Bob's African Wines

Hamilton Russell Vineyards

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir

This is a BIG Pinot. Big, fruit dominated nose, with a little herbal spice on the back end, with hints of black olive and rose permeating throughout. Big palate and body, with an herbal, hay or thyme palate, tannic, with a salinity that’s prominent, with black olive, some tar, and even a smokiness hitting the end, with dark cherry, plum, and a peppery spice showing up loud on the palate. Really good entry to South African Pinot. — 6 months ago

De Toren

Fusion V Stellenbosch Red Blend 2014

Shay A
9.2

My experience with South African red wines is limited, but I’ve enjoyed some Meerlust reds and a few other random bottles. I have to say, while this wasn’t a revelation, it is the best South African wine I’ve had to date.

This was a bottle opened blind for a few people. Oddly enough, there were similarities to this and a 2013 Almaviva…a burnt rubber/tire note on the nose alongside a vegetal/herbal pronounced note on the nose. Tangy/sour black cherries, red currant and red licorice too. Mostly red and black underripe fruit dominant. Even a bit of tar. This drinks like a chinon mixed with a lean vintage Bordeaux…the spice and vegetal flair is there next to the lightweight mid palate from a cooler Bordeaux vintage. A blend of five “noble varietals” in honor of Bordeaux, this was a unique wine that had people guessing from all over the world. After 1-2hrs of air from
bottle, it was balanced/integrated and ready to roll. I’d enjoy these sooner rather than later.
— 2 years ago

Kimberly, Tom and 31 others liked this
"Odedi"

"Odedi" Influencer Badge

Nice wine 🍷

Botanica

Citrusdal Mountain Chenin Blanc 2021

Another excellent vintage of this exquisite South African Chenin. Fruit is from High elevation vineyards. Light golden color. Aromas of pear, white flowers, lanolin and a fresh mountain breeze. The pallet is complex with flavors of pear, lemon/lime, peach, melon, orange zest and fresh herbs. Long lasting and mineral-filled finish. Gripping acidity and a fine creamy texture. Totally elegant! Thanks Kase for offering up this beauty! Revisited in January 2024. Still beautiful! — 9 months ago

Bob, Tom and 3 others liked this

Vilafonté

Series M Red Blend 2014

Cheers to Bordeaux-style blends from South Africa! 🇿🇦

This particular beauty comprises 39% Merlot, 36% Malbec, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and hails from the region of Paarl W.O. in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape of South Africa. It was hand-harvested from low-yielding vines and aged for 20 months in French oak (3% new).

The nose opens with a bouquet of black cherry preserves, baked plum, crème de cassis, blackberry bramble, fresh mint, black licorice, violet, nutmeg, pencil shavings, cinnamon, cedar, leather, and cured meat. On the palate this wine is dry, with medium acidity, high alcohol, medium(+) body. The tannins are present but fine-grained and velveteen. Flavors on the palate are largely consistent with the nose, but offer more earthy, balanced, and savory elements. The finish is long. 😍😍😍

The producer - Vilafonté - represents a joint winemaking venture between American and South African vintners, including the distinguished and pioneering Zelma Long.👏👏👏👏

Here’s to exploring the world through amazingly delicious wine 🍷 🍷🙌🙌
— 2 years ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1, Paul and 16 others liked this
Paul T- Huntington Beach

Paul T- Huntington Beach

I’m going to try that when my 13 pro arrives

Spier

Creative Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2014

A really wonderful South African Bordeaux style wine. It’s called creative block 5 because it has the five primary Bordeaux grapes blended into a nicely structured red with a complex set of flavours including blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate with hints of woody cedar, leather and cigar box. We decanted for 2 hours and paired it with a grilled ribeye that included our attempt to create the legendary “café de Paris sauce” (green tarragon-based-butter-shallot-white wine sauce) Amazing! — 4 years ago

Vanessa, Trixie and 8 others liked this
Trixie

Trixie

Such a lovely collage. Enjoy your evening!
Shawn Thompson

Shawn Thompson

@Trixie thank you! Cheers 🍷

MAN Family Wines

Free-Run Steen Coastal Region Chenin Blanc 2022

This South African wine carries a pale yellow tint in the glass and shows small bubbles as it pours up slightly frizzante. The nose is amazing, dressed in a citrus minerality that evokes not only a sidewalk after a rain, but a minty eucalyptus note as well. There are traces of smoke and pineapple in the aroma package, too. The palate is flinty and full of acidity. A plate of oysters will go nicely with this bottle. — 9 months ago

Paul, Tom and 7 others liked this

Sadie Family

Soldaat Grenache 2017

"Slow Decanting" South African Grenache

Day 1
👃Rich cherry/strawberry, roses, smokey herbs, tea, sage, citrus, clove. Complex & elegant
👅Salty, savory, and fleshy. Broad flavors that have depth, clarity, & persistence. Soft tannins. Superb!

"Slow Decanted" the remaining wine in my fridge

DAY 13
👃Totally unique combination of flavors with depth & complexity *
👅White pepper, savory strawberry. Slightly bitter. Crispy. Dry, smokey finish. Energetic. Light
Grenache that is elegant and singular

Equally superb on Days 1 and 13

Burgundian stylings. Medium body. Elegant. Complex. Singular🍷

Follow @Vinloq.notes on Instagram

— a year ago

Tom, Ira and 20 others liked this

Alto Wine Estate

Alto Rouge Red Blend

Terrific quality South African Bordeaux blend at a great value. Shiraz, cab sav, cab Franc, merlot and petite verdict blend perfectly to form a silky smooth well balanced wine. Recommended decant for 1.5 to fully open. Really superb notes of dark black fruit, cerise, plum, blackberry and notes of oaky aging with subtle vanilla and tobacco. 8.9/3.9 — 3 years ago

brando liked this

Kanonkop Estate

Paul Sauer Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2015

Full nose and body. A true South African but nevertheless elegant. Just excellent. I had the 2015 in 2018 and 2019 — 5 years ago