If you are like me, you may well be suffering from a ‘boomerang bank account’ – it comes in and it goes right back out again. But fear not, there are still budget wines out there to keep you going.
And as long as we have wine, nothing can be that bad!
Slanghoek Private Selection Chenin Blanc 2012 (R27 from Ultra Liquors)
We had this at a Breedekloof dinner the other week and it was great to try it again and to see how differently Chenin can behave in different hands. This has gone for the zippy/Sauvignon side of things and if you didn’t read the label, you could easily mistake it for a Sauvvy. And then the price shows you the value end of things as well.
Table Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (R30 from Ultra Liquors)
This comes from up the West Coast – in fact, why be secretive when the cork proudly boasts ‘Ormonde’ telling everyone it’s from Theo Basson and his slick operation? This is a great wine and one that I normally wish was under screwcap but this year, perhaps not. It’s showing some development which has softened the acidity and added a layer of richness. Very nice for the price.
Van Loveren Neil’s Pick Colombard 2012 (R33 from Ultra Liquors)
This has long been my friend and drinking buddy’s favourite wine and to be honest, even though it is off-dry which is not a style I normally drink, I actually love this too. It’s packed with zesty grapefruits and lots of limes and lemons and slips down far too easily for my liking. Buy at least 2 bottles at a time.
Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc 2012 (R38 from major retailers)
This has got to be included in everyone’s Top 5 of budget quaffers – you know it’s good when Woolworths wine fundi, Allan Mullins says he gets through a case a month! Over-delivering at every stage, this is crisp and fresh with bags of character and general crowd-pleasing appeal.
Waboomsrivier Arborea 2010 (R35 from the cellar door)
This is another wine from the Breedekloof dinner, this time matched to a posh version of ‘pap en vleis’ which it partnered admirably. It’s a Cape Blend of 38% Pinotage, 37% Shiraz and 25% Cab Sauvignon and at this price is astonishing value. Chunky, chewy, fruity, simple and delicious.