Search Results
Rall Swartland White Blend 2016
91+
Our Score
94
Wine Advocate
(4/28/2017) "The 2016 White Blend is a blend of 60% Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho and 3% Viognier with 7% Chardonnay. The 2016 includes a new addition to the blend in the form of a new schist vineyard to complement the decomposed granite soils (the vineyard also includes Syrah that will be bottled separately from 2017). Also, it is the first white blend under 14% alcohol. It has a lovely bouquet: nectarine, a hint of praline, lanolin and a hint of walnut that gains more and more delineation with time. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine line of acidity, just a hint of praline once again on the back palate, nectarine and white peach towards the poised finish. What a superb white blend from Donovan Rall. Drink 2017 - 2030."
(4/28/2017) "The 2016 White Blend is a blend of 60% Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho and 3% Viognier with 7% Chardonnay. The 2016 includes a new addition to the blend in the form of a new schist vineyard to complement the decomposed granite soils (the vineyard also includes Syrah that will be bottled separately from 2017). Also, it is the first white blend under 14% alcohol. It has a lovely bouquet: nectarine, a hint of praline, lanolin and a hint of walnut that gains more and more delineation with time. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine line of acidity, just a hint of praline once again on the back palate, nectarine and white peach towards the poised finish. What a superb white blend from Donovan Rall. Drink 2017 - 2030."
$
2599
Discount:
750 ML
Swerwer Swartland Chenin Blanc 2017
This is a solo project of Jasper Wickens, long-time winemaker for South African star Adi Badenhorst. At an average age of forty years, dryland bush vines create a highly concentrated white that will please a broad swath of palates. Notes of pineapple, quince and peach are highlighted by a punch of salted honey leading to an incredibly long finish. The weight of this wine is deceptive with lifted, cracking acidity - a hallmark of great dry Chenin Blanc. The value here is mind-boggling. If you are a fan of dry, interesting whites, your dreams have come true!
$
2199
Discount:
750 ML
BLANKbottle "Don't Look Back" Swartland Clairette 2017
BLANKBottle is the label of South African winemaker Pieter Wasler. Rather than focusing on a few varietals or a particular style, most of Pieter's wines are one-off projects, sometimes rather obscure, always very well made. This wine is named as an ode to Pieter's former assistant, Julia, who not long ago left for France. The image on the label is of Julia looking over her shoulder and Pieter's message to go forward and "don't look back".
91
Our Score
(3/2019) Made from very old bush vine Clairette from Swartland, the wine is quite finessed, unique and delicious. Hip and decidedly natural, the wine is fresh, inviting and bursting with layers of apple blossom, lemon zest, subtle crunchy pear and waves of minerality. This unusual white is great to drink on its own or with your favorite seafood.
(3/2019) Made from very old bush vine Clairette from Swartland, the wine is quite finessed, unique and delicious. Hip and decidedly natural, the wine is fresh, inviting and bursting with layers of apple blossom, lemon zest, subtle crunchy pear and waves of minerality. This unusual white is great to drink on its own or with your favorite seafood.
$
2099
Discount:
750 ML
Mount Abora "Saffraan" Swartland Cinsault 2016
90+
Our Score
(9/2018) South African Cinsault quality is at a high point now and this bottling rocks! "Saffraan" is from 38-year-old bush vines on deep shale and schist soils in the Swartland. It's dry farmed, whole-cluster is used, then spends nine months in used 300-liter French oak barrels. The palate is zesty and energetic, fresh strawberry, cranberry, and black peppers mingle together with great acidic structure. There is a slightly dusty, red earth component that blends well with the subtle smokiness, like an old bushfire. Massively drinkable, be sure to chill slightly.
(9/2018) South African Cinsault quality is at a high point now and this bottling rocks! "Saffraan" is from 38-year-old bush vines on deep shale and schist soils in the Swartland. It's dry farmed, whole-cluster is used, then spends nine months in used 300-liter French oak barrels. The palate is zesty and energetic, fresh strawberry, cranberry, and black peppers mingle together with great acidic structure. There is a slightly dusty, red earth component that blends well with the subtle smokiness, like an old bushfire. Massively drinkable, be sure to chill slightly.
$
1499
Discount:
750 ML
A.A. Badenhorst "Secateurs" Swartland Chenin Blanc 2018
90+
Our Score
94
Wine & Spirits
(2/2019) "Drought conditions followed by a cool harvest season produced a stunning version of Adi Badenhorst's entry-level chenin. He took an unusual approach in 2018, harvesting the fruit over the course of 12 days and adding each day's fruit to the already-fermenting musts. All of it was whole-bunch pressed, and one-quarter was fermented in old casks, the rest in tanks. Left on its lees for seven months with occasional stirring, the final wine is as deep and rich in flavor as its yellow hue predicts: It moves from waxy apple flavors to mango, wildflower honey and tangerine. It feels all of a piece, bright acidity holding the flavors taut and firm, a large-boned chenin fit for a crown roast of pork. All that for $16."
(2/2019) "Drought conditions followed by a cool harvest season produced a stunning version of Adi Badenhorst's entry-level chenin. He took an unusual approach in 2018, harvesting the fruit over the course of 12 days and adding each day's fruit to the already-fermenting musts. All of it was whole-bunch pressed, and one-quarter was fermented in old casks, the rest in tanks. Left on its lees for seven months with occasional stirring, the final wine is as deep and rich in flavor as its yellow hue predicts: It moves from waxy apple flavors to mango, wildflower honey and tangerine. It feels all of a piece, bright acidity holding the flavors taut and firm, a large-boned chenin fit for a crown roast of pork. All that for $16."
$
1379
Discount:
750 ML
Mount Abora "The Abyssinian" Swartland Red Blend 2014
88+
Our Score
(4/2019) Mount Abora is a natural wine producer in the dry and hot region of Swartland in South Africa. The Abyssinian is a blend of 35% Mourvedre, 28% Syrah, 28% Grenache and 9% Cinsault made from hand-harvested grapes off of old bush vines. After natural fermentation with native yeasts, the wine was matured separately in seasoned (neutral) 300 liter French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine has the rugged and bold flavors and spices of a Crozes-Hermitage from the Rhone crossed with the body, finesse and softness of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Chill it down, throw it in a decanter if you got it, and drink. This will pair up with nearly anything, but especially with roasted poultry dishes.
(4/2019) Mount Abora is a natural wine producer in the dry and hot region of Swartland in South Africa. The Abyssinian is a blend of 35% Mourvedre, 28% Syrah, 28% Grenache and 9% Cinsault made from hand-harvested grapes off of old bush vines. After natural fermentation with native yeasts, the wine was matured separately in seasoned (neutral) 300 liter French oak barrels for 12 months. The wine has the rugged and bold flavors and spices of a Crozes-Hermitage from the Rhone crossed with the body, finesse and softness of a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Chill it down, throw it in a decanter if you got it, and drink. This will pair up with nearly anything, but especially with roasted poultry dishes.
$
1299
Discount:
750 ML
A.A. Badenhorst "Secateurs" Swartland Chenin Blanc 2017
New low price! Regular Vin Chicago retail - $13.79!
90+
Our Score
(9/2018) Another delicious vintage of "Secateurs" Chenin Blanc is here! Citrusy, with bruised orchard fruit, mineral tones, a generous mouthfeel and a plump texture, this crazy value South African wine is long, distinctive and wonderfully balanced. Drink by itself, with shrimp pasta or spicy Asian dishes. (South Africa)
(9/2018) Another delicious vintage of "Secateurs" Chenin Blanc is here! Citrusy, with bruised orchard fruit, mineral tones, a generous mouthfeel and a plump texture, this crazy value South African wine is long, distinctive and wonderfully balanced. Drink by itself, with shrimp pasta or spicy Asian dishes. (South Africa)
$
1199
Discount:
750 ML
A.A. Badenhorst "The Curator" Swartland Red Blend 2017
89
Our Score
(4/2019) This smartly priced red from Adi Badenhorst combines 60% Shiraz with 20% Mouvedre, 15% Pinotage and 5% Cinsault. The wine is raised in concrete and old oak casks for over a year, much longer than most sub-$10 reds. Fresh, with an attractive richness, The Curator delivers a range of balanced and tasty black and red fruit flavors with a smoky theme throughout. Incredible that this is less than $9!
(4/2019) This smartly priced red from Adi Badenhorst combines 60% Shiraz with 20% Mouvedre, 15% Pinotage and 5% Cinsault. The wine is raised in concrete and old oak casks for over a year, much longer than most sub-$10 reds. Fresh, with an attractive richness, The Curator delivers a range of balanced and tasty black and red fruit flavors with a smoky theme throughout. Incredible that this is less than $9!
$
879
Discount:
750 ML
A.A. Badenhorst "The Curator" Swartland White Blend 2018
88
Our Score
(3/2019) A hugely likable wine, The Curator is a great option if you can have only one white wine to please everyone. This unoaked, Chenin Blanc dominated blend is rounded out with Chardonnay and Viognier. Melon aromas are complemented by a melange of Golden Delicious apple, pineapple, peach blossom, honeycomb and lemon oil. A bit of chalkiness on the textured finish will keep you coming back for more!
(3/2019) A hugely likable wine, The Curator is a great option if you can have only one white wine to please everyone. This unoaked, Chenin Blanc dominated blend is rounded out with Chardonnay and Viognier. Melon aromas are complemented by a melange of Golden Delicious apple, pineapple, peach blossom, honeycomb and lemon oil. A bit of chalkiness on the textured finish will keep you coming back for more!
$
879
Discount:
750 ML
