This is an attractive but focused wine with loads of juicy red plum guts, mashed raspberry and blackberry preserve flavors framing licorice and sweet spice backnotes. Robust and spicy with a strong cocoa flavored finish.
— L.B.
(3/1/2011)
Fermented in French oak using only wild yeasts, this is a lavish and spicy Chenin for a reasonable price. Wood-driven notes of honeyed almonds, toasted challah and Honeycomb cereal dominate the overall character, though flavors of pineapple and juicy peach appear in the mouth.
— L.B.
(11/1/2011)
Austrians Paul and Anna Kretzel co-own this winery with the Stephan family from Germany. The best fruit from their 600-ton production launches a fleet of proprietary wines. This flagship white is barrel- fermented in French oak, which produces a strong whiff of buttered wheat toast at the start. The flavors of dried pineapple, sweet basil and white pepper are…
— K.F.
(1/1/2004)
This Swartland red offers aromas of spice and red cherry/berry aromas, followed by vanilla, cherry and pepper flavors. Soft and smooth, the wine is a good everyday red sip that will pair well with myriad meat and game dishes.
— S.K.
(6/1/2010)
A blend of 48% Chenin Blanc, 41% Chardonnay and 11% Viognier, this is an interesting white with slightly oxidized but rich notes of honeycomb, toasted hazelnut and baked apple thoughout. Medium weight with a touch of heat coming through on the long finish.
— L.B.
(6/1/2011)
An interesting, medium-weight red and a sort of Cape-o-neuf de Pape--comprised of four Rhone grapes. It's ripe and juicy, with dark berry fruit accented by menthol and mint notes. The close of this nicely-fruited blend shows classy drier, slightly metallic Grenache notes.
— M.M.
(7/1/2005)
This wine has pleasant aromas of apple, pear and dusty vanilla, which carry through to the mouth. A bit soft, this wine nevertheless finishes with a citric tang. Imported by Southern Oceans Trading System, Inc.
— M.D.
(3/1/2006)
This 60% Shiraz/40% Carignan blend shows a decidedly Rhônish profile with a (challenging?) mix of sweet lavender and vanilla with some very gamy notes accenting the dry red fruits. Medium weight, with decent acidity, this is no juiceball or fruitbomb, but shows a reserved slight tartness throughout, with even a traditional bitter herb touch at the close.
— M.M.
(3/1/2004)