Graham Beck, Brut, Western Cape, South Africa
I do like sparkling wine and this one from Graham Beck is not bad. Its a little sharp and blunt for my liking. Citrus flavours with a bit of creaminess. The problem is the lack of finesse and at £15 a bottle its over priced. Its like paying VW Golf price for a Ford KA. Best to pay £10 and go for Bouvet Sparkling.
Aldi, Bottelary Winery, 2024, Western Cape, South Africa
Could this be the best £5 bottle of white wine of 2025. Dry, crisp, and fresh with citrus, pineapple and apple, its got lots of flavour, a bit strong, its not subtle. It’s not Gold medal winning wine but it’s a wine to just drink by the case or a party. It’s like an old fashion mini car, great fun and one you want to have. Great work Aldi.
Tesco, Finest, Sauvignon Blanc, 2022, Western Cape, South Africa
Super markets sell some great wine and for Tesco in the UK this can be via their Finest range. Its nice and round on the flavours, without the over powering Gooseberry that can be in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s. Dry with a bit more citrus but in a lighter way. Its not quite French but its easy drinking and won’t offend anyone. At under £10 its reasonable value but it doesn’t shout Finest to me.
Wildekrans, Cape Blend, Barrel Select Reserve, 2013, Bot River, South Africa
Wildekrans vineyard in the Bot River, Westerncape, South Africa is a must visit place. Their wines are amazing across the range and this blend is no exception. Made with 48% Pinotage, 36% Shiraz, 8% each of Cab Sav and Pinot Noir a lot of thought has gone into this. Rich and silky on the platte its dry with flavours of plum, blackberry and licorice. Hints of chocolate and oak with a little leather and nod to the soil of the estate its truly a great wine and at £25 a bottle amazing value. One of the best wines I’ve ever tasted.
Delaire Graff, Chardonnay, Banghoek Reserve, 2021, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Rather good is this Chardonnay from Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch. Its a solid dry chardonnay with plenty of flavour’s. Balanced acidity shows off the components with citrus, lime, lemon, pear and melon all showing up. There’s a little creaminess/butter and subtle oak in the back ground.
The downside is the £30 price mark which is a little steep but is worth trying.
Idiom, Sangiovese, 2015, Western Cape, South Africa
In 2017 we went to South Africa and did a little wine tasting at Idiom. Its quite a place with amazing views and excellent food in the restaurant they have at the vineyard.
Its a solid red wine, not to heavy with very soft balanced tannins and a hint of sweetness. Lots of red cherry and raspberry with notes of tobacco, oak, leather and vanilla with a little smokey undertone that pops through.
Pair with beef or a tomato pasta dish for a perfect match.
Haskell II, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, 2016, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2 big grapes from Stellenbosch mean this red from Haskell II was always going to big and ballsy. Dry, rich, smooth, very smooth with black cherry and plum, leather and spice sitting in the background. It’s only problem is the price at £23 a bottle. Knock the price in half and you have a excellent wine at a decent price.
Creation, Pinot Noir, Walker Bay, 2020, South Africa
I’ve had Creation, Pinot Noir, from previous vintages before and remembered it being better. Its dry, reasonably light but it’s also light on flavours. There’s lots of red cherry a hint of vanilla and oak that occasionally comes through but it’s just light, one dimensional. The wife loved it and her palette is much better than mine so I will bow to her judgement that it’s got more going on than I could taste.
Wildekrans, Barrel Select Reserve, Pinotage, 2014, South Africa
This is the best Pinotage i have tasted, Wildekrans, Barrel Select Reserve, 2014 is stunning. Purchased during a trip to the vineyard in 2017 its a dry red with well integrated tannins, incredible smooth and luxurious in the month. Red and black fruit flavours with oak and vanilla notes, a little spice and overall softness made it a wine to sip over a few evenings, which is rare in our household. At £25 a bottle in 2017 I wish I had brought more home.
The vineyard also did a honey and wine tasting, a wonderful experience.
Bellingham, Pinotage, 2019, South Africa
Bellingham make good solid wines at sensible prices and this Pinotage is spot on. Dry, with firm tannins and decent length it has plenty of red fruit with oak, tobacco and hints of leather. It’s no gold medal winner but at £10 a bottle it’s excellent value.