South African wines by the Chairman, Phil Miles
Phil has travelled extensively in SA for his work in the Tourism industry and together with his love of wine has seen a lot of the SA wine industry. Here are 8 wines presented by Phil
One comment he made was that quite often Red wines are less difficult to make – White need a lot more care, so are often that bit more expensive. I think that showed in this tasting with the reds being better VFM.
Whites:
Ernie Els Big Easy Chenin Blanc 2021. Penderberg, Paarl. 13.5% £13.50.
7.5/10. Straightforward white, clean fresh, but cant be said to be VFM
Steenburg Farm Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2021. Constantia Valley Cape Town. 13.5% £15.50
7/10
As above
Glenkelly Glass Collection Unoaked Chardonnay 2020. Idas Valley, Stellenbosch 12.5% £14
5/10
This had a quite off
smell and not a great taste. Apparently has been made with a novel
and special technique. It appears to have not worked.- Post meeting note. On discussing with other members, there were 3 bottles, and only this one bottle showed this flaw. It does very much appear that it was a duff bottle. We should have sorted this out at the meeting, but somehow failed to do so. 😢
Catherine Marshall Red Slate Riesling 2021. Elgin Valley 11% £12
8/10
A decent level of acidity with a hint of lemon. Pretty good.
Reds
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Merlot 2020. Idas Valley, Stellenbosch. 14% £13
7.5/10
Oaked? Cedar & Cigars. Smooth & well balanced.
Darling Cellar Reserve black granite Shiraz 2020. Darling west coast. 14% £10
9/10
A very smooth Shiraz from Old Vines. Well balanced. Good VFM
Guardian Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Stellenbosch. 14.0% £12
9/10
As above
Kaapzicht Rooiland Pinotage 2020. Bottelary Hills Stellenbosch. 14.5% £18.50
8.5/10
Pinotage can be hit & miss. This one’s a hit, if pricey.
