Drunk!

Here we go again – a quick round-up of the best of the bottles delivered to my door in recent weeks. Yes, they were free, I’m not going to deny it, but these are the ones I would happily pay for so go and track ‘em down – they’re worth it!!!

2009 Waterkloof Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc – RRP R90 from specialist retailers

Want to drink Vergelegen  Sauvignons but can’t afford ‘em? This is an incredible bargain grown on the exact same slopes as the famous V’s but for much less dosh. This wine took 12 months to ferment and obviously all good things come to those of us who wait – crisp and zingy but with a pleasing richness and lots of lemony, citrus fruit. I drank it with seared tuna steaks and it was divine.

2009 Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon – RRP R80 from specialist retailers

I am LOVING Semillons at the moment – such a neglected grape variety, so good with food. I like this one because of its balance – yes it’s wooded but not to add fat, buttery flavours, rather to round out the creamy green herbaceous notes and make it a great wine to drink with sushi. Have to confess that I left half of it in the freezer by mistake – and it was STILL fabulous when it defrosted. What a forgiving wine!

2005 Jacques Smit Shiraz- RRP R57 from the cellar door (www.vines2wines.com)

If any one grape variety is going through the roof in price, then that would be Shiraz. Maiden vintages starting in the hundreds are all over the place so it is fabulous that this wine is as good as it is at this excellent price. Lots of dark berry fruit, nice oak and a good firm finish. Jacques is actually a vine nurseryman so knows his grapes. Had it with pizza – yum.

2006 Kumkani Pinotage – RRP R66.99 from specialist retailers

After our Vin-atics evening, I am totally motivated by my new favourite casserole – Chicken with Olives, Tomatoes and Anchovies – because it has NO ONIONS IN IT!!! Not that I have a problem with onions, but my husband does – such a pain. Anyway, this worked fabulously with the KWV Pinotage the other night so I thought I’d try it again with this wine – and it was still great. The Kumkani is from the company of wine people and is their mid-range pricewise. This was a fab wine – rich and juicy with plenty of body and character and a soft finish.