3.5 & 3.6

For a printable PDF of this weekend’s notes, click here!

Raats Original Unwooded Chenin Blanc 2021

Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Retail: $14.95 | Sale $13.45

Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. That’s it. Since 2000, founder Bruwer Raats has kept his focus on these two varieties, believing that specialising would lead to success. This belief was not unfounded, as today, Raats Family Wines is regarded as a leader of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, receiving consistent local and international accolades. Coming from two soil types: decomposed granite and sandstone, with six months’ aging on the lees. The lively, outgoing bouquet features bold lemon curd, fresh straw and mango aromas. The palate is fresh and crisp on the entry with notes of lime and orange zest, leading to a vibrant, zesty finish. 

100% Chenin Blanc

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rosé 2021

Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Retail: $14.95 | Sale $13.45


Kanonkop is a 4th generation family-owned wine estate, which has been handed down from generation to generation and is now in the hands of brothers Paul and Johann Krige. The name Kanonkop is derived from a hillock (kop) on the Simonsberg mountain above the wine estate from where, during the 17th and 18th centuries, a cannon (kanon) was fired to announce the arrival of sailing ships entering Table Bay. The roar of the cannon would be the
signal to local farmers, who were waiting to make
the 50-kilometer journey to the harbour, to load up
their wagons with fresh fruit and vegetables to barter their produce. This full bodied, dry style of rosé with
a delicate pale-pink colour. Perfumed and aromatic notes of Turkish delight, rose water and summer berries are present on the nose. The acidity is fresh and bright, and compliments the sweet fruit
character of the Pinotage varietal. The palate
displays intense flavours of red cherries, red
apples and raspberries. The delicate nature of
this wine makes it fit for any occasion. 

100% Pinotage

Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2015

Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Retail:
$25.95 | Sale $23.35

In 2003, at the age of 78, May de Lencquesaing, then owbner of the famous Chateau Pichon Langueville Comtesse de Lalande, a Grand Cru Classe from Pauillac, Bordeaux, purchased the estate, part of the original Ida's Valley farm, granted in 1682 by Simon van Der Stel. With a nod to the French Huguenot settlers 300 years before, she set about planting vines to replace the existing fruit trees, realising her vision of establishing a thiving winery that best utilizes the soils and microclimate of the valley and supports local economic development and the community. And thus Glenelly Estate was reborn. Glenelly Estate Reserve is their signature red blend, based on the classic claret blend of the 1700's. This wine offers plenty aging potential. Aromas of plum and cherry welcome you into the glass. Mulberry and blackcurrant come through on the mid-palate with hints of fresh herbs and rich tannins to support it all. 

35% Cabernet Sauvignon | 30% Merlot | 15% Syrah | 10% Petit Verdot | 10% Cabernet Franc