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!

Idiom - The wine club experience PART 1

As part of the Boland wine club, we were treated to the Gastronauts Taste Explosion food and wine pairing.
Idiom is located in the rural foothills of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, outside Somerset West, with a spectacular view of the entire Helderberg and a large part of the False bay.

Upon arival we were treated to an imported Italian Prosecco; La Delizia. La Delizia is a refreshingly dry sparkling wine with small to medium beads. Aromas detected on the nose include dried fruit, perhaps pear, and a slight smokiness. The aromas detected on the nose follows through onto the palate along with a destinct vanilla flavour. This prosecco is very light and refreshing with a subtly fruity aftertaste.

As a starter, we received the "Best of Italy" canapé platter. This platter consisted of the Burratta Antipasto served with the Idiom Bianco 2015, Veal Saltimbocca with the Idiom Zinfandel 2012, Rosemary Roasted Lamb with the Idiom Sangiovese 2013 and lastly Porcini Mushroom Arancini with the Idiom 900 Series Nebbiolo 2011.

Idiom Bianco 2015 is a Pinot Grigio of pale straw colour. On the nose forthcoming aromas of tropical fruit, pear and jasmine blossoms can be detected. The fruitiness detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. Flavours of melon, pineapple and pear is in balance with the crisp acidity. The Burratta Antipasto is topped with parmaham, olive paste, roasted rosa tomato, vinegrette pearls and a fresh basil leaf. The olive paste in this first dish brings out an earthy note in the wine, while the acidity of the vinegrette and tomato brings out a sweet fruitiness.

Idiom Zinfandel 2012 is a medium depth, ruby to garnet colour with visible gradation. The wine is forthcoming and complex on the nose, with aromas of pine needles, bay leaves, rosemary and fynbos. The wine has a savory character on the palate, with the herbaceousness following through. Fruity flavours of black currants can be detected. The wine was served with Veal Saltimbocca: veal wrapped in pancetta and flavoured with sage and lemon served with a wedge of rosa tomato. The veal and tomato brings out the sweetness of the black current flavours while the sage accentuated the herbaceousness and the lemon tempered the acidity.

Idiom Sangiovese 2013 has a deep ruby colour with slight gradation. On the nose this sangiovese expresses aromas of ripe red currants, subtle hints of cloves and cedar wood. On the palate this wine has a slightly spicey and savoury flavour along with cherry and a hint of the red berries detected on the nose. The Rosemary Roasted Lamb served with a sage and polenta triangle and topped with peperonata accompanied this wine. The rosemary and sage enhances a herbaceousness in the wine while the peperonata brings out the spiciness.

The final wine of this course is the Idiom 900 Series Nebbiolo 2011. The wine is deep dark garnet in colour. On the nose the aromas seem to be concentrated, especially considering the low yield of the vineyards during 2011 (only 900 bottles of Nebbiolo was produced). Aromas detected were dried apricots and rich ripe cherries along with the muskiness of nuts nd a sweetness of honey. On the palate this wine is complex and intense with flavours of roses, tar, hazelnuts and oakiness. The tannins of this wine is firm, almost gripping. The Porcini Mushroom Arancini enhanced with truffle pearls enhanced the earthy and mineral flavour in the wine. This wine has potential and could still be aged for a few years!

- - TO BE CONTINUED - -

One of the top Chardonnays: Eikendal Chardonnay Vintage 2014

In the mood for an easy drinking, yet deliciously complex white wine? Then Eikendal’s Chardonnay is the wine for you.

Eikendal’s Chardonnay has a briliantly clear medium to pale straw colour.

This chardonnay has a forhtcoming nose, with aromas of citrus, vanilla, ripe stone fruit and a slight floral note. As mentioned earlier, this is a complex wine, without being too overwhelming.

The entry is dry, buttery and intensely flavourful. The fruitiness and vanilla flavours follow through onto the palate. The complexity and intensity promised by the nose is fulfilled on the palate, with flavours of sweet marmalade on freshly baked bread and baked peaches with creamy vanilla ice cream. This wine is pleasantly low in acididy and well balanced.

This wine receives an impressive 17.5 out of 20.
I would pair this wine with a grilled teriyaki prawn salad or flame grilled tuna with stirfried vegetables.

Ending the weekend on a high note: Flagstone Word of mouth Viognier

Looking for the perfect end to a weekend, or start, or middle? You know what, this is the perfect white wine for any occasion.

Brilliantly clear and bright, translucent and pale straw in colour, this might seem like just any other white wine, until sampled that is!

The aroma of freshly whipped vanilla cream is so forthcoming that I could easily imagine a bucketful of cream waiting on the dessert table along with some fresh berries.On the nose, Word of mouth is presents aromas of stone fruit, vanilla and the smell of freshly baked buttery biscuits. From the nose, wood has already made its presence known.

The entry of this wine is dry and refreshing, without being too crisp. The stone fruit, vanilla and biscuit flavours follow through from the nose to the palate. Word of mouth is a delightfully complex wine presenting a variety of flavours on each tasting.such as peaches and cream, apricots and jasmine blossoms.  The acidity is in balance with the fruitiness. Word of mouth is a medium to light bodied wine with just enough wood. The finish of Word of mouth is lingering and slightly buttery or creamy.

I would rate this wine 17.5 out of 20.
This wine could easily paired with a creamy alfredo pasta with chicken and mushroom, or simply enjoyed on its own...

Poison for the day: Raka Quinary

After an exhausting week, it is time to unwind - and what better way to do so, than with a beautifully balanced Bordeaux style blend? Raka's 2012 Quinary is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec; Cab Sauv taking the leading role with 50%.

The wine has a lovely clear and bright, ruby to garnet colour, of medium depth and slight gradation, showing the slight maturation.

On the nose the wine presents a rather forthcoming and complex character. Initially the wine had an extremely smokey aroma, but when returning to the glass aromas of buchu and savory herbs meets the nose. Slight aromas of fruit such as gooseberries can be detected on further observations.

When sampled Quinary has a tannic, dry entry. The smokiness and slight herbaceousness detected on the nose follows through onto the palate. Other flavours present include savory olives and a slight pepperiness with a mineral undertone. Fruity flavours take a backseat in this interesting blend. While the tannin structure is firm, it is not abrasive. The acidity of the wine is well balanced with the tannins and flavour. Quinary is a full-bodied wine with a lingering smokey aftertaste.

This wine is an excellent standalone wine, when you are planning to drink quality rather than quantity.
Foods I would suggest pairing this wine would include a Madagascan pepper fillet, Kudu loin steak or a rich and hearty game pie or stew.

I would rate this wine an excellent 17.5 to 18 out of 20.

Food and Wine Pairing - 96 Winery Road

Food and Wine Pairing: Pan roasted stuffed Pork Fillet and Pan seared Salmon Trout with Newton Johnson's Felicité Pinot Noir

Newton Johnson's Felicité Pinot Noir is a translucent garnet colour. When tasted on its own it presented forthcoming aromas of red berries such as raspberries and cranberries as well as an earthiness reminiscent of moist fertile soil, on the nose, which follows through on the palate. The finish is lingering and complex. I would rate this wine 16.5 out of 20.

When paired with the two dishes we had, the wine presents two completely different profiles.
With the Pan roasted stuffed Pork Fillet (served with a creamy white wine and parmesan risotto) Felicité transforms into a full-bodied wine with a complex and rich smokey character.
The Pan seared Salmon Trout (with an Asian style slaw) accentuated the light, fruity and slighy spicey character of Felicité.

It is difficult to say which pairing wins, since it would come down to personal taste and preference. My husband and I are however in agreement that the Pork fillet brought out all the characteristics in the wine that we enjoy in a pinot noir.

We would most certainly recommend either combination. Well done to 96 Winery Road! We will most certainly be back for more.