Robert Parker (below) is host to the most influential palate in the USA, if not the whole world. While mortgage maestro Bill Foley may tell the Wall Street Journal that SA vineyards are not an investment play due to an “unstable government and bad wine” certainly not all SA wine is bad, at least in Bob’s opinion. For example, Bob rates the Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Franc 2006 a stellar 94/100 with tasting note:

“The 2006 Cabernet Franc is cut from a similar cloth to the Cabernet Sauvignon with a polished, almost decadent nose that manages to retain the peppery aromatics of great Cabernet Franc with subtle hints of mocha and chestnut. The palate is full-bodied and very well balanced. It is certainly lavished in high quality new oak but without denuding elegance and definition, whilst the varietal character really comes through on the savoury finish. You could easily mistake this for a top Napa Cabernet Franc. Drink 2013-2020+.”

Alas, Bill, or at least his eponymous wine the Chalk Hill W.P Foley II 2009, does not fare so well and rates a lowly 86 on Bob’s scale with a somewhat disappointing tasting note: “The 2009 Red Wine W.P Foley II is another huge alcoholic wine that literally burns on the finish. Hints of jammy dark fruit struggle to emerge under the weight of copious oak and alcohol. In 2009 the blend is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.”

Perhaps Bill was speaking jivetalk to the WSJ where bad, as in badass, indicates the opposite?