Jamie Goode, a well-respected British wine critic, recently tasted a selection of leading local and international wines blind with Samantha Suddons and Ryan Mostert – one of South Africa’s most passionate winemakers. Ryan was one of our Young Guns this year and is the winemaking talent behind Terra Cura, Silwervis and Wine Cellar’s 2014 own-label wines, which we launched at Young Guns last month. Jamie shares his thoughts on several of the wines.
Wine Cellar Chenin Blanc 2014, Swartland – R 139
Made by Terra Cura as a Wine Cellar special. Supple, midweight, with herbs and tangerine notes, as well as some lemony freshness. Midweight, complex, fresh. 91/100
Wine Cellar Syrah 2014, Swartland – R 139
Another Wine Cellar private label made by Terra Cura. This is fresh, juicy and spicy with nice peppery notes and raspberry and cherry fruit. Fresh and expressive, it’s a lovely wine. 91/100
Silwervis 2014, Swartland – R 275
This is a Cinsault, and it’s lovely. Fresh, pure and grippy with red cherries, raspberry and spice. Fine, expressive, juicy and with some savoury grip. Just 900 bottles made. 93/100
Smiley Chenin Blanc NV, Swartland – R 100
This is a non-vintage Chenin, and it’s 30% egg. 12.6% alcohol. Very fresh with waxy lemon notes and a tiny savoury mushroom note. Pear, spice and citrus too, with lovely pithiness. Real interest. 92/100
Terra Cura ‘Radix’ Kasteelberg 2014, Swartland – not yet available
As yet unreleased, this is a serious effort from a tricky vintage. It’s a grown-up Syrah that’s distinctly Northern Rhone in profile, with bright, peppery black cherries and plums. Savoury, structured and quite grippy with lovely balance and structure. 94/100
Read more on Jamie Goode’s blog .
Ryan’s inherent passion and aptitude for winemaking show through the finesse and flair of the wines that he produces. Buy Wine Cellar’s own-label Chenin Blanc and Syrah , or order the Silwervis wines online .
more on winecellarplus.co.za
