Vintages Release: March 18, 2012

Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay 2010
WO Western Cape $14.95 (328559) 14% alcohol
Firm and focused, this delivers a spirited wash of racy, lip-smacking Chardonnay to be enjoyed as an aperitif or poured alongside lemon veal, pan-seared fish or grilled/steamed crustaceans. Aromas of baking spice, Meyer lime and fragrant floral notes herald a mouth-watering river of green apple and ripe yellow plum interwoven with toasty, nutty notes. This is mid-weight and generously textured with a lingering, clean, refreshing aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)


Spice Route Shiraz 2009
WO Swartland $24.95 15.0% alcohol
Reflecting dry-grown bush vines, seasoned French and American oak, and the sparse, warm terroir of Swartland, this hustles from the glass with a profusion of energetic aromas with aromatic bitters, black licorice and dark, ripe berry fruit among them. A tsunami wave of sweet, ripe mulberry, raisined berries and spice-laden black plum compote washes over the palate persisting through the lengthy, fruit-laden aftertaste. This is full-bodied, value-packed and generously textured with good acidity for balance and an underpinning of sweet, ripe tannin. (Vic Harradine)