South Africa

Saturday, October 12th, 2pm

South Africa is about as far as you can get from Madrona, but this Saturday you can go there.  We’ll be pouring some wines that show South Africa’s great value and fine complexity.  Whether it is the ten dollar Pinotage or the world class Rubicon, you won’t want to miss it.

2012 La Capra, Chenin Blanc  $10
La Capra is a project of the Fairview winery using a selection of younger trellised and older bush vines from their estate in Paarl. This Chenin is fermented in stainless steel. The palate is well-balanced with clean, refreshing acidity whilst showing good mouth feel and texture.

2011 La Capra, Pinotage  $10
Pinotage is the unique South African varietal which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.   The La Capra ages in older French and American barrels for 10-12 months. The wine has notes of perfumed plums on the nose leading to ripe berries on the palate with a gentle texture and refreshing fruit acidity. Soft tannins and a hint of spice linger on the finish.

2011 La Capra Malbec  $10
This Malbec is grown on the lower slopes of Paarl Mountain. The wine was pressed off the skins early and matures 12 months in older French barrels. The wine has sweet blackcurrant on the nose.  Hints of violet follow through to the palate which is juicy and spicy. Flavors of cherry and currant linger on the finish.

2010 Essay Wines Shiraz  $10
Shiraz 87%, Cinsault 6%, Mourvèdre 6%, Viognier 1%
From Stellenbosch, the Essay Shiraz is a medium-bodied red wine with an expressive nose and a soft, lush mouth-feel. The Shiraz and Cinsault combine to give ripe plum cherry fruit on the palate with a touch of pepper spice. Mourvèdre adds complexity with savory and dark fruit aromas. The Viognier adds softness and intriguing floral notes. 

2007 Meerlust Estate Rubicon  $30
74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
Meerlust Estate in Stellenbosch has been in the Myburgh family since 1756. In the summertime, ocean breezes and evening mists roll in from the coast to cool the vineyards. The grapes ripen slowly, thus achieving full, concentrated varietal flavors. The Rubicon is the estate’s flagship wine.  The wine has an expressive nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood and intense spiciness. The 2007 is still young and intense, promising further maturation potential. The palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded, linear tannins.  It will continue to develop for a number of more years.

 

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