2009 Raats Cabernet Franc

Wine: 2009 Raats Cabernet Franc

Estate: Raats Family Wines

Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Bruwer Raats

Elevage: 18 months in 25% new French Oak.

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: One hour

Location: Tasted at home on 2/3/2016.

Tasting Note:

Always a huge fan of Raats Cabernet Franc. Deep crimson red. Beautiful Cabernet Franc nose, with a ton of bell peppers to start. Followed by undertones of savory spices and herbs. Moderate tannins (6/10), with a moderate plus body that is quite furry on the tongue. Good weight on the body as it carries through till the mid palate. Moderate plus finish that the dryness lingers after the finish subsides. Great Cabernet Franc, as always one of our favorites!

Dates: Drink till 2022.
Rating: 91
Price: $$ - around $35.00

2013 Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2013 Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Warwick Estate

Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Norma Ratcliffe

Elevage: 18 months in French Oak.

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: Tasted on day five

Location: Tasted at home on 2/3/2016.

Tasting Note:

Supposedly tried this on day five. And boy were we impressed. Garnet red color. Pure South African nose. Was initially a little dirty, with bell peppers and lots of chalk. Moderate tannins (5/10) with a moderate body that was starting to thin a little as time passed. Hints of black cherries and slightly savory near the end as well. Slightly dry and moderate finish. Amazing QPR wine! A great wine for an everyday drinker, will not disappoint.

Dates: Drink till 2019.
Rating: 88
Price: $ - $10.99

2011 Rust en Vrede Cape Winemakers Guild Estate

Wine: 2011 Rust en Vrede Cape Winemakers Guild Estate
Estate: Rust en Vrede
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Coenie Snyman
Elevage: 22 months in 100% new French Oak.
Varietals: Blend with Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Decant: One hour and a half.
Location: Drank at The Butcher Shop in Sandton City on 12/21/2015.

Tasting Note:

This wine was a dark and opaque purple. The nose was full of chalk, cassis, and raspberries. As it opened up there came along some tobacco, and spices. Kind of like a cigar box. Palate was covered with cassis and blackberries, very thick. Moderate plus tannins (6.5) with a moderate body. Full long and lingering finish (10+ seconds easily) that had moderate plus drying intensity (7/10). Beautifully well balances and can easily integrate more but that does not mean you have to wait. Favorite wine of the dinner for sure, drank up against the 2012 Luddite Wines Niels Verburg and the 2010 Haskell Merlot Cape Winemakers Guild. Both excellent wines but just not up to par with the Rust en Vrede CWG Estate. This wine could easily last another 10+ years in the cellar. 

Dates: Drink till 2028.
Rating: 94
Price: $$$ - We believe it went for around R1,400 per bottle at the auction, so around $130.00.

2001 Thelema Cape Winemakers Guild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Wine: 2001 Thelema Cape Winemakers Guild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Estate: Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Rudi Schultz
Elevage: Unknown.
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Decant: Unknown.
Location: Drank at Thelema Mountain Vineyards with Gyles Webb on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

This wine was a deep, dark and opaque ruby red. The nose was thick and full of dark berries and cassis. Seemed slightly Napa-like. Very thick and plush, overflowing with voluptuous dark berries. Very extracted, full and rich. Moderate plus tannins (6.5) with a full body. Full long and lingering finish (10+ seconds easily). Full of dark fruits until the end where it goes slightly dry. This was a complete surprise. Gyles completely spoiled us with the two Cape Winemakers Guild wines and two very old bottles from his own cellar! This wine could easily last another 10 years in the cellar. 

Dates: Drink till 2026.
Rating: 97
Price: Unknown, if we could find it we would buy it!

2002 Villiera Monro

Wine: 2002 Villiera Monro
Estate: Villiera Wines
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Jeff Grier and Anton Smal
Elevage: Nearly 2 years in mostly new French oak, Berthomieu and Mercier.
Varietals: 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Decant: Unknown.
Location: New Year's Day party at the Ballington's house on 1/1/2016.

Tasting Note:

Color: Brick red.

Nose/Smell: Cinnamon with dark spices. Green bell peppers and asparagus. Chalk.

Palate/Taste: Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. A little short of moderate in the finish. A little tangy from the red cherries then dry in the finish.

Opinion: Very nice enjoyable bordeaux blend. Would drink this now.

Dates: Drink now.
Rating: 88
Price: $$ - $33.95

2008 Hartenberg Shiraz Gravel Hill

Wine: 2008 Hartenberg Shiraz Gravel Hill
Estate: Hartenberg Wine Estate
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Patrick Ngamane
Elevage: 18 months in 100% new French Allier oak.
Varietals: 100% Shiraz.
Decant: Unknown.
Location: New Year's Day party at the Ballington's house on 1/1/2016.

Tasting Note:

Color: Ruby red. Deep and dark.

Nose/Smell: Meaty with a lot of salami or prosciutto. Smokey as well. Love the nose.

Palate/Taste: Caramel, vanilla in the attack then goes very dry in a very long and lingering finish. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. 

Opinion: Just as delicious as tasting at the estate two weeks ago. Definitely a wine that you can cellar for the long hall. Absolutely delicious.

Dates: Now till 2036.
Rating: 93
Price: $$ - $33.00

2007 Rust en Vrede Estate Red

Wine: 2007 Rust en Vrede Estate Red
Estate: Rust en Vrede
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Winemaker: Coenie Snyman
Elevage: 18 months in 85% French Oak and 15% in American Oak.
Varietals: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Shiraz and 8% Merlot.
Decant: Unknown.
Location: New Year's Day party at the Ballington's house on 1/1/2016.

Tasting Note:

Color: Deep, dark and opaque ruby red.

Nose/Smell: Lots of vegetal notes. A lot of green peppers and a slight iron nose.

Palate/Taste: Heavy tannins (8.5/10) and full bodied. Very powerful wine that has a strong dry finish. Lingers for 10+ seconds.

Opinion: Delicious and we think it can easily go for another 10 years.

Dates: Now till 2026.
Rating: 94
Price: $$ - $41.99

2012 Kanonkop Paul Sauer

Wine: 2012 Kanonkop Paul Sauer
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 24 months in 100% new French oak with a medium toast.
Varietal: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Crimson red.

Nose/Smell: Smokey, a little dirty and chalk with medium intensity.

Palate/Taste: Lots of red cherries a little tight. High tannins (7.5/10) making it super furry and full body. Very powerful and long, lingering finish.

Opinion: One of the powerhouse Bordeaux blends out of South Africa. Absolutely delicious. Easily worth an American or French bottle at two to three times the price point...possibly even four times the price. Amazing QPR! Wish we had space to pick some up.

Dates: Now till 2037.
Rating: 93+

Price: $$ - R430.00 or $28.67 as of 12/19/2015

2011 Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2011 Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 24 months in 50% new French oak and 50% second fill French oak.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red.

Nose/Smell: Tea leaves, slight cassis and a lot of smoke.

Palate/Taste: Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and a full body. Lots of red cherries and slightly tangy. Sandpaper mouthfeel. Dry finish. Long and lingering finish. Tannins are heavy throughout.

Opinion: Built in the French style, nice and dry. Not fruit forward or silky at all. Can easily age for 20 years. This wine is fermented in open top fermentors. Kanonkop continues to surprise with these powerful wines. A must stop location in Stellenbosch.

Dates: Now till 2035.
Rating: 92

Price: $ - R300.00 or $20.00 as of 12/19/2015

2006 Kanonkop Pinotage

Wine: 2006 Kanonkop Pinotage
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 16 months in 80% new French oak, primarily Vicard barrels, and 20% second fill French oak.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red with some bricking around the edges.

Nose/Smell: Very savory, meaty notes and mesquite smoke.

Palate/Taste: Moderate tannins (6/10) and full bodied. Very well integrated and savory. Solid acidity and all fits very well together. Long and lingering finish.

Opinion: A lot more approachable than the 2013. Of course a lot softer tannins and more integrated. Can easily last up to another 10 years but would be perfect before 2020.

Dates: Now till 2026.
Rating: 93

Price: $ - R370.00 or $24.67 as of 12/19/2015

2013 Kanonkop Pinotage

Wine: 2013 Kanonkop Pinotage
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 16 months in 75% new French oak and 25% second fill French oak.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Ruby red with a purple rim.

Nose/Smell: Lovely nose! Savory with meaty notes. Vanilla from the new oak and lots of dark fruits. And lots of chalk!

Palate/Taste: Heavy tannins (8/10) with a full body. Very furry and makes you pucker. Actually quite refreshing. Very long and lingering full powerful finish.

Opinion: We only picked up the 2006 at the estate and thank goodness they sell the 2013 here at home! Very powerful and will easily age and will only benefit from aging. Absolutely delicious!

Dates: Now till 2035.
Rating: 92+

Price: $ - R280.00 or $18.67 as of 12/19/2015
Update: In the USA it goes fro around $36.00 - $$

2014 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage

Wine: 2014 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 14 months in second and third fill French Nevers oak.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Crimson red.

Nose/Smell: Lots of dark fruits, such as plums and mulberries.

Palate/Taste: Very interesting, on the palate there are red fruits not dark fruits. Crisp and refreshing. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body. Clean and moderate finish.

Opinion: Same ageability as the cape blend but slightly better. Definitely an amazing QPR wine!

Dates: Now till 2020.
Rating: 88

Price: $ - R90.00 or $6.00 as of 12/19/2015

2013 Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend

Wine: 2013 Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 12 - 14 months in second and third fill French Nevers oak.
Varietal: 54% Pinotage, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Color: Garnet red.

Nose/Smell: A little dirty initially with notes of hay. Undertones of light red fruits.
Palate/Taste: Lots of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and a light to moderate body. Lighter finish but the tannins stay strong throughout.
Opinion: This is one of the entry level wines from Kanonkop. Could possible benefit from aging, max 5 years.
Dates: Now till 2020.
Rating: 87

Price: $ - R80.00 or $5.33 as of 12/19/2015

2015 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rose

Wine: 2015 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rose
Estate: Kanonkop Wine Estate

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Abrie Beeslaar
Elevage: 100% Stainless Steel.
Varietal: 100% Pinotage

Decant: Unknown.

Location: Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on 12/19/2015.

Tasting Note:

Slightly orange pink. Nose was clean, fresh and contained some light spices. Additionally this has a ton of lighter tropical fruits such as melons and guavas. Slightly metallic attack. Crisp with low acidity (4/10) which could easily be masked by the temperature this wine is served at (46°F). Has a little bite and a little spiciness. Light body but is very well balanced. Nothing overpowering that gives us a migraine. Dry and clean finish. This would be a great summer picnic wine. The color comes from 2 hrs on the skins.
Dates: Now till 2017.
Rating: 85

Price: $ - R50.00 or $3.33 as of 12/19/2015.

2013 De Toren Merlot Z Decade

Wine: 2013 De Toren Merlot Z Decade
Estate: De Toren Private Cellar

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Charles Williams
Elevage: Unknown.
Varietal: 100% Merlot

Decant: Forty-Five minutes.

Location: Devon Valley Hotel in Stellenbosch on 12/18/2015.

Tasting Note:

Very deep ruby red with a purplish core. Lots of red berries, like raspberries and a little heat on the nose. Again with the heat on this wine, this time in the palate. This needs to age for at least 2 years before trying but more like 5 years. Only noticeable taste is of red cherries. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) maybe up to 6 with a full body. The tannins could be a lot higher but are being masked by the heat. Finish has some lighter red fruits but is harsh and coarse. This could have the potential to be a great wine but it needs time to integrate. Possible 88+. This was bottle number 261 of 1760.

Dates: 2017 - 2025
Rating: 88+

Price: $$ - R400.00 or $26.52 as of 12/18/2015.

2004 Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2004 Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Meerlust Estate

Vineyards: Stellenbosch

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Chris Williams
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decant: PNP

Location: At home on 12/09/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Brick red, has those brownish edges.
Nose/Smell: Started off with a ton of chalk, as it warmed up more meat and leather, nice and savory. As it ended there was a little green bell peppers.
Palate/Taste: Very savory palate, similar to dried meat. Notes of coriander, black pepper and dried herbs. Smooth tannins (6/10) with a little bite at the end. Balanced with a moderate body. Dry finish that lingers for quite a bit. Solid acidity in the finish as well. Very well balanced and structured.
Opinion: Delicious Cabernet from South Africa, and as the fact sheet says, this has held up perfectly well. Loving the meat, pepper and spices in these wines. If you haven't tried a wine from Meerlust we highly recommend it, especially the Rubicon!
Dates: Now till 2018
Rating: 91

Price: $ - $21.00

2001 Overgaauw Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine: 2001 Overgaauw Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate: Overgaauw Estate

Vineyards: Stellenbosch Kloof

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Chris Joubert
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decant: PNP

Location: At home on 12/08/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Deep garnet red with opaque center.
Nose/Smell: Loved the PNP nose, lots of meat. Wore off after a few to light meat and slight chalk.
Palate/Taste: Palate had quite a bit of acidity, a little furry from moderate tannins (5.5/10) and a touch of dryness. Lots of sour cherries. Moderate body that balanced perfectly with the tannins. Slightly tangy finish.
Opinion: Crazy that it is still holding on after 14 years! We have had a lot of luck lately with older South African wines. This is just a warm up for our trip next week!
Dates: Drink soon, early 2016 at the latest.
Rating: 89

Price: $ - Around $10.35.