We went to this winery in 2018 and got a case of mixed wines sent back, via the distributor in Luxembourg.
There are aromas of citrus but with oak undertones. There’s extra thickness on the texture with pineapple and lychee first coming through and hints of lime and lemon.
Hartenberg, unoaked Chardonnay, South Africa
Made from Cabernet Franc this is a very good example of what can be done with the grape. With flavours of ripe strawberries candyfloss, red fruits and a creaminess. This has a crisp, dry finish and is lovely on its own or with fish and salad. At £12 a bottle it’s keenly priced.
Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rose from South Africa
Made from vines that are over 50 year’s old and matured in oak barrels this has aromas of oak and concentrated citrus. There are flavours of citrus and oak with a creamy, thicker texture. This is a very accomplished wine but best with food. At £15 a bottle it’s not cheap but worth trying.
Stellenrust old vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa
Even the bulk producers are making premium ranges that are far removed from their normal offerings these days. This is not one of them. “Special Cuvee Chenin Blanc made with bush wines” means hot day with a glass or 2 of white wine. There are subtle aromas and flavours of citrus and peach but not much compared to other Chenin Blanc’s. That said at under £6 a bottle what do you expect!
First Cape Chenin Blanc
First I’ll say this is one of the wife’s favourites. Why? well it has aromas of topical fruit and oak and adds a honey flavour when tasting. This is made from old, 40 year old vines and is a reasonably complex wine. For me I feel that the oak is a little over powering and that Chenin is best left out of oak and allow its natural flavours to come out, the 2017 vintage got a silver medal at the 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards. At £12 a bottle its reasonable value and it keeps the wife happy, so a good wine.
The Bernard series – old vine Chenin Blanc