Tasting Notes

92
Vinous Stephen Tanzer - 01 Mar 07
(from dried chenin blanc grapes fermented in old oak; a blend of three vintages, bottled in January of 2006) Deep, bright amber-gold color. High-toned aromas and flavors of honey, caramel, raisin, orange peel, marmalade and cinnamon; sexy and intriguing. Then supersweet and thick, with a texture like motor oil. And yet, with its saline element and impression of extract, this does not come across as heavy. The clean, slowly mounting and very long finish features a flavor of marzipan. (The TMV label is used for wines made from purchased grapes.)
Drinking Date:
South Africa

South Africa

South African wines blend Old World elegance with New World fruit-forwardness, offering diverse styles from regions like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. The country is famous for Pinotage, a unique grape producing bold, earthy wines with dark berry and smoky notes. South Africa also excels in Chenin Blanc, both crisp and oak-aged. Stellenbosch is renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Top producers include Kanonkop (Pinotage), Hamilton Russell (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir), and Klein Constantia (Vin de Constance).