We’re hunting for big game this Saturday as we tour the landscape of South African Wines.  Grab your binoculars and come taste with us as we roam the Western Cape.
 
2016 Ashbourne,  Sauvignon Blanc /Chardonnay   $15
Ashbourne is located on a beautiful 64 hectare property in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the eastern border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards. Fresh, vibrant, perfumed Sauvignon blanc, filled-out and enriched with a carefully judged unwooded Chardonnay component, make this a beautifully balanced and highly versatile wine.
 
2016 Man Vintners,  Bosstok Pinotage $10
Bosstok refers to the untrellised bush-vine vineyards that make up more than half of the vineyards of Stellenbosch.  The Bosstok Pinotage plantings grow close to the ground, producing lower yields of concentrated, flavorful grapes. The wine shows pleasing aromas of mocha chocolate and roasted coffee beans, followed by juicy flavors of red berries, nutmeg and vanilla spice on the palate.
 
2014 Tometoso Syrah / Mourvedre  $16
76% Syrah, 24% Mourvedre
The Tometoso comes from dry-farmed, trellised vineyards that grow in deep, pebbly shale soils of the Agter-Paarl region.. The wine is barrel matured for 12 months in 225- and 300-litre oak barrels before blending.   It is intensely aromatic, with notes of orange-peel, leather, cigar tobacco, black licorice and dark-plummy fruit. The wine has layers of black fruit and leather notes. It finishes with typical black wine-gum flavors, rounded out by soft, juicy tannins.
 
2013 Helderberg Stelenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon $16
The Helderberg Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromas of blackcurrant, dark plums, red berries, light lead pencil whiffs and hints of fynbos. The dense layer of pure and complex fruit, with subtle cedar undertones, is held together by a firm and well balanced acidity. On the palate the wine exhibits a great balance of ripe fruit character with an elegant, structured and silky finish.
 
2015 Stark-Conde Stelenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon $28
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot
2015 was a very dry year, resulting in very rich, soft wines and considered to be one of the best vintages of the past 20 years.   There’s a leathery, tobacco-like seam throughout this dark and masculine Cab, adding intrigue to the black plum and cassis core. Hints of char and roasted coffee give a rich impression to the palate, which feels plush and velvety in texture yet well-structured and defined. The finish is long and evolving, with an enduring grip and final notes of cigar box and black-fruit skin.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday, we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.