Yay – there’s another one on the horizon! If you’re going away with family and friends, try taking a few of these with you to cover all occasions and please all kinds of palates. It’s the weekend baaaaaaaaaby!
Everyday White
Allée Bleue Sauvignon Blanc 2016 R65
Haven’t had too many 2016s yet outside of Platter but this one is generally released early because it’s so popular. The fruit comes from Walker Bay so tends towards the greener side of things but it’s not so ‘cats’ pee’ that you can’t enjoy it both on its own and with food. Hints of tropical fruit, crisp lemons and limes – give me some smoked salmon or an oyster with this and I’ll be a happy girl.
Special Occasion White
Tokara Directors Reserve White 2014 R240
Oh my word, this is a classy little number. Tokara did very well at the recent Old Mutual awards – of course. I say ‘of course’ because it pretty much does well in most competitions and this carefully put-together wine is one of the reasons why. 2/3 Sauvignon and 1/3 Semillon (roughly) it was all barrel-fermented but so lightly that it just adds an extra layer of tropical fruit to the crisp citrus, apples & pears. Excellent with food, majestic on its own and always one of my favourite wines to drink and enjoy.
Everyday Red
Zonnebloem Shiraz/Mourvedre/Viognier 2014 R79
This wine just did amazingly-well in the Laurium Capital Red Blend competition – which surprises me not at all! Bonny van Niekerk is really getting into her stride at Zonnebloem and I’ve watched the wines improve in quality over the past few years under her care. Juicy black fruit, hints of leather and perfume and soft, pliable tannins. An outrageous bargain at this price.
Special Occasion Red
Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2013 R250
I’m such a sucker for Cabernet Franc, either as blend or as a stand-alone wine. This comes from Banghoek – that home of fine Cab Franc (neighbours Rainbow’s End also do a mean version) and is a great example. It’s been in oak for 19 months but handles it well and if you wanted to leave it in the bottle for a bit longer, you probably could. But right now, it’s packed with black fruit making for a really attractive mouthful. I’d drink it now if I were you.
Everyday Winter-warmer
Nuy Rooi Muscadel 2015 R52
Neglect our sweet wines at your peril, particularly in winter time! This comes from the masters of sweet winemaking – anyone who’s ever tried one of their older vintages from the 50’s or 60’s will definitely agree. It’s amazing value, highly-underrated and utterly, utterly delicious. Packed with red and black berries, spice and orange peel, this is a lovely way to keep warm this weekend.