Last week the folks from Siris Vintners and Morvino Merchants hosted an exclusive and intimate wine tasting at Villa 47 in Cape Town, showcasing wines from their portfolio that received top scores from British Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, in his 2018 South African Wine Report.
Truth be told, I’ve been avoiding these type of events during 2018, as a wine trade shows can either prove to be the highlight of your year or a disastrous waste of time. I can safely say that this one certainly left its mark. While reconnecting with wine friends who I haven’t seen in ages, I tasted my way through the fine line-up on offer.
Of course, all these wineries offer spectacular wines, but the following wines really pleased my palate.
Domaine Des Dieux Claudia MCC
Not only was the Claudia Brut crowned as South Africa’s best Cap Classique exponent at this year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, but it was also named the best South African Methode Cap Classique at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships in London. Aged for 48 months on its lees, it’s a rich and luxuriant mouthful with pin-head bubbles bursting through to leave citrus flavours on the palate.
Tim Atkin Score: 92 points
Miles Mossop Saskia
Renowned winemaker Milles Mossop produced this Chenin based blend from grapes sourced from two old bush vine vineyards planted in granite soils in the Swartland. Supple, sexy, and dry, this wine’s a paean to stone fruit and lemon zest with a full mid-palate leading to a textured refreshing finish. If you see it anywhere, grab it.
Tim Atkin Score: 95 points
Ataraxia Chardonnay
Hemel en Aarde doesn’t just produce fabulous pinot noirs, it also knocks out some pretty impressive chardonnays. There’s no arguing with the fact that this Chardonnay from Ataraxia is something special. Concentrated stone and citrus fruit flavours and an invigorating minerality make this a wine to savour. No need for fancy names, too. The proof’s in the drinking.
Tim Atkin Score: 95 points
Stark-Condé Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a rich and rewarding cabernet originates from Stellenbosch and shows aromas of cedar wood, cassis and mint. Typical of a wine from the Jonkershoek Valley, it shows a beautiful purity of fruit with a fine tannin structure. The ultra smooth and long aftertaste add to its appeal.
Tim Atkin Score: 94 points
Fable Small Batch Series Syrah
Three batches (B7/B8/B9) of the 2017 Fable Syrah has been created to represent the purest expression of the Syrah grape at the farm in Tulbagh. These cracking new wines demand to be taken more seriously and offer a wealth of fruit flavours with fresh, clear plum and dark cherry notes, underpinned by an enviable freshness.
Tim Atkin Score: 93 points
