2009 Spier Chenin Blanc

On March 3, 2010, In White, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2009 Spier Chenin Blanc from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. This 100% Chenin Blanc based wine was purchased for under $8.

Color

In the glass this wine is a very light color, almost clear like water.

Aroma

The first aroma showing is green apple. It is accompanied by notes of pears and a unique brie cheese component. The brie cheese note isn’t like a smelly component, it is more of what I would describe as a mineral component perhaps connected with the rind of a brie cheese. I also get a basic white grape aroma. Over all it is a very fresh nose.

Flavor

There is lemon on the attack and then honeydew and some nice grapefruit components on the mid-palate. It finishes with nice acidity and lingers with a white grape juice component. It is fresh, crisp and light. Good before a meal or as a complement to a salad.

Rating

It is difficult to beat the price of this wine as a simple dry white wine. I recommend trying it and rate it 86 points.

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2008 Spier Pinotage

On January 25, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2008 Spier Pinotage from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. I assume this wine is made from 100% Pinotage grapes. It was acquired for under $10. Pinotageicon is a interesting grape that is a cross of Pinot noir and Cinsaut. It is widely associated with South Africa and is noted for sometimes having a Banana aroma.

Color

In the glass, this wine shows a nice thin garnet color.

Aroma

On the nose there is definitely banana. It is not really the peel, but more the fleshy inside fruit portion. It is very obvious on this wine and not one of those subtle aromas that is hard to detect. In addition there are also blackberry and mint components. I also get a hint of black cherry. Overall it is great and intriguing nose.

Flavor

On the attack there is dark plum. The mid-palate has cherries and a hint of creamy vanilla. The long finish is extraordinary with smoke, tobacco, and white pepper. This wine is very dry and medium to full-bodied. I detect no tannins so drink it young. It will pair well with BBQ meats.

Rating

I think the variety of flavors and aromas offered by this wine make it a winner. Don’t be fooled into thinking it will be a fruity red wine. It is definitely not. I rate it 88 points.

Have you tried a Pinotage?

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2009 Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc

On January 24, 2010, In White, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2009 Petit Chenin Blanc by Ken Forrester from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. This 100% Chenin Blanc based wine was acquired for under $9. Ken Forrester Vineyards makes this wine in a sustainable manner and contributes to the quality of life of the local community and their employees. It comes with a screw cap closure.

Color

In the glass it is a light straw colored wine.

Aroma

On the nose there is some grapefruit and a very fresh cool water smell. Perhaps something a little like chlorine. It might sound bad, but it is actually just very fresh smelling. There is also a white grape juice component.

Flavor

On the attack there is a butter and honey component. In the mid-palate it has a slightly mineral component which reminds me of the sea. It is similar to clam shells. The mineral component is complemented by pear and lime notes and it finishes with some starfruit. Overall it tends to be fruit dominated and meanders between a dry and sweet wine. It will pair well with shellfish.

Rating

One thing that is holding this wine back a little is the low acid. It would probably pair a little better with food if it had it. I do think it is a decent value and rate it 87 points.

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