Reviews of Wines of South Africa

The following is a compilation of old reviews I have done on the wines of South Africa.

2003 New World Syrah: With dinner this evening, BBQ, I chose this wine from South Africa ($10). This is not a fruit forward Shiraz from Australia. This is a more complex Syrah, with spice and a bacon flavor! It is a more full bodied and smooth wine with a nice finish. This goes great with BBQ!!! And at the price, this is an excellent value as well. Definite Drink and Buy.

2004 Boekenhoutskloof, The Wolftrap, Franschhoek: I have recently had two bottles of this intriguing red wine blend that contains 47% Merlot, 14% Grenache Noir, 14% Malbec, 12% Syrah, 8% Ruby Cabernet, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cinsault. It is also French oak aged. It costs about $12 and has a screw cap. This is an excellent wine with a very smoky and spicy flavor. It is a full bodied wine which would be best with a nice piece of beef. It definitely has muscle and will make you take notice. It goes down very smoothly. I would definitely recommend this wine!

2005 Chardonnay Louisvale, Stellenbosch: This is an unoaked Chardonnay ($12) that was a smooth, mild wine with lots of citrus flavors on the palate. A nice, refreshing summer wine. As well as a Chardonnay for those who do not normally like Chardonnay due to its oakiness.

2003 Hill & Dale Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz: This wine ($10) was a very pleasant drink. It was a complex little wine, with interesting smoke and spice, a decently long finish and some notes of almost chocolate. It was an easy drinking wine without overpowering tannins. At this price, it is one of the better predominately Cabernet wines I have had. A definite Drink and Buy.

2003 Hill & Dale Pinotage, Stellenbosch: This had to be the blockbuster value ($9) of the tasting. Smooth, smoky, earthy. An intriguing and complex wine which is a superb value. It is mellower than most Pinotages so might even interest those who generally do not care for Pinotage.

2002 Rudera Syrah: This is a full bodied, chewy wine ($28) with lots of smoke and spice. It is still smooth and has a nice, long finish. This is a very enjoyable wine. A fine example of Syrah. A definite Drink and Buy.

2004 Pinecrest Pinotage: This wine ($19) is meaty and smoky, with a bit of bacon flavor and black pepper. It does not have alot of earthy flavor. It has a long finish and some complexity. I was very pleased with this wine. In comparing the this to the Hill & Dale Pinotage, I think this wine might be a bit meatier and smokier than the Hill & Dale. A Drink & Buy.

2004 Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage: This wine is 100% Pinotage. Why they call it "Petit" I am not sure. On their website, they describe the wine as: "This Petit Pinotage is a totally new style of Pinotage, reflecting the modern fruit driven wine style that is demanded today." This is a dark and heavy wine, that is smooth on the palate. It has a rich, smoky flavor with dark spices and a hint of bacon on the finish. The finish is medium length and very satisfying. There is a bit of earthiness but it blends well with the rest of the wine. It is very easy drinking and most enjoyable. At $10, it is a good value and a definite Drink and Buy.

2005 Goats do Roam Goatfather: I have had a number of other wines from the Goats do Roam winery and enjoyed them. The Goatfather ($17) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Barbera and Primitivo. It is the Italian varietals that give inspiration to the name of the wine. This was a good wine, rather smooth and mellow. It lacked the spicy tones which I usually attribute to Italian wines. So, if you dislike Italian wines, this wine should not offend you. It had some decent complexity with a harmonious collection of flavors. Drink and Buy.

2004 Kanonkop Kadette: A blend ($12) of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinotage. An excellent blend with a smoky and spicy taste and a long finish. A great value at this price.

2003 Stellenzicht Cellars Shiraz: A dark, smoky and impressive Shiraz ($15). Definitely not a fruit bomb. Another good buy.

Sebeka Shiraz-Pinotage: From South Africa, this wine ($9) is a very good value, with lots of spice and a bacony finish. A lot of character.