Kumkani

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Kumkani 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz (Stellenbosch)

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Price $13

Kumkani means “king” in Xhosa, and this has a rather royal bearing, displaying good depth of fruit and the unique earthiness particular to certain South African reds. The fruit positively shines on the dry, supple palate, picking up earth, game and herb notes. A structured wine, it’s built to last, with solid tannins on the lengthy close. Drink from 2004 to 2006… — M.M. (4/1/2002)

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Kumkani 2000 Shiraz (Stellenbosch)

Price $15

A well-structured wine with fine fruit-acid balance, this has a quite dry dark berry core accented on the nose by smoky oak, anise and tarragon notes. Licorice and leather add palate interest, and firm, drying tannins show on the finish. Dark and handsome, it’s drinkable now, but will be at its best from mid-2003 through 2006. —M.M. — M.M. (4/1/2002)

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Kumkani 2005 Single Vineyard Lanner Hill Sauvignon Blanc (Groenekloof)

Price $22

The flavors and aromas of this wine are green, showing asparagus, green bean and smoke, but they have a nice intensity and a full, serious feel that can withstand the high acidity. Not a wine for everyone, but certainly enjoyable to some for its power and grace. — M.D. (12/31/2006)

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Kumkani 2002 Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

Price $13

An outgoing wine well-poised to make friends for South African wine in general. It's tasty, even and stylish, if not that deep. Yes, it could lacks much Cape 'typicity,' if you accept that sort of stuff--and I do. But at at this price, just enjoy the tasty dark fruit, smoke-earth accents and supple feel. — M.M. (7/1/2005)

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Kumkani 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch)

Price $12

Clean and taut, with a citrus-floral-herb nose opening to a very dry, minerally mouthfeel. It’s bright, bracing and palate-cleansing, though some might find it sharp-edged. Will shine with shellfish or a salad. Imported by Southern Starz, Inc. — M.M. (7/1/2005)

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Kumkani 2004 Pinotage (Stellenbosch)

Price $14

Despite 14.5% alcohol, this wine won’t overwhelm you. There are hints of alcohol to the nose, but not enough to overpower plum, spice and sawdust, while the cassis, mixed berry, earth and vanilla flavors are rounded and intense, finishing with a hint of leather. — M.D. (12/31/2006)

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Kumkani 2002 Shiraz (Stellenbosch)

Price $15

This medium-weight, supple wine stood apart from the other South African Shirazes in its flight for its dark, meaty aromas and flavors. Roast beef-like flavors add coffee and plum notes, then finish crisp. Imported by Southern Starz, Inc. — J.C. (11/15/2005)

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Kumkani 2003 Shiraz (Stellenbosch)

Price $16

Spice and vanilla, a reflection of its oak, plays a lead with this friendly wine. The nose is soft and elegant and the flavors rounded and for the most part, successfully integrated. The finish is substantial. A good everyday Shiraz. — S.K. (6/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Designations

Single Vineyard Lanner Hill

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz Chenin Blanc Pinotage Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 W.H. Smith Purple Label Piedra Hill Vineyard

This is a gigantic Cabernet, deeply concentrated and enormously tannic…

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