South African Wine Tasting at Cafe Maxx

One of the most exciting places in the world of fine wine today is South Africa. There are more and more great producers wines making to our shores from this outstanding wine producing nation. There are several producers from Bordeaux that have invested in property there and this is the true sign that there is tremendous potential here, when you see top level producers investing in vineyard land you know that there is something special going on here.

For years the best wines were not brought to the U.S. today there is just so much great wine out there today it is hard to get around to everything. Well, we have put South Africa back on our radar and will be showing you some new and exciting stuff from some of the top names coming to our market from South Africa today.

Chef Oliver Saucy will be sending out a few small courses to accompany the tasting wines. The fee for this event is $35 + tax, for reservations call 954-782-0606.

South African Wine Tasting at Cafe Maxx
Wednesday, July 11th
6:30pm

Bouchard Finlayson Blanc De Mer 2010
Price: $20.25       Sale $17.82          Case $207

The defining feature of this label is its Riesling dominance. This is arguably the only white blend from the Cape which has its principle component as the Riesling grape. Of further interest here is that this vintage comprises of six different grape types whereas in the past there have normally been five. The Riesling content at 49% is the same as for vintage 2008 which means there ought to be close similarities between these vintages. The balance is Viognier 22%, Chenin Blanc 10%, Sauvignon Blanc 10%, Chardonnay 5% & Semillon 4%.

Deliciously fragrant with lush upfront fruit driven mouth feel revealing ample rich tropical kiwi and peach undertones. Layers of gooseberry ending a lingering honest pleasing finish.

2011 Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Constantia        
Price: $20.25       Sale $17.82          Case $207

The oldest winery in South Africa 1685, this wine has a very Loire valley like nose with grapefruit and tropical passion fruit and kiwi with notes of fresh green herbs but the focus is on the tropical fruit.  A racy wine on the palate with a light briny quality to the finish but lots of tropical fruit kiwi and grapefruit a very savory finish with some barnyard like earth notes and some of that green herb on the finish.  Finish 35+             Very Good

2010 Reyneke Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch     
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $299

A very rich and refined nose with some toasty oak vanilla spice and almost chardonnay like on the nose fresh melon and candied pink grapefruit citrus.  A very rich and ripe style with a creamy texture on the tongue with layers of spice and rich but still savory on the finish.  Finish 40+ Very Good +

Fantail by Morgenhof Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2006
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52          Case $169

This is a delectable medium bodied wine with soft, rounded tannins. The nose displays a tantalizing combination of blackberries plums and spices. The palate is very smooth with a beautiful black fruit concentration in the mid-palate.  A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc.

Post House Penny Black Stellenbosch 2009        
Price: $30.75       Sale $27.06          Case $314

A blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot and Chenin Blanc this was an old post office and Penny Black is the very first stamp ever issued anywhere in the world.  Dark currant and black plum like fruit with notes of violet floral notes of eucalyptus and dark coco fairly complex nose.  A big and chewy wine on the tongue with a strong herbal note on the finish along with dark spices and espresso notes on the finish.  Finish 40+     Excellent

Post House Missing Virgin 2009
Price: $30.50       Sale $26.84          Case $311

The name Missing Virgin refers to a printing error on a Virgin Island stamp. The virgin figure was omitted from the stamp hence the nickname, “Missing Virgin”. St Ursula was a virgin martyr who lived between the 3 and 5 centuries A.D. She was born in Britain, avoided marriage to a
pagan king and is believed to have been slain for her faith with 10,000 virgin companions at Cologne, Germany; Christopher Columbus named the Virgin Islands in her honor!  A red blend of Pinotage 70% and Petit Verdot 30% grapes resulting in a wine which has an intensely blueish color. A scrumptious full bodied rich wine with supple tannins. A hint of blueberries, fruit cake and wild heath on the nose with a rounded long and lingering finish.

2007 Groot Constantia Shiraz Constantia             
Price: $20.25       Sale $17.82          Case $207

Black currant and blackberry fruit with notes of black licorice spice and fresh black earth sweet tobacco spice.  A big and chewy wine on the tongue with blackberry fruit with a good amount of dark spice and licorice dark coco nice freshness on the finish, smooth round tannins.  Finish 40+      Very Good

2009 Reyneke Capstone Stellenbosch   
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $299

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot with a good amount of dark plum and currant berry fruit with fine herbs and some damp earth notes to the nose.  A big and chewy wine on the tongue with good grip but a good amount of currant and plum fruit dark spices and good freshness and balance on the finish.  Finish 40+        Very Good +