South African Wine Month 6-pack Sampler #2

Hamilton Russell Estate Chardonnay - Even ABC drinkers (Anything But Chardonnay) will love this amazing wine from one of South Africa's most acclaimed wineries.  After an exhaustive search, in 1974 Tim Hamilton Russell completed the purchase of a 475 acre parcel of land in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley that he believed could produce grape capable of making wines that could compete for quality with the best in the world.  The Chardonnay's and Pinot Noirs that he produced began to gain recognition around the world for capturing much of the essence and quality of top notch Burdundy at a fraction of the price. In the 1990's his son took over winemaking duties and has really taken the estate to another level, focusing on what they do best, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay.  Medium-bodied and impeccably balanced, there is a pleasing texture to the mouthfeel, followed by bright acidity that frames the mid-palate. Ending with a long-lingering and inspiring finish, persistent flavors of toasted almonds, citrus blossom and quince skin linger on the aftertaste. An incredible wine that can be drunk now or let it improve in the cellar for the next 10-12 years!

De Grendel Merlot - De Grendel Wine Estate, in the Durbanville Wine Appellation, is on the foothills of the Tygerberg Hills and faces the city of Cape Town, a mere 20 minutes’ drive away.  De Grendel is named for a bolt, as in the Dutch/Afrikaans, Slot en Grendel, lock and bolt. Their Merlot is bright ruby garnet in color, enticing aromas of sweet red plum and raspberry fruit on the nose supersede nuances of mocha and cocoa underscored by hints of sweet tobacco leaf, before a sweet red fruit driven entry onto the palate is embraced by unobtrusive, chocolaty tannins which linger with savory elegance and fruit. An exceptionally elegant, fruit driven wine with balanced tannin and hints of spice.

Klein Constantia Estate Red - Established in 1685, Klein Constantia is one of South Africa's oldest and most revered wineries.  Praised by such historical figures such as Napoleon, Dickens & Jane Austin, the wines are still worthy of praise.  The 2018 Red Blend Estate, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 17% Malbec, has a more expressive nose than the 2017, featuring boisterous blackberry, bilberry and more floral scents that are not present in the previous vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. A fine-boned Bordeaux blend with a judicious splash of cracked black pepper toward the finish. 

Boekenoutskloof "The Chocolate Block" - Established in 1776, Boekenoutskloof is another historical winery still thriving today.  The nose is dense and brooding, yet opulent, with its compote of dark, ripe plums and blackberry and attractive whiffs of licorice, violets, cocoa and mint. The black fruit and perfume of the nose follow through onto a rich, savory palate with flavors of dark cherry, red currant, black olives and cured meat. Fine-grained, svelte tannins are in perfect balance with the lemony acidity, lending complexity to the mid-palate. The wine is full-bodied with a rich, smooth mouthfeel. The finish is toasty and long, with hints of maraschino cherry, pimento olives, sweet tobacco and of course, dark chocolate.

Diemersfontein Reserve Pinotage - Diemersfontein has belonged to the Sonnenberg family since the early 1940s, when David Sonnenberg’s grandfather, Max, bought the 183-hectare farm, which was founded by the Hanseatic Captain Diemer. Diemersfontein was originally a fruit farm since the 18th century and it wasn't until the 1970's that the property began the conversion from orchards to vineyards.  The original "Coffee Pinotage," Diemersfontein's Pinotage is renowned for having distinct coffee and chocolate mocha notes.