Winter is upon us, but hey, it’s not all that bad! While we love feeling the sun on our shoulders while sipping an ice cold chardonnay, there’s something truly lovely about a cosy night in with a rich red in hand. If a fireplace is involved, even better!
As you know, we recently hosted our Royal Red party at Katy’s Palace Bar and asked the Joburg Wine Tribe to tell us which wines they loved tasting.
Here’s what they said:
Erika Obermeyer Coastal Region Blend
This impressive red blend of 53 % Syrah, 28 % Grenache Noir and 19 % Cinsault showcases the remarkable fruit intensity, freshness and elegance of these distinctive varietals.
Tasting notes: The nose is alluringly perfumed, showing vibrant aromatics of red cherries, cassis, liquorice, pepper spice and black olives. Multi- dimensional and multi-layered, the palate delivers a textured mouthfeel and silky-smooth finish.
Suggested by: Devora on Instagram
Visit the Erika Obermeyer Facebook page to find out more.
De Grendel Merlot
If classic elegance is your thing, look no further than De Grendel’s distinguished and elegant Merlot.
It has a beautiful gem-like ruby colour with garnet flashing around the edges and first reveals a delicate all-sorts of berries – red, black and blue – followed by the alluring aroma of aniseed, cedar and liquorice which are all carried through on the palette.
Tasting notes: Rather than dominate, French oak adds support, while the structure comes from the tannins, as do the light mocha flavours. The texture is smooth and well-rounded, lingering a while to remind you of its balance and elegance.
Suggested by: Lisa on Instagram
Find out more on the De Grendel website.
Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve The Lighthouse Merlot
The cheery red and white candy-striped lighthouse in Green Point with its foghorn, affectionately known as “Moaning Minnie”, is well-known for guiding ships along the misty Cape coast.
Tasting notes: These misty, cool climate conditions develop the Merlot’s unique character, displaying notes of mint and red cherry.
Suggested by: Sihle on Instagram
Find out more on the Durbanville Hills website.
A few other favourites:
Liz Ogumbo Mon Homme
“My man” translated from English to French as “Mon homme” is a rare gem, bold-yet easy, contemporary-styled and carefully crafted 2013 Pinotage.
The wine was made using grapes specially selected from vineyards throughout the Western Cape and crafted by Hendrik Snyman.
Tasting notes: On the nose you will find rich aromas of plums and blackcurrant backed by mild wooded spices. The wine is medium-bodied with concentrated berry flavours, well-structured tannins and a delightful lingering aftertaste.
Find out more on the Liz Ogumbo Wines website.
Fleur Du Cap Laszlo Red Blend 2015
Fleur du Cap Laszlo 2015 is a full-bodied Bordeaux style Red Blend. It is also a fitting tribute to the late Dr Julius Laszlö, the innovative, visionary Cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder who catapulted South African winemaking into the international league in the 1980s.
Tasting notes: It shows intense aromas of cherry and red plums with hints of pencil shavings that develop into tobacco notes. The lush but firm tannins with ripe fruit flavours follow through onto the palate. Although the wine is very rich and appealing, it has wonderful length and aging potential.
Find out more on the Fleur du Cap website
Groot Constantia Grand Constance
The renowned Groot Constantia Grand Constance is South Africa’s oldest wine and is the finest example of the famous “Constantia Wyn” as drunk by Emperors and Kings, from Frederick the Great of Prussia to Louis Phillipe (King of the French) all vied for their share.
The blend of red and white Muscat has a beautiful liquid amber colour and comes in a delightful, old-world style bottle similar to the original.
Tasting notes: The nose shows caramel and toffee with dried fruit like apricot and peach, as well as a hint of orange blossom. The caramel and dried fruit follows on the palate, and the fresh acidity balances the sweetness of the wine to leave a more-ish finish.
Find out more on the Groot Constantia website.
KWV Classic Collection Petit Verdot
Named among South Africa’s Top 100 Most Highly Rated Wines earlier this year, you know you can’t go wrong with the KWV Classic Collection Petit Verdot!
Tasting notes: This intense, ruby red wine is concentrated and leads on the nose with sweet spice followed by dark cherries, black olives and violets. The palate is rich and juicy with prominent fruit sweetness. The tannin structure is well integrated and delivers an intense, lasting finish.
Find out more on the KWV website.
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