My first time trying this relatively new marriage of Stellenbosch and Bordeaux, the 2013 Glenelly Lady May, a wine whose creation was overseen by May de Lencquesaing of Ch. Pichon Longueville, whose dream it was ‘to craft the finest Cabernet Sauvignon blend outside France’. There are many good imitations of Bordeaux in South Africa, but this may be the finest I’ve yet come across.
The wine opens with classical aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis, singed tobacco, graphite, balsamic and an exotic edge - sort of five spice, but hard to pinpoint. The palate is very direct and forthcoming with its glossy flavours of ripe fruit, espresso, and fantastic minerality. The tannin and acidity cut through with great precision and harmony, leading to a long and mouth-puckering finish. This has the muscularity of a left bank Bordeaux and a very youthful feel, and should age exceptionally well.
I noticed that this wine showed best with my last glass on the first night, after a few hours’ decant, and better still on the second. By then, a delightful accent of sweet strawberry, violet and vanilla had emerged. This is a wine of great complexity and one I will buy by the case in future. — 4 years ago
Freeman Vineyard & Winery is the fruition of a 20-year dream shared by Ken and Akiko Freeman to craft cool climate CA Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aged for 11 months in French oak (about 25% new). Aromas of berry fruits with tea and tobacco notes. On the palate blackberry and cherry with tobacco and tea spice, soft tannins, well balanced, vivid acidity on lingering finish ending with earthy tones. Will keep in cellar for some time. — 5 years ago
Not like the 19’ Kupp Auction Kabi needed it, but it was elevated to new heights with Satoyama Farm’s excellent dry-brined roast chicken. And this was all on day one, with the sponti stink showing in full glory, which somehow worked so well with the chicken - the sulphurous aromas melding with the crispy, caramel-ly chicken skin, bringing an almost smoky savouriness to the meal. But for me, it was salty, racy, and juicy palate that made the pairing - just slicing through all the richness and intensity of a properly raised bird. Boah, just magical!
Having said all that, it took about two days for the sponti stink to blow away, and the aromas to show its best. At this point, the wine really spoke of the Saar. In fact, it reminded me of a classic Egon Kabi - that mix of cassis, salt/slate, and touch of cream was just so similar. The Saar speaking! White flowers, kiwi, pear, ripe lemons, and fresh herbs complete the notes. The wine remained downright playful from start to finish, dancing on the palate on a delicate sugar-acid balance. So invigorating! A classic Kabi destined for greatness. — a year ago
Andrew likes this wine. Slightly fruity. Easy to drink. — 4 years ago
Been on the lookout for this baby for a while. In the process of converting our coffee shops into bottle shops to hold additional offerings in the form of wine and craft beer!
Excited to taste and hold some of my favorites!
Super light, subtle blades of grass aroma.
Boundary Breaks makes my personal perfect expression of Riesling. A perfect balance of all the right things. The knobs and levers turned to just the right levels.
While this is the medium sweet, and I prefer their off dry or dry, it’s a welcome honeyed sweetness balanced with crisp and refreshing notes.
— 2 years ago
Beautiful new world Syrah…13.1 ABV…med-weight glory. Smooth, silky , balanced with a stellar finish. Dark, rich purple with a touch of dirt to play off the dark berry notes. These guys make great Pinot Noir… but at around $30 this is a brilliant bargain! — 3 years ago
I tried this beer from Michigan at the new Craft + Carry on 7th Avenue in Chelsea. It’s an excellent crisp wheat beer. Another domestic favorite. — 4 years ago
Andy Thomson
Enjoyed it. 20 years old! Still alive! — 9 months ago