Maybe you’re splashing out because it’s Valentine’s day – hell, why should you only have one day of drinking what you love with the person you love? If you want to splash out everyday, here are a few suggestions from R80 to the sky.
Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R80)
Mmmm – this was nice. In fact, this was very nice indeed. It’s about this time that all wine journalists are cringing and waiting for the first 2013 Sauvignon to hit their desks and strip their tooth enamel so this wine is a refreshing reminder that good sauvignon can keep. Still lots of freshness with plenty of green and yellow fruits and a lengthy finish. Delish!
Haskell Anvil Chardonnay 2011 (R290)
This is the only white wine in the top Haskell portfolio and this is only the second release. Things I love about this wine? The subtle use of oak to support the fruit and not overwhelm it, the hands-off style of winemaking which preserves so much more flavour in the bottle and the lovely low alcohol (12.9%) making this an elegant superstar rather than a smack in the mouth. Wonderful wine.
Haute Cabrière Unwooded Pinot Noir 2011 (R80)
Man, it’s been hot recently! So if you’re a red-wine-only drinker, this is the wine for you. My husband does some work for the farm so we like to indulge in this wine on a regular basis – treat it as a dark pink is my advice, chill it and serve it with meaty salads. I promise the cherry berry deliciousness makes it a winner!
Boschendal Cecil John Reserve Shiraz 2010 (R225)
There is some real quality coming out of this old Cape stalwart at the moment and none better than this Shiraz. I was on the 5 Star tasting panel that picked this wine and I must say, coming back to it now, I have no hesitation in saying it deserves its accolade. It’s all about the elegance and spice and if you can bear to leave it in the glass for half an hour, it opens up with violets, perfume and other yummy flavours. Classy stuff.
Maison MCC 2009 (R280)
This is a new estate on the outskirts of Franschhoek owned by the guys behind Weylandts furniture store. This wine has been three years on the lees and is 100% Chardonnay. It’s also a brut zero – a style which is very much on-point at the moment (are we surprised?!) and the wine is savoury and tangy with a pleasing richness in the middle and a long finish. Only 350 bottles are released now with a further 700 to come in two tranches over the next year.