The Big Five Collection
Showing 1 thru -9 of 9
The Big Five Collection 2004 Leopard Chardonnay (Western Cape)
- Best Buy
- $10
This attractive white opens with a handsome peach and herb nose. The even palate's good fruit/acid balance supportds solid fruit in the style of the bouquet. Closes clean with drier mineral notes. Flavorful, with some unique character, and commendably off the predictable track.
— M.M.
(4/1/2005)
The Big Five Collection 2006 Buffalo Shiraz (Western Cape)
- Best Buy
- $10
Another attractively priced Shiraz from South Africa, which is becoming a bigger player in terms of both value and prestige Shiraz. Luscious spice and dark berry on the nose are touched with smoke and black pepper and lead into a spicy, rounded fruit character. There’s complexity here and with age, this will become an elegant, integrated choice.
— S.K.
(11/15/2007)
The Big Five Collection 2004 Rhino Sauvignon Blanc (Western Cape)
- Best Buy
- $10
Opens with a soft mineral-herb bouquet. The rounder style continues on the palate, but ample citrus and white pepper notes keep it from being flaccid or mushy. Closes fairly long with a nice reprise of the early mineral notes. An appealing, well-done mainstream white.
— M.M.
(4/1/2005)
The Big Five Collection 2003 Buffalo Shiraz (Western Cape)
- Best Buy
- $10
Attractive lighter-style Shiraz with a complex nose offering berry fruits, herbs, incense and shoe polish notes. Lithe and racy, with bright red fruit flavors and tangy acidity, it's appealing and not entirely typical—this one shows a little character.
— M.M.
(4/1/2005)
The Big Five Collection 2006 Elephant Pinotage (Western Cape)
- Best Buy
- $10
This is a friendly, mainstream approach to Pinotage that makes a lot of sense; with its balanced flavors of pepper, red berry and spice it has exotic appeal but is still easy to drink. The price is reasonable, making it a fun pick for ethnic dishes or grilled meats.
— S.K.
(12/15/2007)
The Big Five Collection 2003 Lion Cabernet Sauvignon (Western Cape)
- $10
Rich, almost sweet cherry fruit has pine/menthol accents and a caramel-like note on the nose. The dry palate shows firmer-than-expected tannins but ample cherry-chocolate flavor, as well. Decent in a lighter style for this grape, though it starts stronger than it closes.
— M.M.
(4/1/2005)
The Big Five Collection 2006 Rhino Sauvignon Blanc (Western Cape)
- Online Exclusive
- $10
Underneath the lively tropical fruit and grassiness, a creamy, smooth undertone balances the whole. The wine is a touch green in the nose and there are hints of it on the palate, but the rounded mouthfeel and body help to keep it in check. A simple but tasty everyday wine.
— S.K.
(3/1/2008)
The Big Five Collection 2003 Elephant Pinotage (Western Cape)
- Online Exclusive
- $10
Lean and dry with very dark red fruit, tobacco, menthol, and plenty of that specific South African earthiness. It's even, but thin and closes dry, the fruit squelched by the strong green and even funkier notes.
— M.M.
(4/1/2005)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 9
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