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.
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.
From the minute you pour this wine and see the deep purple colour and then smell the black fruit, vanilla, spice and smokey notes you get the impression that this is an impressive wine.
Its a pretty rich tasting wine with loads of black fruits, blackcurrants, plum but also redcurrant. There spice and smoothness with a little dryness that compliments the whole package.
This is a very good wine and at £11 a bottle pretty decent value.
Grillhouse, Shiraz Pinotage 2017, Western Cape, South Africa