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From complex Cabernet Sauvignon and superb Syrah, from charming Chenin Blanc to vivid, expressive Sauvignon Blanc, the best of South African wines draw their flavors from the country’s various terroirs. Combine a moderate Mediterranean-like climate and distinctive and varied topography with the oldest soils of any winegrowing region, and you have the conditions in which to create such wines of unique character and complexity. South African wines seemingly effortlessly bridge the gap between the elegance and restraint of the old world and fruit-driven character of the new.
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2005 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Constantia
(from shriveled but not botrytized muscat de Frontignan grapes; 157 g/l r.s. with 7.5 acidity): Full deep gold. Lovely perfumed nose combines cherry, orange peel, apricot, honey, sexy spices and wild herbs. Very sweet and extremely concentrated wine, with intriguing floral and spice notes contributing a tangy quality to the intense apricot, honeysuckle and yellow raisin flavors. The extremely long, honeyed finish boasts outstanding energy and floral lift. Harmonious from the outset but capable of many years of evolution in bottle. Rated 93(+?). ‑ Stephen Tanzer, Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar March/April 2011
$50.00 the 500ml bottle $205.00 the case of six
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2008 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa
Excelsior’s vineyards are characterized by calcareous clay soils. These limestone-rich soils are well drained, which allows the vines to stress, resulting in small, concentrated berries. Fermented in stainless steel, just over ⅓ of the wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months before bottling. Crimson red in color; lovely aromas suggestive of cassis and violet and fleshy ripe grape; medium-bodied with a nice polished palate feel, this one holds it shape on the tongue, at once both fresh and vibrant, toothsome and satisfying. And, by all means, note the price. This is simply superb value!
$7.99 the bottle $81.48 the case
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2010 Indaba Chenin Blanc Western Cape
Grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Swartland, characterized by soils of Table Mountain sandstone and decomposed Dolomite granite. Approximately 70% of the vines are low-yielding dry farmed bush vines, with an average age of 20+ years. A small component hails from 54 year old bush vines. The challenging 2010 vintage was characterized by very low yields (due to heavy rains and strong winds early in the growing season) but high quality, with bright acidity and intense, concentrated flavors in the grapes. Come hither aromas suggestive of ripe pear, crisp apple flesh and apple peel and honeycomb oozing with apple blossom honey; juicy and round on the tongue with excellent intensity of flavor of ultra fresh, vibrant fruit in perfect balance with bright acidity. Indaba's 2010 Chenin Blanc is spot on!
$7.99 the bottle $81.48 the case
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2009 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc fruit grown on decomposed Malmesbury shale soils of the Western Cape; aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, flower and spice; mouthwatering flavors of pineapple, lychee and citrus; a touch of late harvested Chenin Blanc adds considerable roundness, richness and complexity.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
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