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A Tasting Tour of South African Wines
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Tuesday, June 5, 2007 |
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Speaker: Simon Barlow, Owner, Rustenberg Estates
Prices are full mark-up retail price. Attendees were asked to vote for their two favorite whites and for the two favorite reds. The vote on the Rose’ was a like/dislike basis.
With the end of Apartheid, South Africa has once again taken its rightful place among the wine producing nations of the world. Much of South Africa boasts a climate and soil that are ideal for growing fine wine grapes. This is especially true in the Stellenbosch area where Rustenberg is located. Although the country does not have any indigenous grapes, the two varietals most often associated with it are Chenin Blanc (knows as Steen in South Africa) and Pinotage (a genetic cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault). Neither varietal was showcased at the tasting. Mr. Barlow explained that in 1994 he took the winery in a new direction. What was unstated but implied was that this direction is toward a more international or new world style of wine making, including the international varieties and wines with lots of forward fruit, extract, concentration and higher alcohol levels. Brampton is Rustenberg’s value line -- wines that are reasonably priced and offer a good bang for the buck. The Rustenberg Chardonnay 2005 was the favorite white followed by the Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2006. The Brampton Cabernet 2005 was the favorite red. The Rustenberg John X Merriman (Bordeaux Blend) 2004 and the Rustenberg Peter Barlow (Single Vineyard Cabernet) 2004 tied for second favorite.
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| Whites & Rose’ |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2006
The Sauvignon Blanc has a lovely aroma of new mown grass, herbs and tropical fruits. Lovely mouth feel, crisp texture and a nice dash of zesty acidity makes it a good accompaniment to food. This placed second favorite white. |
19 |
$11.00 |
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Brampton Unoaked Chardonnay 2006
This wine was certainly easy drinking and pleasant, but had no discernable flavor of Chardonnay or any other varietals. |
13 |
$11.00 |
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Brampton Viognier 2005
Very fresh and clean with notes of Asian spices and a subtle hint of flowers. The classic flavor profile of peaches and pears is evident but muted. Lush and round with a bit of elevated alcohol. |
5 |
$14.00 |
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Brampton Rose’ 2006
A blend of eight red varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. What a good rose’ should be. Crisp, tasty, tangy and well-balanced. Too many people automatically think sweet when the see the term rose’. This one has a hint of underlying sweetness which balances the acidity and makes it a good wine for the pool, a picnic or with appetizers. |
All liked |
$10.00 |
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Rustenberg Chardonnay 2005
This wine has a lot of oak and alcohol with a mélange of tropical fruits to the nose and in the mouth. There is depth and intensity on the palate. A big woody Chardonnay, this wine represents an excellent value. This was the favorite white. |
22 |
$20.00 |
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Rustenberg Roussanne 2005
Rounded with a bit of sweetness to balance out the firm acidity. There is zest and elegance in this unknown gem.
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9 |
$30.00 |
| Red |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Brampton Shiraz 2004
There is a small amount of Mourvèdre and Viognier in the blend to add complexity and another dimension. The lovely aroma shows cherries, blackberries, licorice and star anise. This young wine is really concentrated and laden with ripe sweet fruit. A big mouthful. |
8 |
$14.00 |
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Brampton Cabernet 2005
The nose is pure Cabernet: cherries, plums, coffee, mint and a hint of pencil shavings. Subtle on the palate with delicate fruit and silky tannins. Good value. The favorite red. |
19 |
$14.00 |
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Rustenberg John X Merriman (Bordeaux Blend) 2004
A Bordeaux blend with Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Very young and concentrated. This is a wine of depth and a flamboyant aroma of plums, cedar and dried herbs. Full-bodied with a chewy texture. Tied for second favorite. |
18 |
$30.00 |
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Rustenberg Peter Barlow (Single Vineyard Cabernet) 2004
A single vineyard wine named for Mr. Barlow’s father, it is the flagship wine of the estate. It is suave, stylish, and elegant with a lovely perfumed bouquet that shows plums, spice, wood smoke and tobacco. It is an opulent fleshy wine that is spot on. Tied for second favorite.
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18 |
$47.00 |
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