Vintages Release: June, 2014 

Delheim Pinotage Rosé 2013 
Coastal Region $15.95 (721670) 12.5% alcohol

Pinotage with a touch of Muscat Ottonel, this rosé's pale-salmon hue reflects minimum skin contact. It offers aromas and flavours of ripe red fruits and hints of spice. There's a bit of spritz on the palate and the touch of residual sugar delivers a lasting fruity finish.  A crowd-pleaser to be enjoyed well chilled. (Susan Desjardins)



Delheim 'Simonsberg' Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 

WO Simonsberg $18.95 (981357) 14.5% alcohol 

This was produced from declassified fruit that would normally go into their Grand Reserve. Aged in French oak for 17 months, this is a beautifully crafted, well integrated, substantial wine. Inky purple, the complexity starts on the nose—aromas of cassis and plum emerge and mingle with mint, dried herbs, cedar, smoke and vanilla. Dry, medium-full bodied, the firm frame of tannins and fine acidity accent the ripe flavours of black currant, berry and plum. Notions of exotic spice and dark chocolate tantalize with subtle notes of toast manifesting on the extended finish. A restrained, elegant yet powerful wine that's an outstanding value. Pick up a few bottles to enjoy now with grilled meats and over the next few years. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: July, 2014

Cathedral Cellars Merlot 2011 

WO Western Cape $15.95 (522219) 14.3%
 alcohol
The fruit for this ruby-hued wine came mostly from the warm vineyards of Swartland, it was fermented at a low temperature to capture that ripe fruit then aged 16 months in a combination of new and seasoned oak. It offers complex aromas and flavours of black cherry, plum, roasted red pepper, spice and a touch of cedar. Dry, medium bodied, the ripe spicy fruit explodes on the palate framed by subtle tannins and well-integrated oak. Fine toasty notes carry through the remarkably fresh, fruity finish. A well-crafted, savoury wine. (Susan Desjardins)


Vintages Release: TBD

Bellingham Bernard Series 'Old Vines' Chenin Blanc 2013 
Western Cape $22.95 (12724) 14.0% alcohol 
Produced from the fruit of 95-year-old vines and aged 8-12 months in French oak, this golden gem offers beguiling aromas of butter cream, vanilla, orchard fruit and toasted nut. Dry, medium-full bodied, it's creamy and fruity, the oak well integrated, notions of citrus, apricot, pear and nut mingling on the palate. There's good balance on the long full-flavoured finish. (Susan Desjardins) 


Boschendal '1685' Shiraz 2012 
Groot Drakenstein $19.95 (96511) 14.0% alcohol

This semi-opaque Shiraz spent 14 months in  new and seasoned French oak, notes of vanilla and sweet spice accenting the intense aromas of red and black berry and ripe plum. Dry, medium bodied, it's appealingly smooth and round with a rousing dose of pepper that unfurls on the palate, accenting the rich flavours of black berry and cherry. Harmonious, well structured with refined acidity and tannins and finishing clean, fruity and fresh, this wine is an ideal partner for grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins) 


Cathedral Cellars Shiraz 
WO Western Cape $15.95 (561142) 14.0% alcohol

This opaque, purple Shiraz was aged 16 months in oak, principally French. The aromas rush from the glass—intense ripe black fruit, sweet spice, red rose, vanilla and a hint of licorice. Dry, medium-full bodied, it balances lots of black plum and berry flavours with the tang of currants and red berries. There's a firm structure, good acidity and freshness to the texture along with tasty notes of spice, white pepper and cinnamon toast on the lasting finish. Great balance and mouth feel! Pair with steak or ribs. (Susan Desjardins) 


Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2013 

WO Stellenbosch $12.95 (981167 ) 13.5% alcohol

Golden-hued and richly fruity, the lifted aromas include floral notes, stone and tropical fruit with a whiff of spice. Dry, yet fruit forward, it has a fine creamy texture, partly as a result of time on the lees, and sufficient acidity to balance the fruit basket on the palate—peach, pear, pineapple, kiwi. On the finish, the fruit is emphasized by a touch of residual sugar. (Susan Desjardins)