A couple of wines, available exclusively at Ultra Liquors, has received praise in the newly released 2014 Platter’s Wine Guide.
On page 472 the guide describes the wines of South Africa’s Cheapest Liquor and Wine retailer as follow:
Big on palate, small on pocket is the motto in the Ultra Liquors Wine Division, liquor retail chain turned specialist wine merchant.
”It dictates our selection process,” says general manager Mark Norrish, delighted at recent competition results and listings highlighting the wines’ value.
Mark is equally pleased that while sales of own-labels Table Bay and Secret Cellar grow rapidly, consumers are also increasingly trying different wines: ”They just love our policy of refunding any bottle they are not entirely happy with.”
Table Bay Cabernet Sauvignon
Broody and dark, with seaweed/iodine notes. The 2009 offers real character. Shows elegance way above its station.
Table Bay Method Cap Classique Brut
For the bargain hunter. NV bubbly from Chardonnay and a splash of Pinot Noir. Over-delivers completely with loads of brioche and marmalade flavours.
Table Bay Methode Cap Classique NV
Traditional-method bubbly, mostly Chardonnay. NV repeats previous fresh crispness and apple fruitiness.
Methode Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs
NV Chardonnay fizz similar to Brut but showing richness and secondary character from lees-aging.Good intensity, tangy finish.
Table Bay Sauvignon Blanc
A fairly serious sauvignon with super-appealing guava and white pear aromas.Good flavour intensity and zippy finish.
Table Bay Chenin Blanc
Layers of dried apricots and honey melon, borne on light, breezy body. Charmingly honest.
Secret Cellar Merlot Reserve
Leafy and lean, with hint of mint. 2009 presents healthy ripe fruit on elegant structure.
Secret Cellar Shiraz No. 343
White pepper, violets and black berries – all well-defined and balanced.
Secret Cellar Petit Verdot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec
Enticing blend with opulent fruit – plum, cassis, mulberry – along with spicy perfume. Bright and moreish.
Secret Cellar Chardonnay No. 473
Fans of a buttery, rich chardonnay. 2008 shows development in nutty complexity, savoury tone and oak. In balance now but drink soon. Punches above the price point.
Secret Cellar Sauvignon Blanc
2012 shows its Darling origins, along with bottle-age characters of sweet grass, asparagus and baked lime. Age complexity continues on palate with tinned pea and khaki bush. Serious food wine, not a tutti-frutti quaffer.
Secret Cellar Methode Cap Classique No. 558
Creamy, balanced and well made. Straightforwardly pleasing
Secret Cellar Methode Cap Classique No. 428
Budget-friendly champagne-method sparkling wine made from chardonnay, with toasty yeasty notes.
Secret Cellar Share the Secret Merlot
Baked fruit with chocolate notes, backed with ripe tannins. Juicy and quaffable.
Secret Cellar Share the Secret Merlot No. 060
Fresh and appetising, juicy ripe fruit with berry spice and bright core, dry finish.
