Anthonij Rupert South African Wines

Been invited to taste test a new range of South African wines from Franscheok Valley that Denise wants to bring in. Here goes...

The Whites

2006 Nemesia
WADA rated 80pts
Kind of closed up with singular grapey-ness. Detected some osthmanthus and orange peels on the fore and mid with bright and decent pleasant finish. The label doesn't tell much but I think it is chardonay with some chenin and viognier, which is supposed to give it a lifted nose but did not do so in this effort. However, this was the best of the lot among the whites.

2006 Serruria Chardonnay
WADA rated 77pts
Butter mixed with nail varnish and finishing with bitter pith.

2007 L'Ormarins Chardonnay
WADA rated 78+pts
A much sweeter pearish nose framed by citrus. Some osthmanthus action. This is okay.

The Reds

2005 Merlot
WADA rated 83+pts
My favourite of the bunch with suprisingly "Left Bank" aromatics of dried fallen leaves, earth and slightly "dao you" dark soy nuances. Lucious and thick for a merlot with teeth coating tannins. Very rooty and potrays more left bank strenght than right bank opulence. Interesting for a South African.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
WADA rated 81pts
Wet soil and twigs. Dusty black cherries with quite old world approach.

2005 Syrah
WADA rated 83pts
Although some green steminess detected, there is underlying a robust nose of dried raisins tainted with "dao you"dark soy. In fact, up to now, it reminds me very much of touriga nacional. Elegant floral violets and sweet cassis fills the mouth with interesting bitter roots on the finish. Another good effort.

The Verdict
Pretty decent so far. The Reds tend towards old world but with South African robustness. The whites are okay for everyday drinking. If prices are below $40 for the reds and $30 for the whites, I would give these wines serious consideration.