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South African Wine Tasting Notes
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1007 Sebeka, Cape Blend, South Africa, Cabernet Pinotage $10 Score: 89.0 This blend of Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon get a higher score than the Shiraz Pinotage, despite the fact that I prefer the former. This one, however, adds the herbal qualities of Cabernet, which gives it more complexity. It has the same full-bodied, smooth texture, along with light tannin and a long fruit and herb finish. A good wine to pair with steak, lamb or turkey. Amazing value. |
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2007, Sebeka, Cape Blend, South Africa, Shiraz Pinotage $10 Score: 87.0 Pinotage (South Africa's hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault) is here combined with Shiraz (aka Syrah) to make an absolutely delicious fruit-driven wine. Despite very ripe fruit and a skosh of residual sugar, it comes off as a fruity table wine. It's not very complex, but it is plenty enjoyable, with logan berry, blueberry and black cherry flavors dominating. It's full-bodied, smooth, with negligible tannin and an exceptionally long and fruity finish. Overall, this is a well-balanced wine at a bargain price, perfect for pairing with lasagna, moussaka, beef stew etc. |
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2008 Sebeka, "Steen" Western Cape, South Africa, Chenin Blanc $10 Score: 86.0 What I like best about this Chenin is its texture. The crisp acidity balances the slight residual sugar to create a dry impression coupled with a silky texture. The main flavor is reminiscent of grapefruit, complete with grapefruit's natural bitterness that carries through to the finish. Not very complex, but carefully constructed and a fine food wine. |
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2007 Sebeka, Western Cape, South Africa, Chardonnay: $10 Score: 86.0 You won't find great depth or complexity here, but Sebeka's Chardonnay does offer solid varietal character, pear flavors with vanilla accents, a lovely smooth texture and good balance -- and all for a price that won't break the bank. Fine aperitif, and perfect with grilled chicken or sautéed fish. |
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2007 Sebeka, Western Cape, South Africa, Sauvignon Blanc $9 Score: 92.0 This elegant Sauvignon Blanc emphasizes fruit over all else -- intense, just off-dry honeydew melon with a complex undercurrent of dried herbs. Firm structure and a tart, juicy, lingering finish make this a pleasant aperitif. A great bargain. |
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2007 Sebeka, Cape Blend, South Africa, Shiraz Pinotage $9 Score: 86.0 This fruit-driven blend of 58% Shiraz and 42% Pinotage displays peppery blackberry fruit and spice. Smooth and rich, it's not a particularly complex wine, but for a blend it surprisingly shows its varietal colors, and it's an easy match with full-flavored casseroles, beef, venison or the like. And it does show fine balance, which lifts it above other wines at this price point. Excellent value. |
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2007 SEBEKA, South Africa Cabernet Pinotage $9 Score: 88.0 This blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Pinotage is a full-flavored, fruit driven wine with flavors of blackberry jam, black cherry and dark chocolate, light tannin, and a sour cherry finish. Great value. Drink now. |
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2006 Sebeka Western Cape, South Africa Shiraz $9 Score: 86.0 This one starts out with bold blackberry aromas that carry on to the palate with soft tannins. The fruit drops of rather abruptly in the finish, leaving lingering slightly bitter notes of brown spice. While it may be lacking, it's still a good value. |
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1996 Stellenryck South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon $15.50 Score: 92.0 "Fascinating, world class Cabernet-complex and very engaging nose of black currant, dry, berry fruit, subtle oak and vanilla, moderate tannin and a long finish. Excellent now, it will certainly age a long time. It would pair well with aged beef or lamb. Good value" |
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1996 Stellenryck South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon $15.50 Score: 92.0 "Fascinating, world class Cabernet-complex and very engaging nose of black currant, dry, berry fruit, subtle oak and vanilla, moderate tannin and a long finish. Excellent now, it will certainly age a long time. It would pair well with aged beef or lamb. Good value" |
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1996 Fleur du Cap South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91.0 "Over the last five years South Africa has proven it can produce world-class Cabernet. This one is redolent of cassis and blackberries, has soft tannins, ripe luscious fruit on the palate and a fruity finish with tobacco leaf notes. First rate. " |
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1998 Fleur du Cap South Africa Merlot Score: 85.0 "Black cherry nose, medium body, dry, soft tannin, slightly bitter on the finish. A good mouthful of wine, though in need of a few more years of aging." |
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1998 Fleur du Cap South Africa Merlot Score: 85.0 "Black cherry nose, medium body, dry, soft tannin, slightly bitter on the finish. A good mouthful of wine, though in need of a few more years of aging." |
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1996 Fleur du Cap South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91.0 "Over the last five years South Africa has proven it can produce world-class Cabernet. This one is redolent of cassis and blackberries, has soft tannins, ripe luscious fruit on the palate and a fruity finish with tobacco leaf notes. First rate. " |
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1996 Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Coastal Region South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 89.0 "Dark chocolate, fresh blackberry, dry, light tannin, a cocoa and berry middle and tart fruity fihish. Confident. Self-assured. A fine expression of the grape." |
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