It’s about time that South Africa’s white blends are compared to their international rivals.
In a recent post from winecellar.co.za South Africa’s white blends were discussed and we thought we’d share this with you in this post.
Below are some excerpts from this article. You can read the full article here.
‘We firmly believe that South Africa is one of the world’s most exciting wine-producing countries at the moment,’ says Jancis Robinson.
‘South Africa’s whites are on a roll….the white Rhône blends are constantly delivering something more esoteric, yet well-crafted and packed full of flavor, especially from Swartland,’ affirms Neal Martin.
‘Critics are abuzz at what looks set to be “the next big thing” from South Africa: premium white blends to rival the best from Bordeaux, the Rhone and beyond,’ says Decanter.
It’s a good feeling when hard work pays off and it feels even better when it is recognized and it creates excitement. It’s then that the blood sweat and tears makes it worth it and you want to up your game.
The article goes on to state the following:
‘Playing a major part in this new-wave movement are some ex-Young Gunners. Within just a few years, John Seccombe and David Sadie have joined and strengthened the charge of great white blends. Aristargos was a 5-star Platter wine last year, and though 2014 is only the second vintage of Thorne and Daughters, it looks set to join the top ranks. But be careful: just as Cartology, Palladius, Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad have become near impossible to buy, expect these whites to become just as rare.’
From the article’s tasting notes:
David Sadie Aristargos 2014
35% Chenin Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 20% Clairette Blanche, 15% Viognier and 5% Semillon (the latter for the first time). Lime, pear, peach as well as what can only be described as a certain grapey-ness. Also spice and fynbos. Excellent fruit purity, excellent range of flavour. Zippy acidity which gives the wine a lip-smacking quality. Good length on the finish. More accomplished than ever. – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
We count ourselves very fortunate to be mentioned and thought of as strengthening the charge. But in the same breath it makes us more determined to live up to standards and help keep SA’s white blends on the map.
To read the full article entitled “New-wave Great Whites: Sijnn, David Sadie, Thorne & Daughters.” you can go to winecellar.co.za.
To order some of our very limited Aristargos 2014 & to taste what the article is on about you can go here.
