Wine Concepts recently hosted their 2nd The Grape Escape Wine Festival exclusive at The Vineyard Hotel.
Following the huge success of Wine Concepts inaugural festival last year, wine lovers got to escape from the norm and taste unusual wine such as Cinsaut, Grenache Blanc to Verdelho and Carignan.
We tasted the following wines:
REMHOOGTE – FIRST LIGHT CHENIN BLANC 2018
Pale gold colour. The nose is clean, clear loaded with fresh melon, passion fruit and citrus with light notes of ginger bring balance to the fruit. The palate is zesty with a creamy acidity. The notes of ginger follow through on the palate and into a lengthy finish.
OPSTAL – CARL EVERSON CAPE WHITE 2017
The 33 year old vines, old French barrels, spontaneous fermentation and minimalistic cellar intervention proclaims our Slanghoek terroir through this wine. That was the aim – to put Chenin Blanc from the Slanghoek valley into a bottle without really tampering with this pure and precious juice. The result – complex notes of white peach, squashed pineapple and pear are found on the nose with some floral and honey notes also present. The palate is well rounded by the extended time in the barrel on lees, but at the same time appears fresh and elegant through a balanced acidity.
OLIFANTSBERG – GRENACHE BLANC 2017
A unique style of Grenache Blanc with incredible finesse, showcasing the incredible quality of Rhone varietals being produced by this young producer in the Breedekloof. Beautifully perfumed, you can expect lime blossoms and green herbal notes alongside ripe fruit flavours of white peach and quince. A rich texture is balanced by a bright, but delicate acidity.
OLIFANTSBERG – BLANC 2017
A refreshingly modern take on a classic white blend – Rhône-inspired but proudly Breedekloof terroir! The white Rhône varieties, Rousanne and Grenache Blanc, dominate the aromatics of the nose and pallet, while Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay add layers of fruit and complexity. A very enticing wine. Beautiful balance between savoury, floral and opulent fruit aromas. Fairly full bodied and richly textured supported by a keen line of acidity.
OLIFANTSBERG – GRENACHE NOIR 2017
A pure expression of lovely cherry, wild strawberry and ripe raspberry aromas supported by refined tannins. Bright and juicy. The palate is soft, lean and refined, showing dark fruit, chocolate black forest cake with subtle hints of cloves. Powdery well integrated tannins, with a balanced seductive round finish.
NATIVO – WHITE BLEND 2015
This elegant Swartland white blend is naturally made. Barrel fermented with subtle aromas of apricots, lime, pineapple and creamy nuances. Fresh, yet bold with lingering minerality. Organically certified, all the grapes are sourced from The Hughes Family farm, Kasteelsig Vineyards, in Malmesbury. A blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc & Roussanne.
NATIVO – RED BLEND 2015
A distinctive Swartland red blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache, Pinotage and Tempranillo, naturally made from grapes sourced from the Hughes Family farm, Kasteelsig. The 2013 vintage officially marks the first fully certified organic red blend under the stylish Nativo label. The well integrated soft silky tannins and lingering minerality will have you savouring each sip, and then longing for more.
OLD ROAD – FRENCH QUARTER WHITE 2016
Marsanne starts off with a mouthwatering tropical fruit splash of white pear and melon, followed by a fresh burst of citrus – orange peel and ruby grape- fruit – when it meets Roussanne, then a hint of lime from Semillon. Grenache Blanc ties it all together with a fragrant aroma, tangy acidity and juicy aftertaste. Blend of 29% Roussanne; 21% Marsanne; 21% Grenache Blanc; 20% Semillon; 6% Verdelho; 3% Viognier.
OLD ROAD – PARDONNEZ-MOI CINSAUT 2019
Those quirky last words inspired this equally quirky Cinsaut – packed with juicy red berry fruit and wild cherries, some perfumed spice on the nose and a gentle silkiness on the palate. It is that of the unpretentious grace of a well-made Cinsaut that we really like. Typical of Cinsaut this wine has a sweet fruit character on the nose and palate. It’s a juicy wine that bursts of cranberry, fresh red cherries and red wine gums.
OLD ROAD – 12 MILE SYRAH 2017
It is spicy and rich with textured layers and ripe, but fresh berry fruit. On the nose, there is inviting blackcurrant with aromatic notes of white pepper and coriander. On the palate soft, velvety tannins combine with lingering mulberry fruit and great structure for a memorable taste encounter.
MISCHA – ESTATE ROUSSANNE 2018
This rich, full and complex wine with floral flavours of pear, herbal tea and ripe fruit notes will age well, with the floral notes evolving into more complex, nutty and mineral characters over time, giving this unique wine at least five to ten years bottle aging potential.
PAINTED WOLF – ROUSSANNE 2018
A tight elegant wine with waxy stone fruit and soft spicy vanilla aromas. The wine has a lovely texture with a long finish and fresh acid keeping it vivacious and vibrant. The wine has lovely texture and some complexity.
PAINTED WOLF – PICTUS V WHITE 2016
An elegant, rich wine with a broad mouthfeel and a tight fresh finish. A focused melange of stone fruit, citrus, mineral and spice with a precise and refreshing finish. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Roussanne.
LAMMERSHOEK – WHITE MYSTERIES 2017
Honeyed aromas with nutty notes rounded off with juniper berry and dried orange rind. Big, dry finish on the palate. A distinctive but refreshing wine.
MOUNT ROZIER – THE BEEKEEPER CHENIN BLANC 2018
Fresh and upfront apricot, peach, honey and floral aromas on the nose. More layers follow on the palate with soft vanilla, canned peaches and a lingering peardrop finish.
SAINT COSME – LITTLE JAMES BLANC 2018
Light yellow in appearance with green hues, the Saint Cosme Little James Basket Press White boasts alluring aromas of grapefruit, apricot, boxwood, and mango, with tropical flavors on the palate. Refreshing acidity and structure grace the palate and follow through to a remarkable finish. Louis Barruol is the 14th generation Barruol to make wine at Saint Cosme. The Chateau was built in the late 16th Century on the site of a former Roman villa, and the remains of a Roman wine cellar, carved into the stone of the hillside, still exist in the chateau’s caves. There are 37 acres of vineyards and the vines average 60 years of age. French blend of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc.
DAVID & NADIA – ARISTARGOS 2018
53% Chenin Blanc, 13% Clairette Blanche, 13% Semillon, 10% Roussanne, 9% Viognier and 2% Marsanne – six varieties, 14 vineyards and 20 pickings. An exotic nose showing top notes of flowers and dried grass before peach, apricot, melon and pineapple. The palate has lovely fruit expression, zippy acidity and a savoury finish. Intricate and balanced, this moves really well – great entry and side-palate before a long finish.
MEERHOF – PREMIUM WHITE BLEND 2018
Barrel fermented white blend, juicy aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and spice. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.
MEERHOF – PREMIUM GRENACHE ROSÉ 2018
Barrel fermented Rose with clean fruity and refreshing flavours with a hint of Turkish Delight. A burst of red fruit characteristics makes this a juicy and easy drinking wine. Lingering strawberry is well balanced by refreshing acidity.
DORAN VINEYARDS – ARYA 2018
A Blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc & Roussanne. The spicy flavours of the Grenache blend well with the fruity, honey and minerality of the Chenin, together with the delicacy and finesse of the Roussanne. Fresh, crisp and vibrant.
DORAN VINEYARDS – L’ALLIANCE 2017
This is a lavish and weighty wine yet balanced by a delicate acidity. It has many well layered depths of tastes with toasted almonds, honey and pear being prominent. A pleasant minerality adds to long finish. The grapes came from a bush vine vineyard comprising Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc & Roussanne. The vines of these varietals were interplanted, and therefore a mixed crop of these cultivars were harvested together.
BUSHMANSPAD – MALBEC ROSÉ 2019
Intense Bright Pink. This is a juicy Rosé with sweet strawberry and raspberry fruity tones and a creamy crisp palate.
BOSMAN FAMILY VINEYARDS – GENERATION 8 CHENIN BLANC 2018
The Bosman Generation 8 Chenin blanc shows a nose and palate of gorgeously ripe pear and peach, while retaining a bright acidity which contrasts the creamy textured mouthfeel attained with time on lees. A tribute to the eighth generation of the Bosman family, who continues to run the farm with incredible commitment to the land, the quality of wine and its dedicated people.
BLAAUWKLIPPEN – WHITE ZINFANDEL 2018
This refreshing white wine, with flavourful aromas of blush peach and lemon-lavender notes, combine with hints of orange blossom and cookies-&-cream, is a local favourite and is welcomed in any season. A smooth & textured mid palate, finishes with a good creamy acidity.
ANTHONIJ RUPERT – CAPE OF GOOD HOPE CAROLINE 2015
Delicate orange blossom oral notes overlay more distinctive creamy citrus peel on the nose. Ripe honeyed peaches drenched in cream, but the palate is not big and bold. It’s rened and elegant. A zesty lemon pith note keeps it fresh and lively. Delightful integration of oak and fruit, utterly seamless and harmonious. Serious, nuanced and layered with beautifully smooth mouthfeel and a prolonged, rewarding finish. White blend of Chenin blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier.
AA BADENHORST – SECATEURS CHENIN BLANC 2019
It has texture, tang and an alliteration-spoiling freshness that lights up the palate with apple strudel and peach crumble flavours, showing a lovely texture that grips the palate with juicy ripeness and zesty lift.
TIERHOEK – ROSÉ 2019
Cranberry and intense wood on the nose. More a rosé with body. It is fruity with sweet flavours of cherries and strawberries. Made from Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Noir and Viognier.
WILDEHURST – CHENIN BLANC 2018
Aromas and flavours of citrus, yellow peach and apricot plus spice. The palate is well balanced – juicy fruit, creamy texture, nicely coated acidity.
WILDEHURST – VELO RED 2016
A blend of Grenache and Shiraz. Matured for 18 months in old oak. Red and black fruit, dried herbs, pepper and a slight meatiness. The palate rich and a little sweet with soft tannins.
THISTLE & WEED – DUWWELTJIE CHENIN BLANC 2018
Grapes for Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc as made by Thistle & Weed, which is the collaboration between Etienne Terblanche (Vinpro’s viticulturist for the Coastal Region) and Stephanie Wiid (Fairview winemaker), come from a Paarl vineyard planted over 65 years ago and three vintages in, the resulting wine is really proving to be the business. It has an extraordinarily expressive nose – naartjie and orange, peach and apricot, some waxiness, some nuttiness and a touch of spice. The palate is super-concentrated and super-flavourful. Sweet upfront but suitably savoury on the finish, tangy acidity lending drive.
SPIDER PIG – BRO-ZAY ROSÉ 2018
between David Nel and David Wibberley and a variety of wine makers. The Rosè is crisp, light & fruity. Turkish delight, candy floss and strawberry flavours with a dry fresh finish.
RASCALLION – 33 1/3 RPM 2017
Rhone blend of Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Verdelho. 33 1/3 rpm is produced from grapes sourced from vineyards in the Piekenierskloof region. This Swartland White blend has layered hints of freshness and floral aromas that extend into malva savoury peach, fresh pear and pineapple flavours and finish with soft, white tannin.
RASCALLION – AQUIVER 2016
Aquiver is produced from vineyards close to False Bay. The blend of 80% Chenin Blanc, 10% Grenache Blanc & 10% Sauvignon Blanc will bring aromatic layers of apricot, tangy nectarines and fresh straw on the nose. This wine is well-balanced in acidity, with melon and lightly toasted almonds on the palate.
RIDGEBACK – VIOGNIER 2018
It brandishes concentrated, forthcoming aromas of glazed pineapple, citrus blossom, white peach and just a dash of lavender. A creamy mid-palate is reinforced by delicate oak spice and a finish that persists with a ruby grapefruit flavour.
SUTHERLAND – VIOGNIER ROUSSANNE 2016
Thelema’s Sutherland Viognier/Roussanne is a white blend that is quite uncommon, making it a great wine to buy and add to your collection. This combination results in a nose that shows gorgeous floral aromas alongside sun-ripe apricots. On the palate, ripe summer fruit flavours are offset by a pleasant acid structure and good texture. It pairs well with any spicy foods, especially Thai food, and will continue to develop for 3 years after vintage.
SUTHERLAND – RIESLING 2018
Floral and zesty, it has notes of lime and kiwi fruit and just a touch of sweetness. This Riesling is fragrant and inviting on the nose with characteristic aromas of orange blossom, lime, white peach and shows lovely minerality on the palate. It is well balanced with a long finish.
SUTHERLAND – RESERVE GRENACHE 2016
An assembly of roses and ripe raspberries welcomes you in the glass with subtle cinnamon and nutmeg notes. Fine ripe tannins leads to an elegant acidity that creates a reserved, linear wine.
MIGLIARINA – GRENACHE 2017
Elegant clean wines are the hallmark of the Migliarina brand. All wines are individually hand crafted from some of the best vineyards in the Cape region with exceptional care being taken in preserving varietal and fruit character. Keeping it simple in the cellar with minimum intervention is the basis for ensuring that the wines are fruit driven and elegant.
MIGLIARINA – PARQUET SCG 2016
Parquet is a play on the three grape varieties used in the blend, like a parquet floor which has three pieces to make up a square and fits together perfectly – Syrah, Carignan and Grenache. It has a lifted bouquet of red berry fruit, singed leather, earthy notes and hints of pressed rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. This is a Syrah imbued with a sense of effortless harmony and a slightly austere, classically styled finish.
MELLASAT – TEMPRANILLO 2016
Savoury in character, this wine was matured in French oak barriques with the nose giving a cigar box aroma leading to marinated cherry and autumn blackberry on the palate. It has a long finish and a balanced back bone of tannin and structure. It is expected this wine will continue to develop for several years to come.
MELLASAT – VIOGNIER 2017
This wine has prominent floral notes of orange blossom on the nose that leads through to peach and apricot flavours on the palate.
SOUTH HILL – KEVIN KING MICAH 2015
A blend of Syrah, Mourv?dre and Barbera. This is a fascinating blend of peppery cool climate Syrah, refreshing lean Mourvédre and the wild, tangy intensity of the Italian Barbera grape. Oozes character and life perfectly summing up its namesake, first grandson Micah.
For More Information:
Wine Concepts branches:
Phone Newlands at (021) 671 9030 or Kloof Street at (021) 426-4401
Email: admin@wineconcepts.co.za | http://www.wineconcepts.co.za/
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