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Decanter Wine Tastings & Club
Decanter Wine Diaries
"Wine is bottled poetry" - Robert Louis Stevenson
This blog features wines that were enjoyed and reviewed to assist you in your choices of your next wine
Decanter Wine Diaries
As a sommelier, I am fortunate to taste a large selection of wines from all around the world. Because I live in South Africa, I have access to a wide variety of the best wines from this new world producer. I am happy that I can share these wines and their stories with you in this blog. Please note that the tasting notes are my own personal notes and descriptions of how I experienced the wines. Other people might have different experiences or interpret what they smell or taste differently. Enjoy!
Bosman Adama Nero 2019
The Bosman Nero wine is a very unique wine, as it is the only wine in South Africa that is currently made from the Nero d'Avola grape variety, a Sicilian red grape variety that produces fruity and spicy red wines. This wine is associated with the television personality Thapelo Mokoena. The vineyards of Nero d'Avola are planted in Wellington, that enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with unique climatic pockets. In the glass, this wine has a light burgundy red colour. The n
Oct 22, 20251 min read
KWV Cape Tawny NV
The KWV Cape Tawny is an exceptional sweet wine that can be enjoyed by the glass, for those looking for something sweet, or with dessert. At its price, it is highly competitive with other sweet wines that are available on the South African market. Even if you do not like Port-style wines, this is something that you should try regardless! With a unique blend of Tinta Barocca, Cinsault, Souzão, Touriga Nacional, and Shiraz, this wine offers an amber to garnet colour in the gl
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Vrede en Lust The Red Lady 2022
The Vrede en Lust The Red Lady is a wine that pays tribute to the ladies, working in the tasting room at Vrede en Lust, with their red dresses. One can also not miss them at wine shows and events, as they immediately draw attention with their bright red dresses. Finding a good red wine around the R150 price mark is scarce, but The Red Lady certainly hits the spot here! In the glass, this wine has a ruby colour with a nose of black berries and spices. It delivers well on the
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Stellenview Kruger Family Reserve Chardonnay 2021
The Stellenview Kruger Family Reserve Chardonnay 2021 is a refined and elegant example of a Stellenbosch Chardonnay. Produced by Reino Kruger, it shows a balance of fruit, citrus and subtle oak influence, with a creamy, well-integrated texture. In the glass, it has a light golden colour. The nose shows yellow blossoms, vanilla, lime and peach, with gentle buttery notes. On the palate, it has a soft entry, good acidity and flavours of dried fruit, lemon and parsley. The wine
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Groote Post Pinch of Salt Chardonnay 2023
The Groote Post Pinch of Salt Chardonnay 2023 is probably one of the most unusual Chardonnays you will taste from South Africa. The name “Pinch of Salt” refers to the three different fermentation methods used in its making: 50% stainless steel, 30% French oak and 20% amphorae. Taking a portion from each vessel, as if adding pinches of salt, results in a unique combination of freshness, depth and texture. The white wines from Groote Post are known for their saline character, t
Oct 22, 20251 min read
L’Avenir Provenance Pinotage 2022
The L’Avenir Provenance Pinotage 2022 is a good example of how elegant and refined Pinotage can be when handled well. Produced in Stellenbosch by Dirk Coetzee, this wine shows the balance between fruit, spice and floral notes. In the glass, it has a bright ruby-red colour. The nose is spicy and floral, with an inviting freshness. On the palate, it delivers flavours of liquorice, violets, potpourri, cranberries and fresh plums, with some white pepper in the background. It ha
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Strandveld Viognier 2023
The Strandveld Viognier is a coastal addition to the few Viogniers available in South Africa. It has a pale-yellow colour and is forthcoming on the nose, with sharp notes of apricots, vanilla and spices. It delivers well on the palate, with fresh apricot, peaches and roasted nuts. Some vanilla notes follow afterwards in the background, elevating coriander spices and honey. It takes one on a good tasting journey, with freshness throughout. What makes this wine really special
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Kranskop Viognier Noble Late Harvest 2024
The Kranskop Viognier Noble Late Harvest 2024 is a small-production treasure, with only 1,330 bottles produced. Made with a traditional basket press, this wine captures the richness and elegance of Viognier in a concentrated, noble style that still retains a beautiful freshness. In the glass, it has a deep golden colour. The nose is forthcoming with notes of dried fruit, apricot, honeysuckle, and a bouquet of white and yellow flowers. On the palate, it shows layers of dried
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Vergelegen Straw Wine 2021
The Vergelegen Straw Wine has been made by drying Sémillon grapes that reached a good ripeness on straw mats. This way, the concentration of the grape juice is sweet and intense. However, this straw wine also has a good elegancy to it, making it slightly different to its counterparts. In the glass, this wine has a gold yellow colour with a syrupy viscosity. On the nose, it offers tropical fruit, citrus and stone fruits with a slight note of earthiness. The acidity on the pa
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Le Chant du Coq Rouge 2019
The Le Chant du Coq Rouge is a collaboration between the Oddo family, Willie Joubert, Schalk-Willem Joubert and Petri Venter to bring the best of two worlds in one single bottle. The vineyards in Polkadraai are organically farmed and an interesting blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sangiovese is fermented in French oak barrels, transferred to cement tanks and bottled after a process of approximately 24 months. It is left to settle in the bottle f
Oct 22, 20252 min read
Allée Bleue Blanc de Blanc MCC 2021
Allée Bleue Blanc de Blanc MCC is a very crisp and pleasing sparkling wine. It has lively and inviting bubbles, and offers notes of citrus and fresh stone fruit on the nose. The entry is fresh, with a quick explosion of grapefruit, followed by heavier notes of baked green apple, freshly baked bread, hazelnut and cream. It remains fresh throughout, with a long mineral finish. This wine delivers well and comes at a good price. It should be served chilled and in a flute glass.
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Saronsberg Viognier 2022
The Saronsberg Viognier is a fantastic white wine from the Tulbagh-based winery and delivers some of the best Viognier that one can find in South Africa. In the glass, it has a pale-yellow colour, with fresh and forthcoming notes of orange blossom and apricots. It delivers well on the palate, with an elegant finish, bringing forth the apricots and ripe white pear. White floral notes and honey follow soon after. It has a good acidity for Viognier and it finishes off with a s
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Cederberg Bukettraube 2025
The Cederberg Bukettraube is an aromatic off-dry white wine that is one of its kind in South Africa. Made from the German grape variety, also known as Bouquet Blanc, this wine hits the perfect spot for those who are looking for something on the slightly sweeter and lighter style. If light and sweet is not your style, it is still recommended to give this wine a try, as it was left in the very capable hands of cellarmaster David Nieuwoudt to work his magic on this wine. In th
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Jan Harmsgat Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The Jan Harmsgat Cabernet Sauvignon is a limited-edition wine that delivers well for its price class. In the glass, it offers a deep ruby colour with a forthcoming nose of ripe plums and mint leaves. It delivers well on the palate, with cassis, plums, min and structured tannins. A slight smokiness comes through that can be ascribed to the 12 months in 4 th fill French oak barrels and it leaves with a ripe fruit finish. This wine can be chilled slightly and is best served i
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Lievland Bushvine Pinotage 2023
The Lievland Bushvine Pinotage 2023 tells a story both in the glass and on the label. The wine pays tribute to Baroness Hendrika von Stiernhjelm of Latvia, whose legacy inspired the elegant design that captures the spirit of this remarkable wine. Today, Lievland forms part of MAN Family Wines, continuing its tradition of producing expressive, well-balanced wines. The wine is forthcoming on the nose with a mix of spice and both red and black fruit. On the palate, it is balan
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Journey's End V1 Chardonnay 2023
The Journey's End V1 Chardonnay 2023 comes from one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch, established as a resting point for travellers on their way to the town. This Chardonnay is fermented and matured in a combination of French oak, concrete eggs and clay amphorae for balance, with extended lees contact for nine months, batonage, and 10% malolactic fermentation. In the glass, it has a light golden colour with a green tinge. The nose is medium in intensity, showing del
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Karibib Pinot Noir 2023
The Karibib Pinot Noir 2023 is the maiden vintage from Karibib Estate. The name Karibib comes from an ancient Nama word meaning “Place of water.” This wine shows the character and complexity of Stellenbosch Pinot Noir while offering something different from the more familiar style. In the glass, it has a brick red colour with a bright red centre. The nose is complex, with aromas of olives, red fruit, spices and fynbos. On the palate, it opens with a dominant but intriguing
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Creation Pinot Noir 2024
The Creation Pinot Noir 2024 is an entry-level wine from a producer synonymous with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While it is the bottom of the range, it overdelivers in flavour, balance and elegance. The farm was recognised as the best vineyard in the world in 2019, and this wine shows why. In the glass, it has a beautiful light and bright red colour. The nose shows delicate rose petal and mushroom aromas. On the palate, it offers flavours of red fruit, including berries, str
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2021
The Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2021 is a fantastic example of South African Pinot Noir, and certainly one of the best on offer. It is matured entirely in French oak, with 26% new barrels, and produced in very limited quantities of less than 1,000 cases. In the glass, it shows a light, bright red colour. The nose is perfumed, with aromas of red fruit and warm spices. On the palate, it has a soft and elegant entry, fruit-forward with flavours of strawberries, red cherries, clov
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Ataraxia, synonymous with great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, also produces a popular Sauvignon Blanc by winemaker Kevin Grant. This cool climate Sauvignon Blanc is a great expression of its terroir and certainly worth a try if you are looking for a fresh and tropical summer drink. In the glass, it has a pale-yellow colour with a slight green tinge. It is forthcoming on the nose, with tropical fruit and citrus, with hints of fresh grass. It is fr
Oct 22, 20251 min read
Stellenview Kruger Family Reserve Marguerite MCC Brut 2019
The Stellenview Kruger Family Reserve Marguerite MCC Brut is a phenomenal MCC that is a true crowd-pleaser. It is a wine that is just...
Jun 9, 20251 min read
Jordan The Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
The Jordan Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon is a very typical Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, with a great terroir expression. Jordan, as a...
Jun 9, 20252 min read
Villiera Jasmine 2023
The Villiera Jasmine is the perfect wine for those looking for a slightly sweeter and fruity style white wine. The blend of Muscat,...
Jun 6, 20251 min read
Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2024
The Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc is an entry-level Chenin Blanc under the Reyneke label and it is widely available. This wine, that has...
Jun 6, 20251 min read
Welbedacht Estate Skoolblok Steen 2023
The Welbedacht Estate Skoolblok Steen is a Chenin Blanc that makes a solid statement in the glass. It is not too light but also not too...
Jun 6, 20251 min read
Winshaw Estate The Fox Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
The Winshaw Estate The Fox Cabernet Sauvignon was named after Gideon Johannes Joubert, who was nicknamed “The Fox” due to his fox stamp...
Jun 6, 20251 min read
Richard Kershaw Elgin Syrah 2012
Richard Kershaw is renowned for his work with clones and, although this was the first vintage of this wine, he got it right immediately....
Apr 16, 20251 min read
La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier 2018
The La Motte Pierneef Syrah Viognier is a top wine, a true crowd pleaser, showcasing expert winemaking skills and true value for money....
Apr 16, 20251 min read
Lost Boy Marea Sauvignon Blanc 2024
The Lost Boy Marea is compared by many as the Nesos of South Africa. Making only 250 bottles of this superb wine, it is not only a...
Apr 16, 20252 min read
Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The Diemersdal Wild Horseshoe Sauvignon Blanc is one of the many Sauvignon Blancs from Diemersdal, but it stands out – not only by its...
Apr 16, 20252 min read
Paul Clüver Sauvignon Blanc 2024
The Paul Clüver Sauvignon Blanc is currently the only non-Burgundian-style wine in the Paul Clüver range – for a reason: it is...
Apr 16, 20251 min read
Fryer’s Cove Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The Fryer’s Cove Bamboes Bay Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most unusual Sauvignon Blancs on the market. In order to find something close...
Apr 16, 20251 min read
Welbedacht Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The Welbedacht Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a pleasant, crisp and fruity wine from Wellington – an area where we do not find much Sauvignon...
Apr 16, 20251 min read
Villiera Gold MCC NV
The Villiera Gold MCC turned a few heads when it was released at WineX in 2024, with festive 22 carat edible gold flakes in the wine. I...
Apr 16, 20252 min read
Allée Bleue Shiraz 2020
The Allée Bleue Shiraz 2020 is a great wine with grapes sourced from the farm in Franschhoek. The wine was matured in 5% American oak,...
Nov 25, 20241 min read
Allée Bleue Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The Allée Bleue Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is one of my best finds for the year. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Darling area in...
Nov 25, 20242 min read
Stellenzicht Cap Classique 2022
This year, Stellenzicht released their maiden vintage of Cap Classique with a 2022 Blanc de Blancs, and it is beautiful! I was excited to...
Nov 25, 20242 min read
KWV The Mentors Perold 2020
Many winemakers have had thoughtful considerations on whether they should add their own name as their brand. It is probably even more...
Nov 25, 20242 min read
Baleia Limitados The Limestone Debate Chardonnay 2020
The Baleia Limitados The Limestone Debate Chardonnay is a careful selection of 6 rows of Chardonnay, planted in Limestone and fermented...
Nov 25, 20241 min read
Neethlingshof Maria Noble Late Harvest 2023
The Neethlingshof Maria Noble Late Harvest is a tribute to Maria Marais, a feisty widow who took over the building of the estate’s manor...
Nov 25, 20241 min read
Le Riche Richesse 2021
I have tasted the entire Le Riche portfolio several times at several occasions and every time I am pleasantly surprised by how well the...
Nov 25, 20241 min read
Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut 2022
When I was first introduced to the Kloovenburg Lledoner Pelut, it was labelled as “Grenache on steroids”. This clone of Grenache, now...
Nov 25, 20242 min read
Spier Frans K Smit Red 2017
The Spier Frans K Smit is the flagship red blend from Spier, often served at wine tastings and events by no one other than Frans Smit...
Nov 25, 20242 min read
Zorgvliet Simoné 2021
The Zorgvliet Simoné is a white Bordeaux-style blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc – it is their flagship white wine, named after one...
Nov 5, 20242 min read
Zorgvliet Richelle 2019
The Zorgvliet Richelle is their flagship red wine in a Bordeaux-style, with high quantities of Cabernet Franc and low quantities of...
Nov 5, 20242 min read
Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial NV
People often forget that Champagne can be sweet, in addition to the huge amount of rather dry options available. And a sweeter style...
Sep 10, 20241 min read
Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay 2022
When I tasted the Tesselaarsdal range for the first time, I stood still for a moment and thought: WOW! Then I got inveigled to love this...
Sep 10, 20242 min read
Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2023
The Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc is a typical Sauvignon Blanc from the Constantia area in the Western Cape of South Africa. It was...
Sep 10, 20241 min read
Neethlingshof Estate Gewürztraminer 2023
The Neethlingshof Estate Gewürztraminer is one of a handful of local single varietal Gewürztraminers that are available on the wine...
Sep 10, 20241 min read
JC le Roux Scintilla MCC 2015
The JC le Roux Scintilla is the only classified Cap Classique from the House of JC le Roux, that specialises in South African sparkling...
Sep 10, 20242 min read
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