| White Wine | Rosé Wine | Red Wine |
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SOUTH AFRICA
is known and respected as a consistent source of some of the best values in wine. But, there is so much more to this nation's ever-evolving wine industry than value. By adopting modern winemaking techniques and matching grape varieties to their ideal vineyard sites, the industry here has transformed itself into a dynamic player in the wine world, creating more than its fair share of show-stopping wines. VINTAGES invites you to rediscover the quality and versatility of South Africa, including a look at three distinct and intriguing producers who epitomize this country's pursuit of excellence. |
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Three notable producers; three varying paths; one goal: Quality.
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KWV |
was founded in 1918
as a private wine co-operative
to stabilize South Africa’s
wine business. It became the
industry’s guardian and
regulator for most of the 20th
century. KWV has always
retained a pioneering spirit
and in 1997 it transformed
itself into a dynamic, publicly
owned producer that is
home to some of the Cape’s
most successful modern
wines, such as the Cathedral
Cellars portfolio (Cabernet
Sauvignon) and the new
Café Culture Pinotage.
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Vineyard is a small but high-profile
farm in Stellenbosch that, since its first
vintage in 1991, has put the emphasis
on quality over quantity. Cellar master
Mike Dobrovic is considered one of
South Africa’s most talented winemakers.
His attractive wines are produced in
limited quantities and are always in high
demand upon release, such as the
Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2007. Committed to preserving
the environment, Mulderbosch has given
over more than half of their property to
indigenous vegetation and wildlife.
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Celebrating its 10th anniversary
in 2008, The Winery of Good
Hope is a relative newcomer
that’s garnering a lot of buzz.
Quality and individuality are this
hip winery’s chief goals and
these are clearly evident on its
irreverent website as well as in
its exciting wines which include
the Radford Dale, Vinum
Africa and Black Rock brands
(see Black Rock Red).
Founder Alex Dale and most
of the ownership partners,
which includes Rhône winemaker
Édouard Labeye
being one, make up the ‘dream
team’ responsible for the dayto-
day running of the winery.
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A sure indication that South Africa has
come of age as a modern wine nation is
the number of international winemakers
and companies investing here. Notable
producers from France, Spain, Australia
and elsewhere including Chablis’ Michel
Laroche (right) who owns L’Avenir.
*See L’Avenir Chenin
Blanc 2007, (072645)
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| Vin blanc |
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Organic Product
WINDS OF CHANGE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY 2007
WO Western Cape
This organic wine celebrates the positive changes taking place in South Africa today. The sales of this fair trade-certified wine benefit the vill-agers of the Sonop farming community under the Black Economic Empowerment program. This refreshing, easy-going Chardonnay has juicy pineapple and banana fruit flavours and would pair well with a chicken caesar salad. Our Quality Assurance lab-oratory has determined that this organic wine contains 11 mg/L of free sulphur.
022046 (D) 750 mL $13.95   |
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L'AVENIR CHENIN BLANC 2007
WO Stellenbosch
(Domaine Laroche)
Michel Laroche, one of Chablis' leading producers, jumped at the opportunity to invest in South Africa and purchased this estate in 2005. Chenin Blanc is one of the country's biggest strengths and L'Avenir's vineyards produce some of the best examples. The 2007 is bursting with intense aromas of apples, pears, a mixed bouquet of flowers and citrus notes. It's rich and fresh with a supple texture and refreshing acidity to balance the deliciously intense fruit flavours. Enjoy with salmon steaks, grilled prawns or fresh goat cheese.
072645 (XD) 750 mL $19.95  |
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BOSCHENDAL RESERVE COLLECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007
WO Coastal Region
This wine won Double Gold honours at South Africa's prestigious Veritas awards in 2007. Like summer in a glass, this dazzling white is bursting with citrus-fruit aromas and flavours as well as Sauvignon Blanc's typical grassiness. It's dry, medium full-bodied with focussed acidity and a long finish. Enjoy this superb Savvy with grilled freshly caught northern pike and a summer salad.
082438 (XD) 750 mL $16.95 |
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BOUCHARD FINLAYSON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007
WO Walker Bay
Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa is on the rise, offering excellent value in a style that seems to land somewhere between the benchmarks of New Zealand and France's Loire Valley.
TASTING NOTE: Sample 07 has cool-climate crispness, notes of grapefruit and gran-adilla [a passion fruit]; lithe body with vibrant mineral finish. Score - *** 1/2 (out of 5). (Jörge Pfützner, John Platter South African Wines, 2008)
701540 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
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MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ 2007
WO Stellenbosch
TASTING NOTE: This light pink wine is a nice refreshing summer alternative. This wine opens with a fresh strawberry like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is dry, round, crisp, with dusty strawberry like flavors. The finish is dry and refreshing. Enjoy this wine near the pool this summer. Score - 87-89. (Ken Hoggins, www.kenswineguide.com, April 10, 2008)
999821 (D) 750 mL $12.95 |
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“With numerous
small labels and
a range of varieties
showcasing the
country’s diverse
terroir, this is
the time to start
exploring South
African wine.”
– James Molesworth,
Wine Spectator,
April 30, 2008
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VINTAGES Essentials Collection
CATHEDRAL CELLAR CABERNET SAUVIGNON (V)
WO Coastal Region
(KWV)
This classy Cab from the Cape is loaded with aromas of cassis, cherry, violets, smoky oak and savoury herbs. It's dry, medium bodied and well crafted with juicy rich flavours and firm tannins. Enjoy it anytime over the next 2-4 years with dishes featuring coriander, cumin or allspice.
328567 (D) 750 mL $16.95 |
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NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
WO Paarl
TASTING NOTE: Look for a well-made Cabernet, with excellent balance among fruit, acid and tannins. The fruit is forward and intense, with a sweet core and interesting layers, and it's lifted by a broad seam of acidity, that contributes to a texture that's rich, tangy and refreshing. The tannins are supple and manageable. This is a good choice for grilled and roasted red meats. Score - **** (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, June 2008)
068767 (XD) 750 mL $16.95 |
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New at VINTAGES
PINEHURST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
WO Coastal Region
(Môreson)
Môreson's winemaker Hannes Meyer is part of the new generation making waves in South Africa's wine industry. After graduating from the University of Stellen-bosch in 2004, he worked vintages in South Africa and California before joining Môreson. His Pinehurst Cab is a fruit-forward, ready-to-drink wine that's packed with rich black fruit and spicy notes. It's the perfect wine to pair with barbecued burgers, steaks and sausages this long holiday weekend.
009001 (D) 750 mL $14.95 |
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New at VINTAGES
STARK-CONDÉ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
WO Stellenbosch, Unfined and Unfiltered
TASTING NOTE: Offers a solid mix of briar, grilled sage, tobacco and dark currant fruit backed by a structured finish that shows a nice tangy iron note. Drink now through 2009. Score - 90. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2007)
068460 (XD) 750 mL $19.95 |
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New at VINTAGES
VERGENOEGD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2001
WO Stellenbosch
TASTING NOTE: An opulently rich wine from very ripe fruit giving soft tannins, a delicious layer of red berries and mature Cab flavors. There is structure there, buried under all the ripeness, but this is a wine to sink into, ready for immediate drinking. Score - 91. (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Nov. 1, 2006)
068445 (XD) 750 mL $23.95 |
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BLACK ROCK RED 2006
WO Swartland
(The Winery of Good Hope)
Rhône-based winemaker Édouard Labeye calls South Africa his second home after working a decade's worth of vintages there. This Rhône away from home is comprised of 66% Shiraz, 13% Carignan, 11% Mourvedre, 9% Grenache and 1% Viognier.
TASTING NOTE: Southern Rhône inspired exotic blend, individual & compelling. Shiraz-led 06 doesn't falter: violets, dried herbs, campfire smoke & crushed blueberries. The trademark lithe tannins welcome participation; this is pure hedonism. Score -  1/2 (out of 5). (Christine Rudman, John Platter South African Wines, 2008)
068502 (XD) 750 mL $23.95
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CAFÉ CULTURE PINOTAGE 2007
WO Western Cape
(KWV)
Café Culture is designed to emphasize the vivid coffee characteristics that can be achieved through barrel ageing. Winemaker Bertus Fourie is an expert in this style of Pinotage. The mocha flavours intertwined with the ripe berry fruit of the Pinotage grape makes this wine a truly decadent exp- erience. A Gold Medal winner at South Africa's prestigious Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2007.
072710 (XD) 750 mL $13.95 |
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LONG MOUNTAIN RESERVE PINOTAGE 2007
WO Western Cape
TASTING NOTE: Our flagship and the way we want to go with our Reserves says winemaker [Emile Gentis]. Big, bold but friendly 07, inviting freshly roasted coffee aromas, flavours of dark chocolate and plum ripe plum. Moreish [desirable].
Score - 1/2 (out of 5). (Dave Biggs, John Platter South African Wines, 2008)
068742 (XD) 750 mL $13.95 |
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TUKULU PINOTAGE 2005
WO Darling
TASTING NOTE: Seriously weighted 2005 shows massive tannin grip, with classy cassis, nutmeg & wild mushroom re-placing 2004's plump, jammy fruit and soft tannins. Cranberry tartness contrasts with vanilla (from 45% American oak) to balance ripeness. Score - (out of 5). (Roland Peens, John Platter South African Wines, 2008)
068700 (XD) 750 mL $21.95 |
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New at VINTAGES
MAN VINTNERS SHIRAZ 2006
WO Coastal Region
TASTING NOTE: Youthful 06 distinctively shiraz - red fruit, black pepper mingle with vanilla from 10 months American oak. Grippy, ripe tannins add seriousness to spicy, vibrant fruit; drinking well now. Score - 1/2 (out of 5). (Ingrid Motteux, John Platter South African Wines, 2008)
071332 (XD) 750 mL $12.95 |
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NEDERBURG MANOR HOUSE SHIRAZ 2006
WO Coastal Region
This Shiraz won a Gold Medal at the Michelangelo Inter-national Wine Awards 2007.
TASTING NOTE: The grapes for this wine came from the Philadelphia and Paarl regions. They've produced a lovely Shiraz that's full of rich flavours that are nicely defined and layered. It's generous, plush and smooth in the mouth, with some tanginess from the balanced acidity. If you're looking for a different take on Shiraz, try this one. It's a natural for lamb and other red meats. Score - (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, rodphillipsonwine.com, June 2008)
068775 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
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LOMOND MERLOT 2005
WO Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost wine-producing region in Africa. Located 8 km from the ocean, the maritime breezes make it the coolest ripening area in South Africa.
TASTING NOTE: A whole range of clones and practices were employed to make this wine. It has smooth red fruits on the nose, which is a bit spicy and chocolatey. The palate has some structure and is very elegant with a bit of spiciness. Really lovely: one of the best South African Merlots I've had. Very good/excellent. Score - 91. (Jamie Goode, www.wineanorak.com, Sept. 2006)
068478 (XD) 750 mL $19.95
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