouth is firmly structured with medium tannins and acidity, ending on a soft, roasty note. Broadbent Selections, Inc. Editors’ Choice. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $17 90 Constantia Glen 2008 Three (Constantia). A great value, this Merlot-dominant blend, with splashes of Cab Sauv and Cab Franc exudes ripe aromas and flavors of rich dark fruit and berries jazzed up with layers of cigar tobacco, leather, savory herbs and tree bark. Concentrated and mouthfilling, with a velvety texture, it’s a well-balanced wine with fine, but persistent tannins and a lengthy finish. Amara Wines LLC. —L.B. abv: 14% Price: $24 90 Mulderbosch 2008 Faithful Hound (Stellenbosch). Brims with dark fruit notes of mulled boysenberry, cassis and black cherry, all streaked with spicy accents of menthol and black tea leaves. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy, but framed by medium tannins. Notes of licorice stick, espresso and roasted cocoa nibs linger through the long close. Drink now–2014. Cape Classics. —L.B. abv: 13.5% Price: $22 89 Edgebaston 2010 The Pepper Pot (Stellenbosch). An interesting blend of equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre wiith 8% Tannat, The Pepper Pot offers concentrated aromas and flavors of dark forest berries and fleshy black plums. A hint of leather and game unfolds on the finish, while medium acidity keeps the flavors fresh on the palate. Southern Starz, Inc. —L.B. abv: 14.5% Price: $15 88 Ernie Els 2010 Big Easy Red (Western Cape). A kitchen-sink blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cab Sauv, 7% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault and 3% Viognier. Aromas of crushed violet pet- WineMag.com | 37
Page 1 and 2: Clay McLachlan 2 ITALY 29 FRANCE 31
Page 3 and 4: The Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide Th
Page 5 and 6: 93 Marimar Estate 2008 Stony Block
Page 7 and 8: 91 Coghlan 2009 Tourmaline Grenache
Page 9 and 10: 89 Darcie Kent Vineyards 2008 Madde
Page 11 and 12: 88 BEST BUYS Releaf 2010 Made With
Page 13 and 14: at the back will undoubtedly increa
Page 15 and 16: Donna Olga 2007 Le Cacce in Villa 9
Page 17 and 18: 90 Lazzeretti 2007 Brunello di Mont
Page 19 and 20: long-lasting. This is a beautiful w
Page 21 and 22: It’s tannic, firm and ready for a
Page 23 and 24: ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 91 Capanne Ricc
Page 25 and 26: 85 La Torre 2010 Rosso di Montalcin
Page 27 and 28: 86 Collemassari 2010 Gròttolo Ros
Page 29 and 30: and lemon soda. There’s a sharp,
Page 31 and 32: texture, it revels in its fresh red
Page 33 and 34: Devo Enterprises Corporation. Edito
Page 35: 89 Cramele Halewood 2009 Kronos Lim
Page 39 and 40: in a zesty, mouthwatering finish. D
Page 41 and 42: turns crisp and edgy on the finish.
Page 43 and 44: as more standard cassis and berry a
Page 45 and 46: y and lightly oaky, minty flavors.
Page 47 and 48: 90 Sarah’s Vineyard 2010 Chardonn
Page 49 and 50: 91 Coghlan 2009 Tourmaline Grenache
Page 51 and 52: and oak flavors. It’s one of thos
Page 53 and 54: 87 Francis Ford Coppola 2009 Direct
Page 55 and 56: lovely, but should develop over the
Page 57 and 58: in blackberry and cherry fruit and
Page 59 and 60: 86 Lava Cap 2009 Estate Barbera (El
Page 61 and 62: tain fruit. Ripe plums and cherries
Page 63 and 64: SPIRITS REMEMBER THE REPOSADO drink
Page 65: BEER STOCKING UP FOR SUMMER With su

BUYING GUIDE - Wine Enthusiast

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?