NEW DISCOVERIES ( R1680 for 12 bottles ) PPS price: R1500 incl Delaire Chardonnay Banghoek Reserve 2014 arp R149 inc Ongoing investment by international jewellery magnate, Laurence Graff has seen this lovely hilltop farm become a hedonist s paradise. No expense has been spared in establishing the best of the best in every sphere. Morne Vrey is a very talented winemaker and has created a great range since 2009. This is his best Chardonnay to date, using fruit from select hillside vineyards in the Stellenbosch region. The grapes were handpicked in the early hours over various ripening periods. Picking criteria was based on flavour to ensure optimal sugar concentration and balance of acidity. Extensive bunch sorting of the grapes took place, then they were whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented for 14 days. Maturation took place in 225 litre 40% new French barrels for ten months. No batonage or malolacic fermentation took place, in order to retain freshness. Elegant with layered nuances of vanilla, peaches and honeycomb. A hint of minerality adds to lingering finish. The wine analysis is text book perfect: Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/1 Total Acidity: 6.8 g/1; ph: 3.20 Alcohol: 14% Celestina Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2015 arp R130 inc Celestina is the name of the wine grown in the tiny hamlet of Baardskeerderbos, by Caroline and Ray Kilian. Here, they nurture a 1.86 hectare vineyard, which was planted to Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon in 2004. The wines are made at Elim property Black Oystercatcher, where only six barrels emerge at the end of the year of harvest. 2015 was a cool year leading up to harvest, but we had a heatwave the two weeks prior and the grapes reached full ripeness very quickly. The bouquet offers ripe tropical fruit with notes of kiwi and mown grass, and on palate it fills the mouth with juicy fruit and a super lining of fresh acidity so typical of the varietals. Drink now 2019. Jordan Inspector Peringuey Chenin Blanc 2014 arp R109 inc Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years. Gary s parents, Ted and Sheelagh, bought the 146 hectare Stellenbosch property in 1982, and embarked on a replanting programme of classic varieties suited to the farm. The Jordan slopes face North, South, East and West, with vineyards lying at differing altitudes from 160 to 410 m altitude. They enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate with a maritime influence. This wine is named after Louis Albert
Péringuey, the 19th Century Inspector-General of Vineyards in the Cape, who led the fight against phylloxera and supervised the importation of American rootstocks onto which vines were grafted. French oak adds style and class to this magical grape. A mouthfilling experience of white pear, quince and green pineapple interlaced with a spicy complexity. Barrel-fermented in 228L second and third-fill Burgun-dianshaped barrels, and matured sur-lie in the barrel for eight months with occasional barrel rolling to add richness to the palate. To accentuate the fresh citrus flavour, 50 % tank-fermented Chenin Blanc was blended with the barrel fermented portion. Perfect with mild Thai curries or grilled chicken. Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 arp R128 inc One of the top bargains in the Platter s Guide 5-star line-up for 2016. We secured stocks for members as soon as we heard the results! This Helderberg winery has achieved many top awards over the years for both white and red wine. Newly appointed winemakers Alistair Rimmer and RJ Botha saw to it that they were chosen as New World Wine Producer of the Year 2015 in London. The Cabernet fruit is mostly their own, with the addition of other Helderberg fruit, a region known for top-quality Cab. It has a deep ruby colour, and on nose it exudes deep ripe black fruits, laced with oak vanilla. On palate, medium body ( surprising after the richly fruity nose ), with super elegance on the core of black and red mulberries, subtle oak and excellent acidity to balance. The plush succulence of this wine lends itself to enjoyment right away, however if you mature it in a cool cellar until 2020, you will have an even greater wine to enjoy. Serve with rare grilled rib-eye steak with creamy pepper sauce. Noble Hill Estate Blend 2012 arp R130 inc When taking over Noble Hill in Klapmuts, the new owners, the Tillery family, were given keys to every door, cupboard, and gate in a jumbled box. Sorting through the mess, they realized that some of the keys dated to the farm s historic past, and ever since they have placed a key on each label. Different keys represent their different sources of inspiration and the nuances of each grape varietal. The 2012 Estate Blend is labelled with four keys representing Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (3%). This wine elicits the aromas and tastes of fresh blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of mint. Oak plays a well-integrated and focused supporting role. This vintage was released after two years bottle maturation and can be enjoyed from now through 2022.This wine offers incredible value-for-money. Kleinood Syrah 2011 arp R154 inc This winery was established by Gerard and Libby de Villiers on the farm Kleinood in Stellenbosch' Blaauklippen Valley in 2000. They named it Tamboerskloof, after the suburb in Cape Town where they lived at the time. Gerard's main profession is engineering, specialising in that aspect of wine cellar design. Winemaker Gunter Schultz ( younger brother of winemakers Carl and Rudi of Hartenberg and Thelema respectively ) is the talent behind this wine - Gunter blended 3% Mourvedre and 2% Viognier into the 95% Shiraz in true Rhone style. After fermentation, the wine spent twenty months in 500 litre French oak barrels of mixed age, such as to achieve a smooth wine. It is ready to drink now, but if you wish, you can mature it
until 2020 at least with good results. Says Gunter:: " Scarletcrimson in colour. The nose is rich with red berries, black pepper and cloves. A balanced palate confirms the nose with prominent flavours of strawberry, red cherry as well as cocoa and rosewoood nuances from the Mourvèdre component. The wine is rounded off by plush tannin and a lingering spicy aftertaste. For optimal drinking, decant 30 minutes prior to serving. Perfect with game, lamb and roast beef".
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ( R1064 for 12 bottles ) PPS price: R950 incl Delaire Sauvignon Blanc 2015 arp R97 inc Although Delaire is situated in Banghoek, Stellenbosch, winemaker Morne Vrey takes the option to buy in some fruit, so that he can work towards complexity in one varietal wine. The grapes were handpicked from four wine regions: Olifantsrivier, Durbanville, Darling and Stellenbosch. This regional combination brings together unique flavours in full harmony. A classic Sauvignon Blanc, this wine reveals aromas of cut grass, asparagus and hints of citrus and tropical fruit. It has a multilayered, complex mouthfeel, a fresh and crisp vibrancy with lingering flavours of gooseberry, rosemary and zesty fruit with a subtle mineral finish. One of the finest Sauvignons of the vintage. Serve with fried Kingklip or similar linefish. De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay ( unoaked ) 2015 arp R87 inc De Wetshof is a third generation wine estate in the Robertson Valley, where wine has been made for over 150 years. Here Danie de Wet, proprietor and cellarmaster, is assisted by sons and co-owners Johann (viticulture and marketing) and Peter (winemaker). The grapes are picked in the cool morning, with the emphasis on capturing the natural complexities of the Chardonnay grape immediately. Heavy clay soils rich in limestone allow this Chardonnay to emit optimum varietal expression. It has notes of fresh pears and lemon on the nose, and on palate it is fruity, dry and exotic with a long dry finish. As a culinary companion, it is superb with oysters, cream-based pasta dishes and light curries, as well as roast pork and veal dishes. Drink now 2017. Perdeberg Dryland Collection Pinot Noir-Chardonnay 2015 arp R89 inc Perdeberg Cellars near Paarl is not a co-op but a Pty Ltd, with 33 owner-growers who supply the cellar. They have longstanding relationships with farmers who grow grapes in special vineyard blocks which produce top quality grapes. In the past, these grapes got lost in the big blends, and now one can buy them as individually bottled wines in their Vineyard Collection wines. The grapes are harvested from low-yielding 32 year vineyards in the Perdeberg area, in which the soils are mainly decomposed granite and Glenrosa. The grapes are hand selected and harvested in small crates. After destemming and crushing, the berries are pressed in small batches. The age-old friendship between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is testimony of the affinity they have for one another, resulting in this aromatic wine with its salmon pink colour. Strawberry, candy floss and raspberry aromas are all attributed to Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay boasts notes of tropical fruit. The palate is fruity and crisp with a zippy acidity, combining an array of flavours and sensations. Drink young, cold and pair with sushi, prawn salad or fresh oysters. Miles Mossop The Introduction 2013 arp R104 inc Miles Mossop is winemaker at Tokara, and has always been one of the Cape s shining stars, turning out wines that always over-deliver in terms of quality. He has three wines named after his children, and recently
bottled a wine under the name of The Introduction, which comprises varietal wines from older blocks of vines, generally in poorer soils and unirrigated. Made to be fruit-forward and earlier drinking, but with the same polish of the main range. This is a blend of mostly Merlot, with Cabernet, Petit Verdot & Malbec. It has a deep nose and flavour of blackcurrants and plums and is gorgeously balanced, well structured and dry. Fresh and complete. Drink as of now, until 2019. Perdeberg Vineyard Collection Shiraz 2013 arp R85 inc Perdeberg Cellars near Paarl is not a co-op but a Pty Ltd, with 33 owner-growers who supply the cellar. They have longstanding relationships with farmers who grow grapes in special vineyard blocks which produce top quality grapes. In the past, these grapes got lost in the big blends, and now one can buy them as individually bottled wines in their Vineyard Collection wines. This delicious Shiraz, hailing from an eighteen year-old vineyard in the Perdeberg area, has a deep purple colour with plum, blackberry and white pepper aromas. The fruit intensity carries through to the palate and fills one s mouth with dark, rich flavours laced with well managed oak. The aftertaste is long and integrated. Ready to be enjoyed now on its own or with pizza, meat pasta and barbecued meats. Lyngrove Collection Merlot 2014 arp R70 inc This 76ha farm is situated in a prime Helderberg position between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, well off the beaten track. The owners had their first wines bottled in 2000 and now they produce 100,000 cases of wine, specialising in reds. The 4.4ha of Merlot vines were planted in 2000 on soils consisting of weathered granite on clay, with a northwest facing aspect. The nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) has a beneficial cooling effect on the vineyards during the ripening season. Moderate and dry weather during early harvest period ensured perfect ripening conditions. It has a vibrant ruby red colour. It is a riper style of Merlot with hints of mulberries, rosemary and mint. On palate, it has soft tannins with fresh acidity and a velvety finish. Best served at 15-18 C. Ideal with wood fired pizza smothered in tomato, basil and goats cheese. Drink now until 2020.
ICON REDS ( R1302 for 6 bottles ) PPS price: R1162.00 incl Oak Valley Pinot Noir 2013 arp R217 inc Oak Valley is a large family-run estate in Elgin, dating back to 1898. It is owned and run by the Rawbone- Viljoen family, who are all involved in various ways. They are famous for their flower cultivation, wine, fruit and free-range meat, not to mention the truffles. In wine, they truly excel, and their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are particularly good. The Pinot Noir grapes are picked from two sites: the mountain block (2.26ha) planted in 2001 yielding ultra-low tonnages due to strong north-westerly winds at blossom, and a high-density, Burgundian-style, 10,000 vine p/ha site (2.09ha) planted in 2008. Ripening occurs two weeks later in the higher (470m) mountain vineyard. Bunches are hand sorted before cold-maceration for four days at 8 C. Cultured yeasts are used. Fermentation temperatures vary between 10-30 C. Only two gentle pumpovers per day and after fermentation the wine is left on the skins for 2 days before pressing. Malolactic fermentation occurs in tank then the wine is racked and matured for 9 months in 300 litre French oak barrels. New French oak comprises 30% and the remainder 2nd and 3rd fill barrels. Oak Valley Pinot Noir is expressed in ripe berry flavours of maraschino cherry, strawberry and raspberry notes, laced with truffle and autumn oak leaves. The texture is deep and juicy with a certain plushness pervading. Although this wine is drinking so well now, it shows good tannins and acidity which will make sure that it matures well in a cool cellar until approx 2020. Alcohol 13.5%; Total acidity 5.0 g/l; ph 3.51; Volatile acid 0.48 g/l; Residual sugar 2.3 g/l
AFFORDABLE EUROPE ( R1680 for 6 bottles ) PPS price: R1500.00 incl This quarter, we feature six Portuguese wines, three whites and three reds. Anselmo Mendes Alvarinho Muros de Melgaco 2014 arp R261 Anselmo Mendes is regarded as the finest producer of Vinho Verde, the green wine of northern Portugal. His style is dry, fresh and vibrant and his wines can age phenomenally well, up to 2 decades in fine vintages! His most recent achievement came in 2006, when his wine Muros Antigos Alvarinho 2005 was considered one of the best 100 wines of the world by the magazine Wine Enthusiast. The 2014 Alvarinho Muros Antigos is solidly built, dry and concentrated, with a fine finish and a full mouthfeel. There is wonderful tension; the acidity drives home the flavour beautifully and your tongue tingles with the mix of acidity and fruit. But there's no fizz here. It's not sweet. It is elegant, but subtly concentrated and persistent. It may not be quite at this peak for all that long, but it will easily age a few years, too. In this vintage, I had a minor preference for this over my usual favorite, the Contacto. The styles are very different, though, the Contacto seeming livelier and a bit more transparent; this seeming a bit more tightly wound. Wine Advocate Anselmo Mendes Alvarinho Contacto 2014 arp R230 Skin contact wines are left on their skins long after crushing the grapes, in order that the juice absorbs esters and phenols and consequently there is more depth. In the preparation of red wine, it is the colour that the winemaker e wants most of all, but it is not usual practice for white wines. This wine is Alvarinho with skin contact, a different style (and different terroir) than the producer's Muros Antigos Alvarinho reviewed above. Fresh, clean and dry, this is wonderfully transparent with a "wake-me-up" feel. There have been some years with better concentration, but this is invigorating, if rather undeveloped at the moment. The finish lingers beautifully. It should satisfy all urges for nice Alvarinho. Wine Advocate Anselmo Mendes Muros Antigos Escolha 2014 arp R132 The 2014 Muros Antigos Escolha is a blend of 40% Loureiro 40% Avesso and 20% Alvarinho, unoaked and under 2 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is also another nice value from Mendes. This is tightly wound in its youth, providing fine grip and tension on the finish. Wonderfully elegant, yet always gripping, this is pretty serious wine, focused, dry, still, penetrating and rather concentrated, with that pop on the finish. Nicely done, the price is awfully nice, too. If this didn't say "Vinho Verde," I suspect a lot of folks would be paying a lot more. Wine Advocate Niepoort Vertente Tinto ( Douro ) 2012 arp R292 Vertente is made from grapes from the 25 year old vineyards of Quinta de Nápoles and old vines planted on the slopes of the river Pinhão, where Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz are predominant. The old vines contribute to the elegance of this wine, while the 25 year old vines give it youth. It is a wine that finds a unique balance between concentration, fruit, complexity and elegance, creating an excellent 2012 red. Made to be consumed young, it has great ageing potential. This wine has a pretty ruby red colour, of medium concentration. A very fresh aroma and good complexity, marked by a mineral profile. Notes of black fruit, dark chocolate and spices. Very elegant on the palate with a good structure, without
being heavy. Fine and well integrated tannins, it is a wine full of youth, with good acidity and fresh fruit. A long and elegant finish. Ideally its should be drunk now, but thanks to its balance, it will have a long life in the bottle. Chapoutier Douro Pinteivera 2012 arp R312 Michel Chapoutier, famed grower and winemaker in France's Rhone valley, has entered the Portuguese wine arena, producing two extraordinary wines from a five hectare parcel of 100% Touriga Nacional in the Douro valley. Powerful aroma, showing dark fruit along with some garrigue ( wild herb ) and spicy notes. Aromas of fruit (cherries, prunes) macerated in eau de vie can also be detected. The whole is underpinned by mineral notes (graphite) that bring a great deal of freshness. Big and full on the palate with an impressive velvety structure. There s flesh, weight and depth, all rounded off by an incredibly long finish. The dark fruit comes through again, giving a crisp sensation underpinned by nice mineral tautness that endows this wine with freshness and remarkable balance. Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas 2012 arp R372 A red wine from the region of Douro Superior, more specifically from Quinta de Ervamoira (150 metres altitude) and Quinta dos Bons Ares (600 metres altitude), and is a blend of traditional grape varieties, namely 45% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Roriz, 5% Tinta da Barca, 4% Tinta Barroca, 2% Sousao, 2% Tinto Cao, 2% Tinta Amarela, all of which are mostly used in Port production. The grapes were harvested by hand, crushed and destemmed and then fermented in granite lagares and stainless steel vats where skin maceration continued. 50% of the wine is barrel-matured and 50% in stainless steel vats for fourteen months. It has a vivid, bright garnet colour, with a vinous and floral aroma (lilacs and violets), with notes of ripe fruit, plum and black grapes. Fresh and smooth attack, but also flavourful, concentrated and elegant, revealing silky and consistent tannins as well as a long finish. The 2012 harvest reveals exquisite finesse. Excellent served with Mediterranean dishes such as roast vegetables hors d'oeuvres with aubergines, courgettes, peppers, etc. or grilled poultry or red meat. They especially recommend this wine with ripened sheep's cheese. Drink now with food or age until 2020.