South Africa
At the bottom of its great continent, South Africa is a country of unlimited natural advantages. With the confluence of two oceans at the Cape, the sheltering effect of inland mountain chains and some of the most dynamic soils in the world, every piece is in place for the production of fine wine. The most well-known region has historically been Stellenbosch, but it is the wines of Swartland that have really turned South African wine on its head in recent years.
The wine industry is in the midst of a renaissance with classically styled wines making full advantage of remarkable terroir and an adventurous spirit. As a result, South Africa is producing some truly exceptional wines of great character and value. Striking blockbuster Syrahs and Bordeaux blends to full bodied Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc are some of this great nation’s offerings. South Africa’s own grape, Pinotage, leaves critics divided yet can produce excellent single-variety offerings as well as distinguished Cape blends.
South Africa
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. GST
SG$342.72 |
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Vinous (90)Full ruby-red. Classic varietal aromas of redcurrant, plum, tobacco, spices and milk chocolate. Plush, sweet, fruit-driven flavors of cassis, black raspberry, licorice and pepper offer a pliant, rather open-knit texture but have the concentration and energy for mid-term aging. Nicely perfumed and not heavy. Finishes with a ripe but serious dusting of tannins and very good length. An excellent showing. |
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Coastal Region | 30 | 87 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$907.34 |
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Wine Advocate (87)The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Coastal Region | 1 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
SG$257.00 |
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Vinous (90)Full ruby-red. Classic varietal aromas of redcurrant, plum, tobacco, spices and milk chocolate. Plush, sweet, fruit-driven flavors of cassis, black raspberry, licorice and pepper offer a pliant, rather open-knit texture but have the concentration and energy for mid-term aging. Nicely perfumed and not heavy. Finishes with a ripe but serious dusting of tannins and very good length. An excellent showing. |
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Coastal Region | 30 | 87 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$775.00 |
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Wine Advocate (87)The 2011 Eisen & Viljoen has a better set of aromatics than the 2012: blackberry, sage and graphite scents, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe black fruit mixed with blueberry and graphite. Like the 2012, there seems to be just a touch of bitterness on the finish, though not as procounced as the ensuing vintage, but detracting from what could have been a better wine. Re-tasting in South Africa with the owners, unfortunately I found the same thing. There were just 11 barrels produced. |