Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2009, Wo Stellenbosch, South Africa

Bordeaux meets South Africa in this red blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. Maturation taking place in 225L French oak (60% new and 40% 2^nd fill) for 18 months, a variety of cultured yeasts were used, a light fining and filtration was applied just before bottling and alcohol comes in at 13.5%.

An interesting bouquet to be sure, with aromas of blackberry, dark plum, blackcurrant, dried mushroom, tobacco leaf, vanilla, toast, gamey and a hint of barnyard. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with a silky smooth texture, balanced acidity and soft tannins. Medium length on the finish with soft seductive fruit, farmy/leathery character lingering.

These wine descriptors are not usually associated with this kind of blend, the earthy funk and the soft maturing character of this wine leads me to believe that Brettanomyces or Bret (a wine fault) is at play here. In moderation, Bret can add complexity and give the wine a more mature feel in a young wine but when out of control the wine would be clearly undrinkable. For me, the level of Bret gives me quite an oral experience which I find charming. So is the finish, very smooth and soft, almost too easy to drink. In the end the bottle was empty way to fast and I quite enjoyed it. Score 88 points.

Purchased December 28, 2012 at the SAQ (10678384) at $22.95

Rust en Vrede Estate 2007, Wo Stellenbosh, Stellenbosh, South Africa

Since 1981, Rust en Vrede has been making red wine only and there Estate wine is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 9% Merlot. Maturation took place in 50% French and 50% American oak for 23 months, blending took place 3 weeks before bottling. A further 18 months in bottle before release with alcohol coming in at 15%.

 

The strong Cabernet component comes through on the nose with lovely aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, pine needles, wood spices, smoke and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with great flavours of black fruit, coffee and savoury spices, light acidity, rounded tannins but hot from the alcohol. Decent length on the finish, great flavours initially but then again, the hot alcohol quitly kills the flavours.  There is no doubt that there is a lot of effort that went into making this wine; I just wish the alcohol wasn’t over the top. It makes this wine a little un-balance.  I strongly recommend decanting for at least one hour before serving. I was left a bit disappointed, was expecting much better. Score 89 points.

Purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release (997742) at $37.95    

De Toren Z 2008, Wo Stellenbosch, South Africa

 

This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; 45% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot, maturation took place in 225L French and American oak for 12 months (only American oak is use for the Malbec), alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This wine opened up with aromas of plum, black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, violets, herbs and pepper. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dark and concentrated flavours, firm texture, slightly rustic with good acidity and grainy tannins.  This blends finish is long with lots of oak spices and smoky characteristics. De Toren Z is not as memorable has there Fusion V which is more elegant and complex, I would have liked a little less toasty oak but Z is still quite pleasant, score 89 points.

Purchased September 3, 2011 LCBO New Release (178194) at $32.95

Amani Chardonnay 2009, Stellenbosh, South Africa

Produced from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is kept on the lees for 9-11 months without batonnage, maturation took place in French oak, 16% in new oak for 10 months and alcohol came in at 13.5%. This Chardonnay is very fragrant on the nose with aromas of pineapple, peach, lime, minerals and sweet butterscotch. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, refreshing acidity, well integrated oak and rich, creamy texture. Good weight and length on the finish with tropical fruit, toasty oak and spices, notes lingering. From start to finish, this is a very enjoyable and elegant Chardonnay and a great value. Score 90 points. 

Purchased November 26, 2011 LCBO New Release (687442) at $17.95

Muratie Shiraz 2007, Stellenbosch, South Africa

This wine arrives somewhere between a Rhône Syrah and Australian Shiraz, with aromas of black fruit, cocoa, tobacco, spices, meaty and floral notes.  This medium to full bodied Shiraz mouthfeel is rich, dry, intense with concentrated flavours, lively acidity and smooth ripe tannins. This wine finish is long with excellent depth of flavours, savoury and meaty style of Shiraz. On a more technical note, this wine is 100% Shiraz, aging took place in 90% French oak and 10% American oak with alcohol coming in at 14.5%. I am no longer surprised by the quality of South African wines around the $25.00 price range. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased February 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (663278) at $24.95

Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2006, Stellenbosch, South Africa

This Bordeaux blend from South Africa (Cabernet Sauvignon 82%, Petit Verdot 10%and Merlot 8%) has incredible aromatics. Just inhalingthis wine I knew this would be something special. On the nose I get blackberry, black currant, cassis, cedar and Christmas cake spices. The aromas follow through beautifully onto the palate, full body, balance acidity and well integrated tannins. The finish is long with freshly roasted coffee, earthy and classic cedar notes. Stylish and very classy wine here.

This wine was purchased on October 16, 2010 LCBO New Release at $ 26.95.