Nederburg event at the Table Bay Hotel

On Thursday 29 June, my husband and I attended the Nederburg Tasting event at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. Nederburg has won the Diners’ Club winery of the year twice in 2011 and again in 2017. They have also been awarded 5 stars by the Platter guide for 5 of their wines. Some of the wines that were offered at this event will only be launce at the Nederburg auction, later this year.

Each of the wines that were offered on the evening was paired with a specific dish to enhance particular flavours and aromas. The dishes were prepared specifically for this event by the Table Bay Hotel’s executive chef, Jocelyn Myers-Adams. The dishes were unique and all contained foraged ingredients.

As a welcoming drink the Nederburg Cuveé Brut was paired with oysters with lemon pearls.

The Brut has a very pale straw colour with tiny beads.

On the nose shy notes of vanilla and butter biscuits can be observed.

The entry is crisp and dry with a brisk acidity. The biscuity flavour follows through from the nose. The palate has a distinct yeastiness about it, with a rather short finish. This is a sparkling wine for easy drinking.

The flavours of the oysters were accentuated by the Brut.
Brut score: 15.5/20

The starter; fish carpaccio served with foraged limpet carpaccio, nashi pear, fennel and radish, was served with the Nederburg Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc 2015.
This Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel tanks and spent 6 to 9 months on the lees. The grapes were produced in a cooler climate.

The colour is bright golden straw.

On the nose, the cooler climate elements of asparagus, green pepper and sweet basil could be detected. This wine is forthcoming, bold and complex on the nose.

The entry is dry and crisp. The acidity is rather mild, considering this is a sauvignon blanc. The body is also fuller than would be anticipated. Flavours of green herbaceousness and underlying green pepper and even slightly savoury green olive notes, makes this wine deliciously complex. The finish is long and lingering and well balanced.

The seafood starter brings out the slightly savoury flavour, giving the wine an oceanic character.

Sauvignon Blanc score: 18/20.

We were spoiled by two mains.

The first main was Biltong dusted Beef Fillet with dauphinoise potato and Cabernet Sauvignon jus and carrot purèe. This was served with the Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013. 

This Cabernet Sauvignon won the best Cab Sauv in the world.

The colour is deep, dark ruby to crimson red. The wine is nearly opaque, with remarkably little gradation for the age.

Aromas of currants, jam-like, concentrated dark berries and a prominent savouriness dominate the nose. Other aromas of cigar box and chocolate round the bouquet off with a hint of mintiness.

The entry is dry and tannic. The palate is just as bold and complex as the nose hints at. Fruit flavours of currants and berries can be detected. This wine has a distinct wild gamey character with notes of spice and pepper. While the tannins are prominent, they are well incorporated. This wine could age well for another 10 years, but drinks well right now.

The meatiness and wildness of the wine is well complimented by the meaty dish.

Cabernet Sauvignon score: 18.5/20

The second main dish; Duck served with Quinoa crackling and Num-num purèe was served with the Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Brew Master 2014.

The Brew Master is a Bordeaux blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Petit Verdot and Malbec.

The Brew Master has a nearly opaque, dark crimson red colour.

The nose is savoury and gamey with notes of berries and a smoky tobacco.

The entry is dry and rather tannic. Rich ripe berry flavours along with the gaminess which follows through from the nose create a complex flavour profile. The tannins are firm but does not affect the drinkability of the wine. This wine could age for another 10 years.

The gaminess of the duck and wine compliment each other extremely well.

The Brew Master score: 17.7/20

Desert was a Chocolate Mousse Bomb with Salted Caramel, Macadamia praline and foraged Kei apple purèe. This was served with Nederburg The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest 2015.

This NLH is made of Chenin Blanc infected by Botrytis.

The colour is an attractive golden straw colour, reminiscent of the colour of ripe wheat.

The distinct whiff of Botrytis can be detected. Aromas of honey and fynbos finish off the nose.

As expected, the entry is syrupy sweet with flavours of honey and characteristic Botrytis. A subtle undertone of nuttiness can also be tasted. The lingering finish of honey round off this sweet wine.

The NLH breaks the sweetness of the dessert, while the macadamia nut praline accentuates the nutty flavour of the wine.

NLH score 17.5/20

This event was an unforgettable experience, compliments to the organisers, the chef and her team and the winemakers.

Goblets and Gourmets Wine Tasting Evening - NITIDA Wine Estate

The Matriarch 2015 MCC 

50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Pale creamy straw colour with medium to small beads.

The nose is rather shy with a faintly fruity aroma and the distinct bouquet of freshly baked bread.

The entry is crisp and dry with a refreshing acidity, complimented by the fizziness. The fruitiness detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. There is a slight citrussy undertone, contributing to the complexity of this MCC. The wine has a medium body with a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel.
The Matriarch scores 16/20

Golden Orb 2015 Sauvignon Blanc

This wine was named after the golden orb spider, found in the vineyard.
This is a traditional cold climate Sauvignon Blanc that spends some time on the lees.

This Sauvignon Blanc has an appealing light golden straw colour.

On the nose aromas of flinty minerality, herbaceous green pepper and earthiness are boldly forthcoming. The complexity of the nose is intriguing.

The entry is crisp and dry with a burst of flavours following through from the nose. Green pepper, spice, minerality and a hint of herbaceousness all add to the intensity and complexity. The acidity is balanced and refreshing. Subtle notes of tropical fruit rounds off the flavour profile of the wine. The finish is lingering and distinctly green.

The Golden Orb gets a decent 16/20.

Wild Child 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

The Wild Child is a wild fermented wine, of which 60 – 65% is wooded, some of which are new oak barrels.

The wine is pale straw in colour.

The nose is rather forthcoming, very fruity, with notes of tropical fruit, passion fruit and peaches. The complexity is satisfying. As the wine is left to breathe; hints of pear and vanilla develops.

The Wild Child has a fresh fruity entry. Flavours of tropical fruit and pears follow through onto the palate. The undertone of the wine is rather green; with flavours of asparagus. The acidity is crisp and lively. While this wine is entirely dry, the fruitiness gives an illusion of sweetness. The wine has a lingering asparagus and passion fruit finish. The layered complexity and light to medium body makes this a fascinating wine.

Score 17/20

Coronata Integration 2015

What makes this an interesting wine is that it has a dual character; one when cold and one when warmed slightly.

60% Semillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc

This wine has a lovely soft straw colour.

When this wine is sampled when cold, it has the characteristics of a typical cold climate Sauvignon Blanc, with notes of green pepper and a slight herbaceousness. There is also a slight minerality, reminiscent of wet stone. While the nose is rather shy, the complexity is satisfactory.

The entry is dry with crisp acidity. Peppery, mineral and green herbaceous flavours are detected, similar to the Golden Orb Sauvignon blanc.

After the wine has been warmed in the palm of the hand, the character changes remarkably. On the nose aromas of pepper and sweeter fruit are notable.

While the peppery flavour remains throughout, the herbaceousness is downplayed slightly and more fruity flavours become prominent.

This interesting wine scores 16/20.

The Tinkery 2016 Riesling

Tinkery has a distinctly lemony yellow tone.

On the nose the faint whiff of kerosene, typical of a Riesling can be discerned. This Riesling is fragrant; with aromas of perfumey flowers like honeysuckle, jasmine and peach blossoms. The distinctive scent of rosewater an also be noticed.

On the palate, the entry is syrupy sweet. Notes of botrytis, honey and florally flavours make this wine distinctly girly and sweet. A lingering aftertaste of Turkish delight completes the wine.

Tinkery scores a delicious 17/20.

Riesling 2016

This Riesling is pale golden straw in colour.

The nose is dominated by aromas of sweet peaches, orange blossom and a lingering perfuminess. The kerosene whiff is very subtle.

The entry is crisp and dry. Citrus notes are forthcoming with herbaceous sweet basil notes, lemon and minerality all contributing to the satisfying complexity. The acidity is brisk, making this a lively wine.

Score 17/20

Calligraphy 2014

This wine has a ruby red colour with slight gradation visible.

The nose is slightly reserved with aromas of red berries and currants and a slight tobacco and mulberry undertone.

The berry flavours follow through from the nose. The body of this wine is light with a medium to short finish.

This wine is decidedly easy drinking with the fresh berry flavours. 15.5/20, simply because I prefer more complex wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

The colour of this wine is crimson red with medium depth and little to no gradation.

On the nose this wine is forthcoming with aromas of chocolate dipped cherries and ripe berry fruit. The nose is bold and commanding, demanding to be tasted with full attention.

This wine has a dry, soft, yet tannic entry. The mouthfeel is well-rounded and full-bodied. Bold berry flavours follow through from the nose. This is a soft and feminine wine with a contrasting assertiveness. The complexity, satisfying intensity and long lingering rich finish makes this a Cab Sauv like few others.

This wine scores a deserving 19/20.

Raka Biography 2012

Raka Biography has a dark ruby to garnet colour with slight gradiation. The wine is extremely deep - almost opaque.

The nose is slighty restrained with aromas of new leather and dark fruit like black cherries and black currants dominating. There is a slightly meaty undertone. The nose is pleasant but not overly complex.

The enty is smooth with silky tannins. The fllavours of dark cherries and a slight savoury meatiness follows through onto the palate. Baking spices and an earthiness can also be perceived.
A lingering spicy aftertaste, finishes off the Raka Biography.

This wine scored 16/20.

Sneak peak - Nederburg wine tasti g evening

Take a look at @Soh_mell_Yay's Tweet: https://twitter.com/Soh_mell_Yay/status/880493537921564674?s=09

Hartenberg Wine Estate Tasting evening Part 3

Noble Late Riesling 2010

This NLH has a syrupy golden straw colour.

On the nose, aromas of honey and citrusy marmalade are forthcoming. The distinctive kerosene aroma of an aged Riesling.

The entry is sweet and honeyed. Complex flavours of citrus, honey and a slight minerality tantalize the tongue. The finish is medium to long and very sweet.

Score 16.5/20

Hartenberg Wine Estate Tasting evening Part 2 – Red wines

Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz blend 2014

This is a deep ruby to garnet red wine with obvious gradation.

Forthcoming and bold on the nose. Ripe red berries with nutmeg and baking spices.

The entry is crisp and dry. The tannins are velvety and contributes to the medium to fuller body of the wine. The spiciness from the nose follows through onto the palate. Fruity berry flavours add to  the complexity of this blend. The finish is lingeringly fruity.

This wine scores a decent 17/20.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

This Cab Sauv has an attractive deep ruby red with a slight purplish tinge.

On the nose this wine is bold and complex and rather typical of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of cigar box and ripe red and black berried dominate the nose with a slight plumminess and faint metallic undertone.

The wine has a crisp tannic entry. Rich ripe berry flavours follow through from the nose and reign the palate and flows into a lingering finish. There is a slight cigar box flavour detectible. This is a full-bodied wine with firm tannins that promises to age well.

Score 17/20.

Estate Shiraz 2014

The colour of this shiraz is a very deep purplish red, with slight gradation.

On the nose this wine is forthcoming and deliciously complex with aromas of pepper, game meat, wet stone minerality and an extremely slight fruitiness. Aromas of black cherries, violets and a faint metallic whiff can also be detected.

This is a bold and complex wine with a crisp dry entry. While this is a tannic wine, it is entirely pleasant and drinkable. The commanding flavours are those of ripe berries, black cherries, and pepper. A slight meatiness and minerality can also be detected.

I am impressed with this wine, 18/20.

Gravel Hill 2007

Gravel Hill is an opaque ruby red with a very faint precipitation. What is surprising about this wine is the fact that there is nearly no gradation, considering the age.

The nose of Gravel Hill is extremely promising. It is a big, bold and complex wine with aromas of wet stone, minerality, cigar box and a distinct meatiness. Spices and black cherries and berries complete the bouquet.

The entry is dry and tannic. While the tannins are firm, it is well integrated and not abrasive at all. The body is full with a lingering intense aftertaste. The wine is distinctly spicy and meaty with flavours of black cherries. This wine should keep comfortably for another 5 to 10 years.

This wine scores a breath-taking 19.5/20.

Hartenberg Estate Wine tasting evening - Part 1 - White wines

Estate Sauvignon blanc 2016

In colour this wine is very pale straw.

On the nose asparagus and green pepper dominates. When revisited later slight tropical fruit aromas are detected. The bouquet is clean, crisp and forthcoming.

On the palate the entry is crisp and dry, with brisk acidity. Flavours of herbaceous lemongrass is most prominent. Asparagus and green pepper follows through from the nose to the palate. The wine has a long, lingering green pepper finish.

This Sauvignon blanc has al the typical characteristics of a cool climate Sauvignon blanc.
Score 16.5/20

Estate Riesling 2014

This Riesling has an attractive light straw to pale gold colour.

On the nose the slight diesel undertone, typical of Riesling can be detected. Florally and fruity aromas dominate the nose. The wine is somewhat shy.

This Riesling has an uncharacteristically dry entry with a zesty acidity. The wine has a fuller body and almost oily mouthfeel. The fruitiness follows through from the nose. The finish is lingering and fruity.

I must say I prefer the more traditional approach to making Riesling, but this is not bad at all.
Score 15.5/20

Estate Chardonnay 2015

This chardonnay has a pale straw colour.

On the nose creamy, buttery butterscotch is the initial aroma detected. The classic chardonnay characteristic of citrusy marmalade-like aroma can be noted. The nose of the wine is slightly reserved.

This chardonnay has a crisp dry entry with brisk acidity. The body is slightly fuller with a rounded silky mouthfeel. Slight tropical fruit flavours is leading with the citrusy flavour following through from the palate. The finish of fruity flavours is medium to long.

This is quite an easy drinking wine, I prefer my Chardonnay slightly more serious.
Score 15.5/20

The Eleanor 2015

Eleanor is the colour of pale straw.

It has a slightly reserved nose with notes of flint and a delicate fruity undertone. There is a faint citrusy aroma. The Eleanor is complex enough to piqué interest.

On the palate the entry is dry and citrusy, without the acidity one would expect. The minerality detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. The mouthfeel is buttery with a slight vanilla aroma. The finish is medium, which is slightly disappointing, and distinctly citrusy. This is a multi-layered wine that would appeal to most wine lovers.

Score 17/20

Wine conversation about bordeaux blends between Ryno and me:

Cabernet sauvignon is the butch alpha male in the room, dominating the entire conversation. The Petit verdot is the strange dark skulking guy, too much and the conversation turns uncomfortable... Cabernet franc is the alpha's sidekick, he wants to be the alpha, but there's something just a little off about him. Merlot is the refined artistic guy, making the conversation flow and Malbec is the guy in the corner with the cigar; too much of him and the entire room gets smoked up.

Sterhuis 2014 Chenin Blanc Barrel Selection

This Chenin has an alluring medium straw colour.
On the nose the wine is rather forthcoming with ripe tropical fruit such as guava and passion fruit. A hint of rich butterscotch indicates that this wine has seen some wood. The nose is mouth-wateringly rich and complex.

The wine has a crisp dry entry. The acidity is slightly on the lower side and perfectly balanced. The tropical fruit from the nose follows through to the palate. Vanilla and butterscotch flavours, along with the rich, medium body gives a long lingering, creamy finish. While this wine is not bold and in your face, it is deliciously appealing with regards to intensity and complexity.

This wine would pair well with a creamy slightly spiced dish, but it also drinks extremely well on its own!

Score 17.5/20

Delheim Handcrafted Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Delheim Handcrafted Sauvignon Blanc 2014 has a lovely bright, pale lemon-yellow colour.

On the nose this wine is layered and forthcoming. A bouquet of fruit, crisp apple, lemon and lime is most prominent with subtle hints of herby lemongrass.

The entry is crisp and dry, with refreshing balanced acidity; mellowed with bottle aging. The citrusy notes from the nose follows through onto the palate. The wine is slightly herbaceous, with notes of unripe pear and mild granny smith apple. On the finish is a lingering, fresh fruity aftertaste.

This is a very pleasant, easy drinking wine, yet it has enough complexity for the serious wine drinker.

Score 16.5/20

Perdeberg Wine Estate Wine Tasting

Perdeberg is located outside Paarl, with climate and terroir close to that found in the Swartland. Perdeberg could be translated as Horses mountain; referring to zebras that used to roam the area. The climate is rather dry and warm with 75% of the vineyards going without irrigation and 50% being bush vines.

We had the pleasure of tasting 8 different wines.

Method Cap Classique Pinot Rose Reserve 2013

This is an attractive salmon pink wine with medium to small beads.

On the nose, fresh strawberries and distinct yeastiness can be detected.

The entry of the wine is crisp and dry. While the wine is dry, there is an illusion of sweetness. The flavour of freshly baked bread follows through from the nose to the palate. The fruity finish is medium.

This is an easy drinking wine for all the lovers of bubbles. It scores 15.5 out of 20, only because I prefer my MCCs more serious.

Method Cap Classique Blanc Reserve 2012

This MCC is pale straw in colour with medium to small beads.

The nose is dominated by tropical fruit.

The entry is crisp and dry. On the palate, Turkish delight can be detected. The alcohol content of this MCC is slightly higher.

The wine is also an easy drinking wine, not to be taken too seriously. It gets 15 out of 20.

Perdeberg Vineyard Collection Grenache Blanc 2015

This wine is very pale straw in colour and very translucent.

On the nose, this wine is herbaceous with notes of fresh green apple, white stone fruit and citrus. This is a slightly shy wine that should be revisited to detect the full spectrum of aromas.

The entry is slightly sweet with the herbaceousness and fresh fruity flavours following through onto the palate. A slight minerality can also be detected. The acidity of this wine is slightly high, contributing to the crisp character. The medium aftertaste is that of apple and pear.

I rated this wine 16.5 out of 20.

The Dry Land Collection Courageous – Barrel fermented Chenin Blanc 2015

The Dry Land Collection is made of grapes from unirrigated bushvines.

The chenin blanc is pale straw in colour.

On the nose, this is a fresh and fruity wine with notes of peach, apple and citrus. A faint vanilla aroma can also be detected.

The wine has a crisp dry entry with the fruitiness following through from the nose. Flavours of apple, pear and citrus are dominant with a slight herbaceousness. The acidity of this wine is medium. The fruity aftertaste is long, lingering.

The wine scored 17 out of 20.

The Dry Land Collection Rossouw’s Heritage – Chenin blanc driven blend

This is a pale straw coloured wine.

Citrus, crisp apple and a distinct perfumey aroma can be detected on the nose. While the wine is slightly shy, it has a pleasant nose.

The entry is crisp and dry with the apple and citrus flavours following through from the nose to the palate. The acidity is high, making this a very crisp wine. The aftertaste is herbaceous and medium length.

This is a distinctly easy drinking wine, scoring 16 out of 20.

The Dry Land Collection Resolve - Pinotage 2014

This pinotage has an attractive deep ruby to garnet red colour. Gradation is visible.

This is a forthcoming and complex wine. The nose of this wine is very jammy with notes of youngberry, black cherry and plum distinguishable. It has a slight warming effect on the nose.

The entry of this wine is dry with a jammy character. Very ripe, dark fruit such as ripe blackberry, cherry and plums are detectible. The wine is full-bodied with a lingering jammy aftertaste. The wine is slightly higher in alcohol, around 14%.

I gave this wine 16.5 out of 20.

Perdeberg Vineyard Collection Malbec 2015

As I stated in my previous post, I am rather critical on South African Malbec, ever since I tasted Argentinian Malbec.

The colour of this wine is deep ruby to garnet red. The wine is nearly opaque.

The aromas are forthcoming and typical of malbec. The wine is smoky, jammy with aromas of sweet, ripe cherries. There is also a slight warming effect on the nose.

On the palate, the malbec is full-bodied with a smoky warm entry. The wine has flavours of slightly sweet black berries and a medium to long finish.

Unfortunately, this wine does not meet my expectations of the high standards of Argentinian malbec. This wine scored 15.5 out of 20.

The Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy – Shiraz based blend 2014

This blend is almost opaque with a deep ruby to garnet red colour.

On the nose this is a smoky and jammy wine. Aromas of ripe red and black berries, and a slightly savoury spice is detectible. The wine seems to be rather complex and forthcoming.

The entry is spicy and slightly savoury. This is a full-bodied wine with loads of savoury spices. Flavours of pepper, minerality and dark berries are obvious. The finish is long and lingering.

This is a very pleasant wine, scoring 17 out of 20.

Perdeberg is a wine estate that offers good value for money, and some very decent wines.

Bellevue Wine Estate Tasting Part 2

Let us continue with the tasting notes from our tasting at Bellevue Wine Estate:

Estate Pinotage 2013

This pinotage has a seductive deep ruby red colour.

On the nose the wine has a distinct smoky aroma. Aromas of red berries and a jamminess also be detected with a subtle savoury undertone. The Estate Pinotage is a bold, complex and forthcoming on the nose.

The savouriness and smokiness detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. I would describe the flavour as gamey with a berry aftertaste. The finish is long and savoury. This pinotage is full bodied and complex.

I rated the Estate Pinotage 17.5 out of 20.

P.K. Morkel Tumara 2008

The Tumara is a Bordeaux blend with a very deep garnet red with definite signs of gradation; all indicators of the age of the wine.

Tumara is a forthcoming wine with aromas of smoke, minerality and rich, ripe berries.

The complexity promised on the nose is delivered on the palate. Smoke and a meaty character is the most obvious flavours with a black current undertone. The wine has the illusion of sweetness, even though it is entirely dry. The finish is long and meaty.

I gave this wine 17.5 out of 20.

P.K. Morkel Petit Verdot 2010

As with most Petit Verdots, the P.K. Morkel is very deep and dark garnet red. The wine’s colour is so deep that it is entirely opaque.

On the nose this Petit Verdot is forthcoming and complex with aromas of rich ripe black cherries with a definite minerality and a slight savouriness.

The savouriness follows through from the nose to the palate. The wine is full-bodied, rich and tannic. The finish is a lingering cherry flavour.

The wine scores 17 out of 20.

P.K. Morkel Pinotage 2010

The P.K. Morkel Pinotage is very deep and dark with a near garnet colour. This wine is also so deep that it is opaque.

The wine has a distinct red berry jam aroma with a slightly smoky character.

On the palate, the wine is fruity with a red berry jam flavour, which is typical to pinotage.

This wine got 17/20.

Bellevue Malbec 2014

Seeing as my husband and I got to taste Malbec in Argentina, we were sceptical (as usual) when faced with a South African Malbec.

The Bellevue Malbec is deep ruby red with definite signs of gradation.

On the nose, we were met with a complex and forthcoming wine. Aromas of smoke, fynbos and a slight herbaceous could be detected. This gave us hope!

On the palate the wine is smooth as silk. The body is neither full nor light, and beautifully balanced. Flavours of smoky meat and ripe red berries, typical of malbec are detected.

We were blown away by this wine and I gave it 19 out of 20.

Bellevue Wine Estate Tasting Part 1

On Thursday 30 March 2017, the Boland wine club was treated to another memorable evening of wine tastings. Bellevue Wine estate is one of the oldest wine farms in the Stellenbosch area. Located slightly more inland than Stellenbosch, the wines produced in this area is characteristically different than most Stellenbosch wines.

We were given 9 different wines, including one barrel sample.

2017 Muscat d'Alexandrie (barrel sample)
As indicated by the name, this wine is made from grapes, usually used for producing sweet wine. This wine however will be fermented dry, meaning that all the sugar will be used up during the fermentation process.

The sample that we were given was still a milky beige colour, which will clear after stabilization and filtration.
On the nose the wine presented a warmness, due to the higher alcohol content (around 14%). Complex aromas of candyfloss, apple, ripe pear and tropical fruit bursts forth.
The fruity character from the nose follows through onto the palate. The wine is already nearly dry, but there is still atrace of sweetness, accentuated by the higher alcohol content.
This is an interesting wine with potential, which scores 15/20.

2016 Bellevue Chardonnay
The Bellevue Chardonnay is unwooded and matured in stainless steel tanks, but thanks to lengthy lees contact the wine has a well rounded character.

This is a clear and bright pale straw coloured wine.
Citrus, tropical fruit and guava meets the nose, with a subtle undertone of vanilla coming through.
The entry is crisp and dry with tropical fruit folowing through from the nose to the palate. The acidity is medium to high. The lees contact offers the wine a mediu to fuller body, the finish is medium to short. This is an easy drinking wine without too much complexity.
I prefer a wooded chardonnay, thus this chardonnay was awarded 15/20.

2015 Bellevue Shiraz
This shiraz has a deep purplish ruby colour with slight gradation visible.
On the nose the aromas are forthcoming and complex. Savoury, meaty, smokey and slight spice; more braai spice than spicey spices are detected. The wine can be described as bacon-like with a leathery undertone. When the wine is oxidized slightly, a dark berry and floral nuance is more prominent.
The entry is savoury and smokey and the bacon-like flavour follows through onto the palate. Once again the berry flavour is an afterthought. This is a deep complex wine with a full body and long lingring finish. The tannins are well rounded, making this wine a pleasure to drink.
This is most certainly not your average shiraz, since the spiciness did not get the memo that this is indeed a shiraz...
This wine scores 16.5/20.

2015 Bellevue Cinsaut
It is not often that we get to taste Cinsaut, since many wine farms are moving away from producing single varietal cinsaut wine.
The wine is translucent, garnet red in colour with definite gradation.
On the nose the wine presents an interesting forthcoming profile. The nose is savoury, mineraly with definite notes of forest floor and old wet leather. Slight red berry can also be detected.
The leather and red berry flavours are forthcoming with a smokiness, reminiscent of pinot noir, detected. The wine is crisp and dry with almost no tannin structure present.
The cinsaut scores 15/20.

Usana wine tasting

On 24 February we visited the small farm of Klein Welmoed, just outside of Stellenbosch, with the Boland Wine club. Klein Welmoed houses the boutique winery called Usana. This is a little gem with wines of excellent quality. All of the wines were tasted, but sadly not all the notes that were made are quite complete... especially those sampled towards the end of the evening. So here follows those with notes complete and clear enough to comprehend.

Usana Chenin blanc 2013

Clear pale straw in colour.

On the nose the wine presents forthcoming aromas of orange blossom and notes of vanilla which indicates the that there was some contact with wood.

The entry is crisp and dry. The wine has a definate floral character, with fresh fruit and citrus flavours presenting themselves. The slight vanilla-ish aroma picked up on the nose follows through onto the palate. The acidity is medium, which gives a fresh, crisp character.
This is a light-bodied wine with a lingering fruity aftertaste.

I would give this Chenin Blanc 16.5/20.

Usana Pinot Gris 2015

Clear pale straw in colour.

This wine is initially shy on the nose, but becomes more expressed with oxidation. Stone fruit and honey aromas are detectable with notes of pot pouri subtly filttering through.

The crispness is the first and most noticible feature on entry. The fruitiness detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. This is a wine with medium to high acidity, true to the pinot grigio varietal, and a light body with a rather short finish.

This wine scores 16/20.

Usana Pinot Gris 2016

The 2016 Pinot Gris has a more intense colour than the 2015, with a slight pinkish tinge, due to the colour of the grape skins bleeding into the wine.

On the nose this wine is slightly forthcoming with aromas of pear and stone fruit most prominent. There is a undertone of a slight minerality or petrolium which disipates with oxidation.

Once again the crispness is notable. The fruity pear flavour follows through from the nose with an addition of crisp green apple. The acidity is medium to high as with the 2015.

Another 16/20 for the 2016.

Usana Sauvignon Blanc 2015

This wine has a very pale straw colour with a slightly greenish tinge.

This is an extremely forthcoming wine with aromas typical to a "green" sauvignon blanc. Asparagus and lemongrass aromas are the most prominent, with a slight herbaceousness being detected.

This is a very crisp wine,  with a lemony flavour. The asparagus and herbaceousness picked up on the nose follows through along with notes of green pepper. The finish is long with hints of green fresh herbs. This is a classic high acidity sauvignon blank.

This wine was scored 16.5/20.

Usana Sauvignon Blanc 2016

The 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is pale straw in colour, and considerably less green than the 2015.

The aromas of citrus and lemongrass is forthcoming with undertones of green pepper. Tropical fruit such as pineapple litchi can also be detected. This is quite a complex sauvignon blanc.

The crisp acidity is the first feature to meet the palate. The wine has a high acidity with a distinct citrussy flavour with notes reminiscent of freshly cut grass. Fruity flavours such as unripe pineapple can also be detected. The finish of the wine is medium to long with herbaceous notes lingering on the palate.

This wine scored 16.5/20.

Usana Barrel fermented Chenin blanc 2013

The barrel fermented Chenin blanc is pale straw in colour.

On the nose, reserved aromas of vanilla, ripe fruits and hints of almonds can be detected.

The flavour of very ripe fruit follows through onto the palate. Notes of caramalised sugar can also be detected. The finish is long and distinctly fruity.

This is a well rounded, well balanced wine that scores a firm 17/20.

Usana Barrel fermented Chenin blanc 2014

The 2014 chenin is even paler than the 2013.

The nose is forthcoming, with aromas of vanilla and flowers such as orange blossoms and jasmine. A touch of butterscotch can also ba detected.

On the palate this is a crisp, dry fruity wine. Stone fruit is the most prominent flavour. The finish is long and lingering and fruity.

This wine scores 16.5/20.

Usana Fox Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

This wine has a deep pulish red hue.

On the nose this is a forthcoming wine. Aromas of red and blackberry jam is prominent with hints of tobacco or cigar box.

Initially the flavour of mixed berry jam is overwhelming with subtle banana flavours coming through. This is a full-bodied wine with a lingering berry aftertaste.

Land of Hope 2012 Reserve Chenin Blanc

It is a sweltering hot, lazy Sunday afternoon and the hubby and I are feeling rather peckish. What better way to unwind than with a well aged bottle of wine and some cheese?
On the menu for the day is a 2012 barrel matured chenin blanc from Land of Hope.
The wine has a rich golden straw colour.
On the nose I detect orange blossom, vanilla butterscotch and ripe sweet pear, honey melon and tropical fruit. This is most certainly no shy wine, with loads of complexity.
The entry is smooth and slightly crisp. The fruitiness from the nose follows through onto the palate, creating a lingering sweet finish. There is a slight warming effect which could mean that the alcohol content might be marginally higher than usual. The wood is detectable through the forthcoming vanilla and butterscotch both on the nose and palate. The acidity is medium to low, while the sweetness could be contributed to either the residual sugar or alcohol level.
Overall this wine is excellent for enjoying solo.
For the cheeses we picked Pick'n'Pay's Mon Ami French Brie and Meze's Smoked Mozzarella.
Firstly with the brie; the woodiness in the chenin was accentuated, while the fruitiness was downplayed rather obviously.
Secondly with the smoked mozzarella; a crispness that was not apparent earlier, became the most noticeable feature of the wine.
To conclude: Land of Hope Chenin Blanc is an excellent wine to enjoy on its own or with something like rich creamy cheeses. I would rate this wine 17.5 out of 20. If you have this specific year, drink it now, it is at its prime!