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A Tour of South Africa’s Wine Estates
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Tuesday, November 7, 2006 |
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Speakers: Brian Callahan & Eric White, Wine & Food Associates
A dozen wines from South Africa’s top Wine Estates were selected for the tasting. Kumkani Viognier 2005 led the votes and Lutouw Sauvignon Blanc 2006 was second amongst the white wines. Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 led the reds followed by Brampton Shiraz 2003 & Robertson Winery Pinotage 2004 tied for second place.
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| Flight I: White |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Kanu Chenin Blanc 2005 - Stellenbosch
87% Chenin Blanc; 13% Sauvignon Blanc- Pale straw color. A nose of tropical fruit and summer melon with a hint of spice. Crisp and full bodied, with papaya and pineapple flavors. 30% aged in French oak.
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5 |
$8.99 |
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Indaba Chenin Blanc 2004
100% Chenin Blanc- Light to medium-bodied with ripe melon and apple aromas. 30% aged for 4 months in French oak. Clean and slightly spicy finish. |
2 |
$5.99 |
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Brampton “Unoaked” Chardonnay 2005 - Western Cape
100% Chardonnay. Vines are over 20 years old. Aromas of poached pears, white peach, winter melon and ginger spice. |
6 |
$9.99 |
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Lutouw Sauvignon Blanc 2006 - Lutzville
Only 200 cases made in 2006. Lots of acidity; good structure- Second favorite in this flight. |
9 |
$4.99 |
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Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2005 - Western Cape
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Tropical fruit flavors of pineapples and clementines with notes of bell peppers, freshly cut grass and hay. |
5 |
$4.99 |
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Kumkani Viognier 2005
100% Viognier. Aromas of lime zest, ginger and nectarine. Macadamia and peach with a lime and spice finish. 50% matured in new French oak for 8 months. Light to medium bodied with balanced acidity. Favorite in this flight.
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14 |
$12.99 |
| Flight II: Red Wines |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Goats do Roam Red 2005 - Paarl
A blend of Pinotage, Shiraz, Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan, the Rhone blends. Deep purple color with ripe fruit and spice. Easy drinking with hints of black & white pepper. |
2 |
$7.99 |
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Thandi Pinot Noir 2004 - Elgin
The nose had cherry and strawberry aromas with a ruby red color. 10 months maturation in French oak barrels. Not an easy grape to grow in South Africa. |
4 |
$14.99 |
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Robertson Winery Pinotage 2004
100% Pinotage. 40% of the wine was matured on French oak for 4 months. A deep purple tint on the rim with flavors of ripe strawberry, bananas, plums and red cherry. Tied for second in this flight. |
10 |
$8.99 |
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Brampton Shiraz 2003 - Brampton Shiraz 2003
97% Shiraz, 3% Viognier. Earth, pepper-spice and hints of dark chocolate. Spent 40% new American oak for 15 months. Tied for second in this flight. |
10 |
$11.99 |
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Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 8 months spent in French and American oak. Color of black plums, ripe black current and plum fruit. Toasty oak aromas and sweet fruit flavors balanced by soft, ripe tannins. Favorite in this flight. |
13 |
$6.99 |
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Thandi Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2004
60% Cabernet/40% Merlot. Aged for 24 months in French oak barrels. Deep red color with fruit and roasted coffee bean flavors. Black current flavors and a firm tannin structure.
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1 |
$8.99 |
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