If I had any money – and sadly, I do not – these wines are what I would be drinking this month. But that doesn’t mean to say you can’t, if you’ve got a birthday/anniversary/entertain someone important for dinner, this is where you will find the ideal wine to clinch the deal. As it were.
Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (R80 from cellar door)
I was sent a bottle of this and a bottle of the Husseys Vlei Sauvignon – which I confess I have squirreled away for at least another 2 years, since drinking it now is a crime in my opinion. This one, however, whilst it could still do another couple of years as well, is very toothsome right away with plenty of sappy limes and lemons and a long finish.
Laborie Blanc de Blanc 2008 (R109.95 from the farm)
I always welcome receipt of a case of fizz and this one arriving just before Christmas was particularly well-timed for festive celebrations. My husband does some work for the farm and enjoyed the chance to practice his sabrage on his client’s wine– now using just a teaspoon. Whether you slice it or pop it, this is a fine fizz with a lovely frothy yeastiness and savoury intensity.
Boschendal Chardonnay 2011 (R110 from the farm)
A lot of people think that Platter Five Star wines are out of their league price-wise. Well here’s one that’s not. I think this is a great price for a wine that’s had so much loving care and attention (single vineyard, mix of oak, regular batonage) and which has done so well in the awards. Lovely balance, excellent length, really enjoyable.
Fryers Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R120 from specialist retailers)
This is the first vintage to actually be made where the grapes are grown – way up in the cool, wild West Coast. Previously they’ve been trucked down to Stellenbosch and it seems making it in situ is definitely the way to go. They are about to release the 2012 hoping it will follow in the Platter Five Star footsteps of this wine. And frankly, I don’t see why not. Delicious.
La Bri Syrah 2010 (R90 from the farm)
I really like the new packaging of these wines. Lovely flower motifs and different colours for each variety. The Merlot is the one winning all the awards but this Syrah with its dash of Viognier (6% co-fermented) is well worth looking at as well. GM Irene Waller is proud that all her grapes are actually grown in Franschhoek and if they all tasted like this, I think a lot of people wouldn’t bother looking elsewhere.