Central Orange River, Northern Cape

McManis Family Vineyards

Estate Grown River Junction Viognier 2021

Pale lemon color.
Aromas of peach, floral.
Dry. Flavors of peach, orange blossom, apricot.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
— 9 months ago

Peggy liked this

Cape Mentelle

Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Similar to the note I made a year ago in August 2020. Aromas of dried herbs, bay leaf, tomato bush with a woody note (not Oak) which we identified as Walnut similar to the previous note. This Cabernet is slightly different to the northern Margaret River (Wilyabrup) Cabernets like Woodlands and Moss Wood. On the Medium plus bodied palate red and black fruits with currants and mulberries. This was from a good vintage and is currently in a great place. Enjoy a bottle if you have any. POSTSCRIPT: A note by James Halliday from the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting in 2010 , for the 2007 vintage - “the trio of Cape Mentelle, Moss Wood and Woodlands pushed Leoville Las Cases and Chateau Margaux out of contention. “ Admittedly 2007 was not a great year in Bordeaux. — 3 years ago

Martin, Brian and 16 others liked this

Cape Mentelle

Margaret River Shiraz 2010

Deep crimson in colour. Noticeable oak and spice on nose. Medium to full bodied. Red and black fruits on palate- plum and blueberry notes sadly dominated by the Oak. As mentioned in other posts I believe Margaret River is much better suited to Cabernet and blends rather than Shiraz - no better exemplified than the 2 offerings from this well performed winery - Cape Mentelle. Tasted again 19 weeks later. Similar sentiments as above but this time more Northern Rhone in style with black pepper, plum and dried meats. Pretty good actually. Will drink remaining 2 bottles over the next 3 to 4 years. Score 2nd time is 93 points. — 4 years ago

David, Severn and 12 others liked this

De Wetshof

Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2016

Wow! Deep citrus botrytis thing. Cool stuff. Orange blossom/peel/burnt and flowers and spice and acid. — 6 years ago

Arnot-Roberts

Kirschenmann Vineyard Zinfandel 2020

So freaking good. This would be perfect for thanksgiving. There’s fruit, savory herbs maybe even sage, good acidity from a plum/cranberry/orange like mixture. This is just outstanding. Between this and broc zin you’d have a great party with anyone. — 2 years ago

Josh liked this

Domaine Jerome Gradassi

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2018

Blend of Grenache (80%) and Mourvedre (20%) from 6 parcels in the Palastor, Bois Dauphin and Cabrières lieux-dits, located around the road to Orange in the cooler, northern part of the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC. From 60-80 years old vines Gradassi inherited from his grandfather rooted on sandy and clay soils, with few galets roulés (round river stones). Whole-bunch fermentation in cement vats. Aged for 10 months in older barriques. Intense, complex and fabulously aromatic, with aromas of dark fruit, garrigue, licorice and an edge of graphite/gunpowder. Big and powerful (14.5%) yet balanced. Earthy, leathery qualities and some chewy tannins. — 4 years ago

Martinez

Martinez

Blend of Grenache (80%) and Mourvedre (20%) from 6 parcels in the Palastor, Bois Dauphin and Cabrières lieux-dits, located around the road to Orange in the cooler, northern part of the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC. From 60-80 years old vines Gradassi inherited from his grandfather rooted in sandy and clay soils, with few galets roulés (round river stones). Whole-bunch fermentation in cement vats. Aged for 10 months in older barriques. Intense, complex and fabulously aromatic, with aromas of dark fruit, garrigue, licorice and an edge of graphite/gunpowder. Big and powerful (14.5%) yet balanced. Earthy, leathery qualities and some chewy tannins
Martinez

Martinez

Blend of Grenache (80%) and Mourvedre (20%) from 6 parcels in the Palastor, Bois Dauphin and Cabrières lieux-dits, located around the road to Orange in the cooler, northern part of the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC. From 60-80 years old vines Gradassi inherited from his grandfather rooted in sandy and clay soils, with few galets roulés (round river stones). Whole-bunch fermentation in cement vats. Aged for 10 months in older barriques. Intense, complex and fabulously aromatic, with aromas of dark fruit, garrigue, licorice and an edge of graphite/gunpowder. Big and powerful (14.5%) yet balanced. Earthy, leathery qualities and some chewy tannins
Martinez

Martinez

Blend of Grenache (80%) and Mourvedre (20%) from 6 parcels in the Palastor, Bois Dauphin and Cabrières lieux-dits, in the northern, cooler part of the Châteauneuf du Pape AOC. From 60-80 years old vines rooted in sandy and clay soils, with few galets roulés (round river stones). Intense, complex and fabulously aromatic, with aromas of dark fruit, garrigue, licorice and an edge of graphite. Big, powerful yet balanced.

Lowerland

Tolbos Tannat 2020

This is an excellent balanced wine. Rivals Uruguayan Tannats without problem. Perfect as a gift. — 2 years ago

Domaine Robert Sérol

Oudan De Butte en Blanc Côte Roannaise Viognier 2020

Organically farmed Loire Valley Viognier grown on south facing, granite soils, and aged in 500L neutral barrel. The nose is textbook with floral, blossomy aromatics and fresh-picked stone fruit. The palate exercises a great amount of restraint with medium bodied notes of orange peel, peach, and river stones. Excellent tension here. — 2 years ago

Ira liked this

Cooper's Hawk Winery

Hartwick Vineyard Mokelumne River Orange Muscat

Refreshing and delicious! A perfect break fr m Covid 19 Worries — 4 years ago

Fram Wines

Grenache Gris 2015

Absolutely lovely unexpected orange wine (with the green bottle I thought it was a white). Interesting minerality. Dry on the palate. — 5 years ago