Not every R1000 bottle tastes better than a R100 one, but if you have around a thousand to spend on an evening’s entertainment for two, what will you get for it? It might stretch to a night at the movies, followed by a simple meal at an average restaurant. Provided you go easy on the drinks, it may just cover your UBER ride home. Split that R1000 with a buddy on a bottle of wine, however, and get ready for indelible memories.
There are extraordinary wine experiences to be had, and you should have them! Think of wine as a way to travel. You might not be able to visit the winelands anytime soon, but you can certainly have a lot of fun experimenting with these pricey yet magnificent wines from South Africa.
Tokara MCC Blanc de Blanc 2011
This is a truly beautiful Blanc de Blanc, with the Chardonnay expressing pure, delicate lemon, subtle autolytic yeastiness and lasting mineral notes. Deep gold in the glass, bright and light on the nose, the palate is generous with citrus fruit and a lovely rich and rounded texture.
Price: R650
www.tokara.co.za
Ashbourne Pinotage 2015
This gem from our friends at Anthonij Hamilton Russell Vineyards combines a world class producer and an unparalleled vintage for South Africa in 2015. It’s the first release under this label since the 2010 vintage. This single vineyard pinotage is proof that one can successfully grow this early ripening grape in the ‘cool climate conditions’ of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Lush fruit, firm tannin and perfect acid create a delicious food wine that should not be missed.
Price: R750
www.port2port.wine
Catherine Marshall “Finite Elements” Pinot Noir 2016
This Pinot Noir is produced by one South Africa’s first female winemakers and there’s no arguing with the fact that Catherine Marshall’s “Finite Elements”, made from a vineyard in Elgin, is something special. Cathy’s wines are also the first eponymous range in South Africa to be released by a woman winemaker. This superb wine slides off the tongue with a silky smoothness. It drinks like a world-class pinot noir offering deep brooding complexity married with brilliant freshness.
www.carolineswine.com
Price: R850
The Jem 2012
Most wines from Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch are special, if not extraordinary, but The Jem is certainly a cut above the rest. The wine is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 14% Merlot, 11% Cabernet franc, 4% Mourvèdre, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Barbera and 3% Sangiovese. It matured for 19 months in French oak, of which 28% was new. Going by the estate’s reputation, this wine is no doubt worth its every drop.
Price: R1100
www.waterfordestate.co.za
Raats Eden High Density Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2015
A wine that will blow your mind! Made from Stellenbosch grapes sourced from a block with rich history and significance, the Eden High Density SV Cabernet Franc’s intensity is as powerful as its puzzling grace and refinement. Masterfully made by the legendary Raats brothers, it is entirely cellar worthy, if you can resist the temptation. Once you have a glass, you will not be able to stop!
If you are unable to get your hands on the Eden Cabernet Franc (yeah, it’s that popular and rare) grab a case of Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2015, selling at R670 p/b. You will thank me later.
Price: R 1700
raats.wine.co.za