Read what the Press have said about us. Click on a headline below or use the keyword and date search to find specific articles.
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian14th November 2009I loved its warm, breathy smell, and its lingering taste of dried fruit.
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Journalist: Jonathan Ray Publication: The Telegraph11th November 2009
Pinotage, a cross between cinsault and pinot noir, is South Africa's USP, loved for its fruit by some, dismissed as tired and redolent of burnt rubber by others. In the hands of Beyerskloof's Beyers Truter, one of the grape's most vociferous supporters, it works a dream. Here, his entry-level version is ripe, juicy and full of spicy plum fruit, with no hint of rubber. Enjoy with slow roast belly of pork.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer31st May 2009
...the silky, fine-grained 2007 Tesco Finest Beyers Truter Pinotage, Western Cape
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian11th April 2009
I've walked through the grounds at the La Motte estate in Franschhoek, South Africa, and seen the village, with its neat houses, gardens, children's daycare centre and sports facilities. The wine's good, too - La Motte Shiraz 2007 is one of those big, ferocious reds that love a bit of barbecue-charred meat.
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian3rd April 2009
Last, it's rare for me to find a Cape red I like, but here's one: Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2005 majors on cabernet sauvignon with some merlot and cabernet franc. It has might but also hinterland and charm. It's certainly not low in alcohol, but it begs you to stop what you're doing, sit down in a leather armchair, inhale and, slowly, sip one glass rather than bolt two. I don't know him, but I like to think Clive Coates would approve.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer18th January 2009
elegant, finely crafted Bordeaux blend 2005 Kanonkop Paul Sauer, Stellenbosch
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Journalist: Guy Woodward Publication: Decanter19th December 2008
Sometimes, at this time of year, you just want to come in at night and open something warming, comforting and easy, and not have to think about it too much. And South Australian Shiraz has that in spades. I'll be drinking many more complex wines over the Christmas break, but with a simple lamb casserole the other night, the rich, bacony juiciness of this was the perfect antidote to the London commute.
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Journalist: Jane MacWitty Publication: The Times8th November 2008
Give the Cape’s indigenous workhorse pinotage some tender loving care in a vineyard and winery and even at this price level you can be rewarded with a fat, ripe, spicy, inky mouthful.
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Journalist: Tina Gellie Publication: Decanter7th November 2008
Shingleback, D-Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2005
The 2006 winner of Australia's prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy for best one-year-old red, this baby of a wine is now starting to show what it's made of. Fine but firm tannins, intense, smokey, leathery blackberry fruit with eucalyptus freshness. Great balance and concentration with a long life ahead. -
Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer15th September 2008
Ripe, rounded, stone and tropical fruit. Rich, full palate with a savoury undertone and crisp acidity
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent16th August 2008
For excellent Cape chardonnay at a less elevated price, try...the rich, butterscotchy 2006 Neil Ellis Chardonnay
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent12th April 2008
Bringing the vivid freshness of the new vintage to this typical South African red made from the Cape's indigenous pinotage grape, this bright, berry fruity red from the Swartland Co-operative is made for the first rite of spring barbecue.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent8th March 2008
The tongue-in-cheek label is a wry dig at the Sancerre, the dry Cape sauvignon blanc itself displaying assertive green bean and capsicum aromas and refreshingly zingy gooseberryish fruitiness in a style that's not a million miles from the famous Loire Valley appellation.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Sunday Times27th January 2008
Aromatic, full, spicy, supple and long
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Sunday Times20th January 2008
Intense, complex lime and gooseberry flavours
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson Publication: The Financial Times8th December 2007
Fresh, marine, sleek, lean - and the same price as a good Pouilly Fumé
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent3rd November 2007
A nettley sauvignon blanc whose herbaceous aromas and fruity zing make it a ringer for the Loire's Pouilly-Fumé.
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times27th October 2007
with a rib of beef, try Neil Ellis’s spicy, sandalwood-scented 2004 Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, another 14 per cent alcohol wonder
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian20th October 2007
With verve and class, this beautifully true sauvignon blanc shows why South Africa doesn't just rival, but beats, New Zealand at this price.
Drink it with On its own, before dinner, or with bright fusion food
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer26th August 2007
The intense, green-bean and citrus-like 2006 La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc, Walker Bay is an organic white that confirms South Africa's growing pedigree with the variety.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independant Magazine4th August 2007
A rich and spicy take on Côte Rôtie; the floral fragrance of the viognier mingles nicely with the concentrated dark-cherry fruitiness of the shiraz to add lift and complexity
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer Magazine22nd July 2007
Rich perfumed blackcurrant and licorice-like
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer11th March 2007
complex, subtly oaked...
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List 20071st January 2007
Neil is a very highly respected winemaker in South Africa and he goes about his work quietly, impressing everyone who tastes his wines. For £9 you can taste all that is great about South African Chardonnay in this wine. The sunshine, the fruit integrity, the cool nights and perky acidity, the technical know-how and perfectly judged oak, and the finesse and class that is intrinsic in their greatest wines. This is a stunner.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List 20071st January 2007
This is the best vintage to date of Beyers Truter’s famous , inexpensive Pinotage, and they continue to fly the flag for this variety with their plum, spice, blueberry and foresty notes. Lamb shanks and this wine – bring it on. Don’t dawdle, I am starving.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List 20071st January 2007
This is a succulent, ripe, blackberry-coulis-stuffed red wine, with some serious complexity beneath the rumbustious exterior. Slip beyond the frontage unnoticed and wallow in the layers of deep, dark plum and berry fruit. This is a superb wintry red and the value for money here is cracking.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List 20071st January 2007
Made from the three Cs – Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Colombard, this zesty, brand new white from the Cape is a feisty, refreshing little number and it is also sealed with a screwcap, so it is guaranteed to be in perfect nick!
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Journalist: Susy Atkins Publication: The Sunday Telegraph26th November 2006
Try this reliable, pleasant brand, which already has plenty of ripe, slightly sweet flavour - all squashy plums and blackcurrant jam with a clean, juicy finish.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Sunday Times19th November 2006
Full-bodied, spicy, juicy Spaniard.
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Journalist: Janics Robinson Publication: Financial Times18th November 2006
Lively and smooth - great texture and vitality too.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail4th November 2006
Vine dining:
Stringy cheese pie; chicken and mushroom pie for little chickens.
The cheesy flavour of the first pie needs a bold white wine to complement it. Neil Ellis has always made superbly elegant, suave white wines and yet, beneath the genial exterior, they have a core of steel acidity and nervy cirtus fruit. It is this brilliant framework that will smash like an icebreaker through the tasty sauce in this recipe and the glossy lemon and chardonnay fruit will do the rest. -
Journalist: Publication: Wine Spectator1st November 2006
Gutsy with well layered notes of currant, ceder, coffee, mineral and tobacco backed by a muscular structure. Dark fruit and beefy notes on the finish
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times Magazine14th October 2006
Calatayud garnacha, from a region situated northeast of Madrid, like this brashly named '04, makes a useful, cheap, autumn-into-winter red with lots of ripe, elegant, damson-plum fruit.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Woman and Home, October 20061st October 2006
Bouwland is a BEE initiative supported by well-known Cape winemaker Beyers Truter. This is minty, refreshing Bordeaux-style red with sweet oak and fine tannins from the best growing area in South Africa.
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Journalist: Publication: Off Licence News29th September 2006
A strawberry-scented slurper ideal for seeing out the last of the summer. Light, bright and refreshing but with a pleasing hint of earthiness, this wine will also keep the big cats happy as the Cape Leopard Trust receive a donatin for every bottle sold.
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Journalist: Alison Buchanan Publication: Decanter, September 20061st September 2006
Chocolate and tobacco aromas. Cocoa and pepper palate with dried fruit compote. Ripe, creamy seductive fruit but with an uplifting freshness.
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Journalist: Sarah Abbott Publication: Decanter, September 20061st September 2006
Focused aromas of cassis, mint and pepper. Good texture, supple but supporting tannins. Long length. Elegant, pure fruit, more savoury than sweet.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: Decanter, September 20061st September 2006
Classic Shiraz aromas of liquorice, spice and smoke. Generous sweet fruit on the palate with smoky oak in abundance and supple, juicy tannins.
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Journalist: Bridget Stott Publication: Decanter, September 20061st September 2006
Great wine route – North Island, New Zealand
The Sileni Estate has a restaurant, gourmet food centre and olive press, culinary school and conference facility. Its red Ngatarawa soils produce Merlot-dominated blends, with aromatic, elegant and finely structured lines. -
Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Oberver Food Monthly1st September 2006
Vanilla, coconut and intense oak. Very powerful, intense chocolate and mocha - big.
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Journalist: Kate Ennis Publication: Food and Travel1st August 2006
From Vinho Verde's second largest producer, this gives gentle citrus aromas and is appealingly clean and fresh. On the palate, it has good minerality, some tropical fruit flavours and enjoys a surprisingly long finish. The winemakers suggest it would pair well with sushi or Chinese dishes and I'll certainly give this a try.
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Journalist: Roz Cooper Publication: Portugal Magazine, August/September 20061st August 2006
Lively, modern and very affordable, this fun red epitomizes all the Douro producers are doing to make their wines ever more approachable. Serve with any tomato-based dish, or try it with a fish stew for an authentic Portuguese taste experience.
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Journalist: Roz Cooper Publication: Portugal Magazine, August/September 20061st August 2006
This delicious, slightly sparkling, zingy white wine is one of the top-selling examples of this wine style in Portugal and it's easy to see why. With its retro 'lacy' label and easy to drink charm, this is the perfect wine to sip outdoors in the sun or perhaps with a dish of seriously fresh seafood.
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Journalist: Roz Cooper Publication: Portugal Magazine, August/September 20061st August 2006
A warmer, riper and more complex style of Vinho Verde, that would be a great match for fine fish such as turbot, bream or sea bass. Alternatively, serve with a chef's salad and some crusty bread for a perfect light lunch.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Wine and Spirit August 20061st August 2006
Made with the help of star winemaker, Beyers Truter, this is a classic Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend, with a little Merlot adding roundness to the mint and blackcurrant of the Cabernet.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Obsever Food Monthly16th July 2006
The carbonic maceration technique that is widely used in Beaujolais has worked wonders in this liquorice-perfumed, blackberryish unoaked Languedoc blend. A classic barbeque red.
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Journalist: Kate Ennis Publication: Food and Travel1st July 2006
Six Barbie Companions
Winemaker Beyers Truter is known as the "King of Pinotage" and here's a smoky, powerful example. Well balanced, packed with lots of raspberry fruit and a little spice, there's also some meatiness coming through. Try with simple barbecued steaks. -
Journalist: Publication: Decanter, July 20061st July 2006
Clean, asparagus, lime, creamy. High acidity, good concentration, some bitterness on finish but nice. Drink now.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent17th June 2006
Moving on to the spicier, more powerful styles of red, the 2004 Yonder Hill Y Shiraz, is a rich, blackberryish red with a smidgeon of oak to round it out, very much a red wine for game.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent17th June 2006
For summer’s day sipping, the delightfully crisp, refreshingly raspberryish 2006 Leopard’s Leap Rosé shows that the Cape’s adaptable Pinotage grape can do an increasingly good job with pink wine too.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: Decanter1st June 2006
Kanonkop Paul Sauer - 5 stars
Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc and Merlot. A true Bordeaux look-alike. Wonderfully elegant with delicate dark currant fruit and fine tannins, despite 26 months in new oak. Medium bodied, long and complex. Up to 2012. -
Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: Decanter1st June 2006
Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002 - 3 stars
Bright, youthful jammy fruit, with a long spicy finish. -
Journalist: Jonathan Ray Publication: The Daily Telegraph13th May 2006
A cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, Pinotage is regarded as South Africa's "own" grape and has a notorious tendency to taste burnt-rubbery, tannic and heavily baked. But to my delight, the 2003 Beyerskloof Pinotage in my glass is juicily ripe, elegant, fruity and silky. This is far removed from the Pinotage of memory. Served chilled, it is also an excellent pipe-opener.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail22nd April 2006
This estate continues to fly the flag for the Pinotage varitey with its plum, spice, blueberry and foresty notes. Lamb shanks and this wine - bring it on.
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Journalist: Richard Ehrlich Publication: The Independent on Sunday17th April 2006
Textbook example from Marlborough valley, hitting all the right notes.
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Journalist: Jonathan Ray Publication: The Telegraph2nd April 2006
Wines of the week:
Very classy and a cinch to spot in blind tastings, this is classic Kiwi Sauvignon crammed with nettle and grass aromas and zingy tropical fruit on the palate. Great with simple fish dishes. -
Journalist: Tom Cannavan Publication: Fine Expressions, Issue 61st April 2006
This is the epitome of fresh, appetising, succulent fruit-filled Pinot Noir with smoky depths and beautiful structure. Excellent. 91/100.
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Journalist: Kate Ennis Publication: Food & Travel, Issue 951st April 2006
The powerful, pungent flavours of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are ideal for matching new season asparagus. With this one, however, you get gentler grass and blossom joining the gooseberry and a lovely mineral quality.
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Journalist: Simon Woods Publication: Wine & Spirit1st April 2006
Goosberries, passion fruit, pineapple, you name it, it's got it. A great wine.
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times11th March 2006
Stock up early for Easter with a trio of this impressive Sauvignon that displays all the tropical and flowering currant fruit you would expect from this grape and region.
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Journalist: Jamie Goode Publication: The Sunday Express5th March 2006
The dominant feature here is sweet blackcurrant fruit, but there's a savoury twist and a slight hint of minerals that keeps it from being a one-trick wine. It's nice enough to savour on its own, but it's not so posh that you couldn't drink it with a hamburger and fries.
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Journalist: Jamie Goode Publication: Western Mail5th March 2006
South African red wines can offer lots of flavour for relatively little money. The dominant feature here is sweet blackcurrant fruit but there's a bit of mineraliness and a savoury twist that keeps it from being just a one trick wine. It's nice enough to savour on its own but will work well with food too.
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Journalist: Jane Parkinson Publication: Wine & Spirit1st March 2006
Amazingly good flavour. This oozes pure goosberry and passion fruit juice. A cracking wine that's fantastic value for money. An easy sell in the stores too.
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Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Best value wine of the month (four stars)
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Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Three stars.
Plenty of minerality and black fruit. Calm and filling palate. Restrained but honest. -
Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Three stars.
Polished, oaky, vanilla/spicy nose with good fruit intensity. Good oak handling with creamy cedar/vanilla tone harmonies with good length. -
Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Three stars and good value symbol.
Slight white pepper, tarry nose - plenty of oak and very ripe fruit. Good balance. Very interesting, complex wine. -
Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Three stars and good value symbol.
Clean, juicy bell peppers, cassis nose, very primary.
Youthful and firm but pretty too with refined fruits. -
Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Three stars.
Cedar, smoke and blackcurrant leaf aroma with liquorice and black fruit. Fine and pure, cool herbal character, fine tannins and balanced acidity. -
Journalist: Publication: Decanter Magazine, March 20061st March 2006
Three stars.
Black fruit, spice. Touch of sweetness on the front palate, big and weighty with intense fruit. Cedar smoke, grippy tannins and persistent acidity. -
Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Woman&Home, March 20061st March 2006
St Chinian is one of my favourite southern French appellation, producing spicy, full-bodied reds from blends of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes. This unoaked example from the local cooperative is perfumed and spicy with soft blackcurrant fruit and a nip of tannin.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent13th February 2006
A smokily, aromatic blend with blackberry fruit tinged with a hint of pepperiness and the floral Viognier, making it a juicy Cape stab at Côte Rôtie.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Sunday Times5th February 2006
Still dazzling 2004 New Zealand sauvignon.
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Journalist: Tom Cannavan Publication: www.wine-pages.com/organise/beyerskloof.htm1st February 2006
Rich, spicy, cedary oak and bramble fruited nose. Lots of savoury black cherry aromas with a supporting toasty oak.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine -Feb 20061st February 2006
A harvest of plums and dark skinned fruit, not too hefty but with with a firm structure
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Journalist: Debbie Lush Publication: BBC Southern Counties Radio19th January 2006
If you want an example of the quintessential New Zealand flagship, here's a triple-trophy winner.
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Journalist: Christine Austin Publication: Yorkshire Post, Western Morning News10th December 2005
It is a significant leap in quality ahead of the Montana version... with bright, herbaceous flavours and a touch of tropical fruit.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: Independent Magazine10th December 2005
From the Cape, the 2003 Van Loveren Signature Series Noble Late Harvest Riesling is a golden confection rich in dried apricot and honeyed botrytis with a tang of tingling acidity.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Sunday Times20th November 2005
Vibrant gooseberry and elderflower flavours: textbook New Zealand Sauvignon.
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson Publication: Financial Times and www.jancisrobinson.com19th November 2005
This is the red I would head for if I had to choose one chex Tesco. It's pure pleasure from the Roquebrun co-op: 60% Syrah with Mourvèdre and Grenache and is a lovely combination of opulent, glossy texture and the leatheriness of Syrah. A very good effort for the vintage and both dense and fresh. Ready to drink any time over the next year.
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson Publication: Financial Times and www.jancisrobinson.com19th November 2005
Very pure, racy fruit form New Zealand's Chardonnay cradle. Quite a bit of alcohol - 14 per cent - but no shortage of refreshing acidity. Best drunk with food, nevertheless.
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson Publication: www.jancisrobinson.com19th November 2005
One of the most attractively labelled South African red, this stern, youthful Bordeaux blend has a touch of earthiness and 14 percent alcohol but should have considerable ageing potential. In fact I wouldn't drink it until next year although it won't be available for long.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: Independent Magazine12th November 2005
Fermentation in stainless steel allows the clean, fruity richness of this full-frontal Chardonnay from New Zealand's Hawke's Bay to speak for itself without the trappings of oak. The flavours, though, are remarkably intense for a wine at this price, never mind the three-for-two discount.
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Journalist: Richard Ehrlich Publication: Independent on Sunday6th November 2005
Exactly what you expect: big, ripe, mouth-filling.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Observer6th November 2005
Pinotage isn't to everyone's taste (think flame-throwered summer pudding, when it's bad), but this example from the rugby-mad Beyers Truter is a lovely red, with soft raspberry and liquorice notes and subtle oak.
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian5th November 2005
A Syrah/Mourvèdre/Grenache blend that is one of those wines that immediately envelops you in its lush fragrance.
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian5th November 2005
A rich, Grenache-based wine with a spicy, bolstering herbaceous edge.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent29th October 2005
A syrah-based red whose sweet, rosemary scents are complemented by a food-friendly, rustic astringency creating an exhiliarating tour-in-a-glass of the mountainous St Chinian garrigue. I love this classic expression of the Languedoc.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: www.superplonk.com25th October 2005
Inanda Brut NV has a delicious gentle pear richness with some decent crispness from acidity and good balancing structure.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer Magazine18th September 2005
It's a long time since I've been so impressed by a Kiwi Sauvignon. This is focused and restrained with Sancerre-like minerality and fresh goosberry and passion-fruit flavours.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph Magazine11th September 2005
Fabulous blend of merlot, pinotage and cabernet from the South African legend, Beyers Truter. A steal compared with reds from Bordeaux and the Rhône.
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Journalist: Jamie Goode Publication: Sunday Express Sainsbury's Magazine11th September 2005
This a robust little red with spicy, peppery fruits on the nose which give it a deliciously savoury character. Slightly meaty fruits and a peppery, tannic finish combine to produce a palate which is piquant , earthy and smooth - more than a match for spicy meals.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail Weekend Magazine10th September 2005
Sileni's Unoaked Chardonnay is bursting with fresh, mildly fruity aromas and flavours and it is Hawke's Bay answer to Chablis, only at half the price. This is the definitive, all-purpose lunchtime wine.
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Journalist: Wine International Publication: International Wine Challenge 20058th September 2005
GOLD MEDAL and THREE TROPHIES Best International Sauvignon Blanc, Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Great Value White WIne of the Year 'Rich, pungent wild grasses and bright young gooseberries scent the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and dry, with a crystal-clear attack of lush green berries, minerals and white orchard blossom. Marvellous poise, intensity and definition.' International Wine Challenge 2005
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Journalist: . Publication: Western Mail3rd September 2005Fresh, spicy, peppery red fruits on the nose, giving this rather rustic red wine a deliciously savoury character. The palate is spicy and earthy with smooth, slightly meaty red fruits and a peppery, tannic finish.
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Journalist: . Publication: Decanter Magazine September 20051st September 2005Rich, full and weighty aromas. Rounded, soft, yet ripe forest fruits. A touch of tannin yet overall good balance and length.
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Journalist: . Publication: Decanter Magazine September 20051st September 2005Rich, full and pure fruit profile. Hint of smoke. Full, clean, well made. Depth and structure gives some seriousness. Long, full length.
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Journalist: Max Allen Publication: Olive Magazine - September1st September 2005Cairanne means Grenach, with a back blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. It's this blending and texture that makes it such a restaurant favourite.
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Journalist: Charles Metcalfe Publication: Wine International - September1st September 2005Darling, an area north-west of Paarl, is becoming a good source of cool-climate Sauvignon, as this excellent Neil Ellis wine proves. It's lean and restrained, classy and elegant, with steely minerality and a hint of grass. Watch out Sancerre!
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: Times Magazine20th August 2005In the New World, I would avoid the fat, blowsy, sweet, peach and pineapple-redolent California and Australia offerings and go for the more restrained Chardonnays from South Africa and Chile. Neil Ellis' 2003 Stellenbosch Chardonnay from the Cape delivers delicious ripe, creamy yet classic nutty fruit.
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Journalist: Oz Clarke Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine - Aug 051st August 2005My summer top 20 - This is the one for the wet weekend - you know what Bank Holiday weekends can be like. So lay in six bottles of this smoky, dark, powerful Pinotage grape with tons of fruit.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Woman&Home, July 20051st July 2005If you've never come across Pinotage before, its flavours may come as something of a surprise, or shock, depending on your point of view. It's a Cape crossing of two varieties - Cinsault and Pinot Noir - which is highly distinctive. This banana and raspberry-scented example is Pinotage at its exuberant best.
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Journalist: Charles Metcalfe Publication: Wine International - July 20051st July 2005High Street favourites - Leopard's Leap was started by the Rupert family, owners of three Franschhoek estates, as a way of looking outside Franschhoek to blended wines from other regions.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: The Sunday Telegraph26th June 2005A simple red with fruity, assertive flavours, making it an ideal partner to cold chicken or sausages.
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson MW Publication: Financial Times25th June 2005An inspired blend, with the rich heady perfume of Viognier on a substantial and lively base of much cheaper Chenin. Usually £5.99, in a handsome screwcapped bottle.
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Journalist: Jonathan Bracey-Gibbon Publication: The Sunday Express12th June 2005Goiya is one of the UK's favourite top 20 wine brands.
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Journalist: Susy Atkins Publication: Delicious Magazine, June 20051st June 2005Smooth, ripe and well-balanced. Rich, tropical fruit and a buttery hint.
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Journalist: Susy Atkins Publication: Delicious Magazine, June 20051st June 2005A blast of blackberry and toasted nuts. Match with peppery steaks.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer Food Monthly, May 20051st May 2005Neil Ellis is one of my favourite South African producers and this beautifully-scented, butter-scented white would give a lot of top Burgundies a run for their euros.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer17th April 2005A typical southern Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan from the excellent Cairanne co-operative, this is a ripe, densely fruity red with notes of plum, raspberry, chocolate and brown sugar.
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Journalist: Jonathan Bracey-Gibbon Publication: Sunday Express20th February 2005The benchmark for mass market Pinotage. Winemaker Beyers Truter is synonomous with the grape, a hybrid of the native South African Pinot Noir/Cinsault varieties and this is perfect for dinner party needs.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine, February 20061st February 2005
Friday night red:
Why buy? For those occasions when you want a deep, dark, wintry wine.
The taste? A harvest of plums and dark-skinned fruit, not too hefty but with a firm structure. Finished with long-lasting savoury flavours.
Eat with? Bring on sausages in red wine and hearty casseroles. -
Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk newsletter22nd December 2004(15.5 points) has finely wrought apricot with layers of peach.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: Sunday Times21st November 2004Christmas wines - Edging the boat out - £6-£10.
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Journalist: Mel Crann Publication: Telegraph & Argus16th October 2004The nose suggests tobacco and pencil shavings with a hint of molasses and a rumour of rhubarb.
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Journalist: Christine Austin Publication: The Yorkshire Post16th October 2004An excellent autumn red from the master of Pinotage, Beyers Truter.
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Journalist: Robin Fitzgerald Publication: Ely Standard14th October 2004A surprisingly attractive blend now at an even lower price -
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Journalist: Joe Fattorini Publication: The Glasgow Herald11th September 2004What a joy this is.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent11th September 2004A fruit salad of seven red grape varieties,
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Journalist: Joe Wadsack Publication: Sunday Express28th August 2004Real Burgundy at this price is rarer than rocking-horse droppings and this 2002 vintage is a legend in the making.
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Journalist: Robin Fitzgerald Publication: Romford, Hornchurch&Upminster Recorder20th August 2004A good wine to have on tap.
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Journalist: Rachel Watson, Publication: Home Magazine2nd August 2004This modern Cape blend known as the Prince of Pinotage is the result of the marriage of classic Bordeaux grapes, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with South Africa’s native Pinotage.
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Journalist: Susy Atkins Publication: Delicious Magazine2nd August 2004A user-friendly, easy-drinking Cape white.
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Journalist: Ned Halley Publication: Billericay and Wickford Gazette14th July 2004My pick from South Africa at Tesco must be Leopard’s Leap The Lookout Red 2002.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: expertwine.com9th July 2004Neil Ellis Elgin Chardonnay 2003, Stellenbosch is as good as it always is, with stunning oak and fruit balance. The Welshpool Wine price is fantastic, as they are the retail arm of the UK agents.
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Journalist: Chris Orr Publication: Food & Travel1st July 2004Summer Glugging – Best reds with a barbecue
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Journalist: Chritian Eedes Publication: Gulp newsletter1st July 2004Article on Pinotage Beyers Truter features heavily in the article as a staunch defender of Pinotage.
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Journalist: Neil Courtier Publication: Haverhill Echo1st July 2004Chill out with those fruity reds.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: Independent12th June 2004General article on Pinotage and Cape Blends and the growing popularity of Shiraz/Syrah.
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Journalist: Patricia Langton Publication: OLN11th June 2004
Sauvignon Blanc looks to be Cape white hope
Article on unprecedented demand for South African Sauvignon Blanc from major retailers. -
Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: expertwine.com11th June 2004Feature on South Africa following MJ’s trip to Cape 2004
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: expertwine.com11th June 2004This is a phenomenal wine. I like the 'normal' Synergy a lot, but it took a trip to owner Beyers Truter's house to get a sniff of this awesome reserve wine.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: expertwine.com11th June 2004La Motte Millennium 2001, Franschhoek is the final wine in this illustrious list and it is perhaps a slice of what was and what will be in one glass.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: expertwine.com11th June 2004Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc 2003, Stellenbosch is an old favourite, and it never lets the side down.
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Journalist: Publication: Wine International2nd June 2004South African tasting (in conjunction with Wine Magazine SA)
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Journalist: The Drinks Business Publication: The Drinks Business1st June 2004Agency Agenda – What will be the biggest challenge facing agents in the future? We ask those who really count.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail29th May 2004The Lookout Red is a blend of seven different red grape varieties and has superb flavour complexity - terrific, ripe, summer-pudding notes and a liberal dusting of sweet and sour spices.
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Journalist: Philippe Boucheron Publication: Evening News (Worcester),28th May 2004Article on a Wine Society tasting in Worcester Guildhall: At all tastings, members are asked to select the wines they most enjoyed and I was in full agreement with their top red – Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon from his Stellenbosch estate.
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Journalist: Jamie Goode Publication: Western Mail1st May 2004This is what's known as a Cape blend - a South African red wine blending the unusual Pinotage grape variety with two or three others.
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Journalist: Michael Fridjhon Publication: Wine International8th April 2004Nettley, capiscum aromas, herby with flinty acidity, developing richness and some gooseberry notes with time.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent3rd April 2004Beyers 'Mr Pinotage' Truter has left Kanonkop, the Cape's benchmark Pinotage, to concentrate on his own wines at Beyerskloof - a good idea, given the quality of this opulently loganberryish Cape Pinotage, which is tinged with lightly spiced oak.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: Sunday Times2nd April 2004Who'd have thought it?
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Journalist: Newsweek Publication: Newsweek23rd February 2004The Tip Sheet - Uncorked - South Africa From a winery that delivers consistently high quality, this Cabernet shows mint, cocoa and blackcurrant flavours (90 point - Wine Spectator).
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Journalist: Joe Wadsack Publication: Sunday Express18th January 2004Proper Burgundian Pinot Noir for under £10 is the Holy Grail of wine.
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Journalist: Joe Wadsack Publication: Sunday Express18th January 2004Proper Burgundian Pinot Noir for under £10 is the Holy Grail of wine. When it's good - and this is - it Is perfect with just about every great European meat dish, from venison to roast turkey.
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Journalist: Simon Woods Publication: First Taste1st January 2004Wine International, January 2004 - The original Elim was a place with 'twelve springs and 70 palm trees' where Moses and the Israelites camped on their way to the Promised Land.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine1st December 2003Best buys for Christmas White wines Party wines – Namaqua Red (3Litre bag-in-box)
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Journalist: Tony Mossop Publication: Decanter1st December 2003Neil Ellis is quoted extensively in a feature on Stellenbosch, talking about the high quality of the vines in Stellenbosch and the ‘amazing diversity’ since the vineyards were replanted with better, virus-free material.
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Journalist: Oz Clarke Publication: RTE Radio1 (Gerry Ryan Show)21st November 2003"goes straight to your tonsils" - Oz Clarke Comments: "a star wine. Neil Ellis is one of the nicest guys in South Africa..." - Oz "aftertaste is fantastic" - Gerry Ryan!
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Journalist: Oz Clarke Publication: Oz Clarke’s Wine Buying Guide 20045th November 2003& Swartland Pinotage 2002 (Economy class) & Neil Ellis Chardonnay 2002
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Journalist: Publication: Decanter1st November 2003Top 100 wines under £10 Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (four stars)
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List 20041st November 2003Neil makes taut, lime juice-driven Chardonnays, in direct contrast to the more relaxed Jordan Chardonnay.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk, The Guardian,25th October 2003This shows advanced ripeness, yet refined richness, with grilled plums, toasty tannins, a hint of spice and some nuttiness to the finish. 17.5 points
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck, Publication: Superplonk, The Guardian25th October 2003This is a gloriously feisty young Pinotage, full of rich blackcurrants and blueberries with well-roasted tannins. This is a prime candidate for game dishes. 17 points.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: The Guardian25th October 2003This shows advanced ripeness, yet refined richness, with grilled plums, toasty tannins, a hint of spice and some nuttiness to the finish. 17.5 points
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent Magazine18th October 2003Under the experienced eye of David Lockley, Yonder Hill is one of South Africa’s most consistently good value (and best looking) Bordeaux-style reds.
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Journalist: Rose Murray Brown Publication: The Scotsman18th October 2003Feature on wines from the Cape.
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Journalist: Christine Austin Publication: Western Morning News (Devon)18th October 2003Feature entitled “Why it’s worth looking beyond the bargains”.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent Magazine18th October 2003Under the experienced eye of David Lockley, Yonder Hill is one of South Africa's most consistently good value (and best looking) Bordeaux-style reds.
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Journalist: Adam Lechmere Publication: decanter.com website16th October 2003Feature on Pinotage as USP of South Africa.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Mail12th October 2003Tesco Finest Neil Ellis Sauvignon Blanc.
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times11th October 2003Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc South Africa’s best Sauvignon Blanks offer top value compared to their French cousins, and this assertive, tangy, verdant 2003 with plenty of ripe, herby fruit on the finish is a fine example.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: ABTA Travelspirit magazine1st October 2003General feature entitled, ‘Cape Grape’.
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Journalist: . Publication: Harpers South Africa1st October 2003Harpers South Africa supplement, October 2003 Simon Halliday quoted throughout the supplement in various features on price points, premium wines, CCT issues.
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Journalist: Publication: Harpers5th September 2003Wines of Argentina tasting preview
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk5th September 2003Goiya Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2002 (16 points) recommended.
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Journalist: Tom Doorley Publication: The Field1st September 2003Six of the best Beyerskloof Synergy 2001 Autumn pudding flavours and good backbone in this South African red.
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Journalist: Peter Richards Publication: RCI Holiday Magazine1st September 2003Feature on South African wine based on a recent trip.
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Journalist: Andrew Catchpole Publication: The Telegraph30th August 2003Pinotage is an intriguing cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault that South Africans have claimed as their own.
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Journalist: Ned Halley Publication: Evening Post (Nottingham)23rd August 2003This is a comparative light-weight [Goats do Roam mentioned in previous paragraph], but with lush squishy fruit and dark hints of prunes and plum in the heart of the flavour.
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Journalist: Richard Allisette Publication: Guernsey Press & Star23rd August 2003Not only is Sauvignon Blanc the new Chardonnay, but South Africa is the new New Zealand….
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Journalist: Jamie Goode Publication: The Western Mail2nd August 2003Cape blends are the new thing in South Africa – reds made with at least 30% Pinotage in the mix, which seems to bring out the best in this unusual variety.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans & Oz Clarke Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine1st August 2003
Top 20 Summer Wines: Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc 2002
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer Life Magazine1st August 2003We all know about New Zealand …but Hungary, Chile and especially South Africa are turning out some wonderful wines too.
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times1st August 2003Cape wine fans will not want to miss the 2003 Van Loveren Chardonnay.
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Journalist: Joe Wadsack Publication: Waitrose Food Illustrated1st August 2003This receives another mention this month, in the introduction paragraph.
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Journalist: Publication: Sainsbury’s Magazine1st August 2003Stylishly packaged and combining the best elements of both New and Old World winemaking, Leopard’s Leap will perfectly compliment your summer dining.
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Journalist: Simon Woods Publication: First Taste1st August 2003Wine International Cape Crusader. On Cape blends tasted at the LIWSF:
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans & Oz Clarke Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine1st August 2003Ice cool!
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph27th July 2003Minty blend of Pinotage, Merlot and Cabernet.
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Journalist: Publication: South Africa Times UK16th July 2003The article talks about Westcorp International and mentions the success of both Goiya and Namaqua in the UK. Fanie Augustyn is quoted. Very positive article.
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Journalist: Publication: South Africa Times UK16th July 2003Product of the week
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph13th July 2003Simple, rounded red with dark, berryish flavours.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk10th July 200315.5 points. This has good which tries hard to be soft – and succeeds.
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Journalist: Publication: South Africa Times UK2nd July 2003Both Beyerskloof and Kanonkop have been shortlisted for the Robert Mondavi.
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Journalist: South African Cabernet Sauvignon panel Publication: Decanter1st July 2003South African Cabernet Sauvignon panel tasting Many of Raisin Social’s producers received highly recommended (La Motte, Middelvlei, Neil Ellis, Swartland and Yonder Hill), recommended (Beyerskloof, Kanonkop, Landskroon, Leopard’s Leap, Van Loveren and Yonder Hill).
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Journalist: William Forster Publication: Saga Magazine1st July 2003Should all wines will silly labels be shunned? Leopard’s Leap Pinotage/Shiraz 2001 Animals provide winemakers with a rich source of jokey names.
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Journalist: Ronan Farren Publication: Sunday Independent (Ireland)29th June 2003Neil Ellis is one of the great names of South Africa and his 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot is exceptional, as is his more expensive Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, a warm, silky red with serious depth and great varietal character.
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Journalist: Andrew Catchpole Publication: The Telegraph28th June 2003ously rich, ruby-hued plum flavours, with a touch of black cherry and a pleasant smoky oak character.
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Journalist: Joe Fattorini Publication: The Herald (Glasgow),21st June 2003Top 50 wines for summer. From the southernmost tip of the South African Cape comes zest and eager freshness in a bottle.
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Journalist: Joe Fattorini, Publication: The Herald (Glasgow),21st June 2003Warning – do not take this wine seriously. It’s just a bottle of frippery, fun and frivolous drinking.
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Journalist: Jacqueline Morley Publication: The Gazette (Blackpool)14th June 2003For my money, it’s the Pinotage which steals the glory in both stand-alone form and complemented by Shiraz.
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Journalist: Graham Sherwood Publication: Choice Magazine12th June 2003‘Something for a Celebration’ feature. Inanda Brut NV The New World countries are awash with sparkling wines. Popular choices are emerging sparklers from South Africa like Graham Beck and Inanda Brut.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph8th June 2003There are currently a number of excellent examples on the shelves, one of the best of which also happens to be the cheapest: the Swartland Pinotage 2002 has a wonderfully juicy, three-dimensional character that makes is the best-value red I have tasted so far this summer.
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson, Publication: Financial Times7th June 2003Feature on South Africa On developments and new regions:
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson, Publication: jancisrobinson.com2nd June 2003Land’s End Sauvignon Blanc is mentioned as one of her favourite South African wines (cool newcomers).
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer Food Monthly,1st June 2003Top six non-reactive wines (in feature on food and wine matching) Swartland Pinotage 2002.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: The Observer1st June 2003Summer Corkers feature. In ‘too good to share over £8.00’ section.
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Journalist: Oz Clarke Publication: Brides Magazine1st June 2003Wow! These Cape whites are getting good. Gooseberry and greengage and a scything lime acidity that makes your eyes pop.
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Journalist: Jancis Robinson Publication: The Financial Times31st May 2003“South Africa is the most beautiful wine country in the world”.
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Journalist: Andrew Catchpole Publication: The Telegraph31st May 2003Wine of the week
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Journalist: Roger Strugnell Publication: Fife Free Press30th May 2003At just £5.99, it’s a snip. Made in the excellent Stellenbosch region, it’s remarkably enjoyable.
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Journalist: Michael Jackson Publication: The Independent24th May 2003Announcing its refreshing aromatic presence, floral and herbaceous notes give way to a mouthwatering palate of rich, nettley, gooseberryish sauvignon blanc with a tongue-tingling zing.
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Journalist: Nick Nunn Publication: Lancashire Evening Telegraph24th May 2003Apparently, leopards do leap occasionally when they come down from the mountains of South Africa’s Western cape to drink from the streams that run through the vineyards – a sobering thought for those who harvest the grapes.
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Journalist: Rose Murray Brown Publication: The Scotsman Magazine17th May 2003Tremendous deep, dark-red blend with pepper and tar aromas, fleshly fruity and soft ripe tannins.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent16th May 2003A satisfyingly fresh and characterful red. The loganberry and mulberry-like fruitiness of the native Pinotage grape is the ascendant in this attractive blend with Shiraz.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk16th May 2003A spicy, gently eccentric pairing of striking grapes; has cinnamon, plums, cherries and figs.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Times1st May 2003A Cape interpretation of the classic Bordeaux Cabernet/Merlot blend, with dense cassis fruit and chocolately richness.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk1st May 2003This has some fruity meatiness reminiscent of ripe melon with gooseberry.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: The Sunday Telegraph1st May 2003Excellent, ever-dependable South African Chardonnay from the Robertson region.
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times1st May 2003Feature on Rosé wines If medium-dry rosés are not your thing and you do not want to spend more than £4,2002 Van Loveren Blanc de Noir, the pink to buy is the slightly drier , whose clean, vaguely fruity, palest pink shade is good value at £3.49 and will work well served cold with spicy Asian and Indian dishes.
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Journalist: Rose Murray Brown Publication: The Scotsman Magazine1st May 2003Star Cape blend (part of a New World Explorers Case offer)Yonder Hill Shiraz/Merlot 2000
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent Review1st May 2003Never mind if the edges are a bit rough and rustic, this youthful native red made from South Africa’s Pinotage grape is like biting into a bowl of freshly squished berries, leaving an appropriately juicy stain of ruby-crimson fruit to boot. A no-nonsense, cheapo red for party finger-food and barbecues.
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Journalist: Philippe Boucheron Publication: Evening News (Worcester)1st May 2003Beyerskloof Pinotage is rapidly becoming an icon.
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Journalist: Clive Platman Publication: Birmingham Post1st May 2003Feature on Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc is also successful in South Africa, from where I must recommend the Neil Ellis 2002Groenekloof. This exhibited minerally, smoky crisp blackcurrant leaf and capiscum, with a refreshing touch of bitterness on the finish.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: The Sunday Telegraph1st May 2003Classy South African red with glossy, rounded flavours.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Times1st May 2003A Cape interpretation of the classic Bordeaux Cabernet/Merlot blend, with dense cassis fruit and chocolately richness.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk1st May 2003This has some fruity meatiness reminiscent of ripe melon with gooseberry.
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Journalist: GILES KIME Publication: SUNDAY TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE13th April 2003Excellent South African red, and remarkably good value
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Journalist: ANDREW CATCHPOLE Publication: WEEKEND TELEGRAPH12th April 2003Supple Merlot, berryish Pinotage and curranty Cabernet are the three grape varieties in this classy, modern Cape blend.
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Journalist: Andrew Catchpole Publication: The Telegraph1st April 2003Supple Merlot, berryish Pinotage and curranty Cabernet are the three grape varieties in this classy, modern Cape blend.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: The Sunday Telegraph1st April 2003Excellent South African red and remarkably good value
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Journalist: Joe Fattorini Publication: The Herald (Glasgow)1st April 2003Fresh, zesty with green acidity, gooseberry fruit and lots of fruit skin mouthfeel.
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Journalist: Fiona Beckett Publication: Sainsbury’s Magazine1st April 2003Concentrated, without being super-sweet, it has a smooth, velvety elegance that would make it terrific bottle for a splash-out dinner party.
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Journalist: Martin Freeman Publication: Evening Herald15th February 2003That still leaves Goiya Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2002 as my pick of the blends, a winning combination of fruity acid eased by buttery sweetness (Asda £3.97, Co-op, Sainsbury, Safeway, Costcutter £3.99 and at Tesco at barmy two for £6.00 until April).
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Journalist: Martin Freeman Publication: Evening Herald15th February 2003Somerfield's - Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc 2002 has the distinctive lemon and grass flavours of the grape, with a hint of pineapple and is in the same price bracket as the blends (£3.99), but is a lot more complex.
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Journalist: Evening Herald Publication: Martin Freeman15th February 2003For two quid more you are into very distinctive sauvignon blanc territory with Safeway's Neil Ellis 2002 Groenekloof.
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times16th November 2002Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc 2002 – Star White.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent9th November 2002The 50 Best Wines: Leopard’s Leap Pinotage/Shiraz (number 13)
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: The Guardian, Superplonk2nd November 2002It has a spicy chutzpah to its overall demeanour, thanks to biscuity berries, herbs, figs and tar, with a rich coating of fine tannins. It is robust, yet delicate – 16.5 points.
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Journalist: Fiona Sims Publication: Wine Magazine1st November 2002Matching Crispy Duck and wine: Kanonkop Estate Paul Sauer 1999 – voted one of the best matches
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Journalist: Oz Clarke Publication: The Burton Mail29th October 2002On Christmas party wines
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Journalist: Jane MacQuitty Publication: The Times26th October 2002If you want to spend less but on the Chardonnay grape, then go for the tasting 2002 Van Loveren Limited Release Chardonnay whose scented grapey bouquet leads on to an especially elegant, ripe, buttery palate, with plenty of food-friendly fruit.
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Journalist: . Publication: Dorset Echo19th October 2002The new vintage of Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc 2002 is another winner. Bursting with zingy, intense gooseberry character.
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Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: Sunday Times6th October 2002Sincerely, as in Sancerrely, as in a sincere nod to. Still, the wine is very good – mouthwateringly grassy and herby.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Daily Mail21st September 2002I have tasted this wine three times now and every time I open it I find new flavours and even more levels of complexity.
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Journalist: Ned Halley Publication: Western Daily Press21st September 2002Somerfield Limited Release South African Pinotage 2001 For me, the star of the line-up is the Limited Release South African Pinotage 2001…
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Journalist: Matthew Guarente Publication: The Drinks Business19th September 2002South African wine will have 15% of the UK market within five years, claims wine importer Raisin Social. Citing the recent AC Nielsen figures that show share rising from 7.9% in November/December 2001 to 8.8% in May/June this year, Richard Thorburn from Raisin said he felt ‘bullish’ about the future.
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Journalist: Paul Abraham Publication: Larne Gazette and East Antrim Gazette11th September 2002A classic from the undisputed champion of Pinotage – lashings of sweet, plummy fruit and a splash of peppery spice on the finish.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer Food Monthly9th September 2002A strong contender for the title of South Africa’s top Chardonnay (alongside Jordan and Hamilton Russell), this is a toasty, mealy, focused, beautifully balanced delight.
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Journalist: Tom Cannavan Publication: www.wine-pages.com9th September 2002One of South Africa's big brands, this is simply a fantastic wine for under £4.
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Journalist: Tom Cannavan Publication: www.wine-pages.com9th September 2002South African feature, including top 100 wines I had several opportunities to taste older South African vintages on my trip, including a day at the famous Nederburg Auction tasting. I think the progress made in South African viticulture and winemaking over the past decade or so since the end of Apartheid is both striking and unmissable.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph8th September 2002Wonderfully complex, bosky Sauvignon from South Africa (wine of the week)
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: Independent Magazine7th September 2002South African producers will go to the ends of the earth to find suitably cool spots to grow Sauvignon Blanc.
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Journalist: Julie Arkell Publication: Daily Express7th September 2002
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Journalist: Decanter Tasting Team Publication: Decanter Magazine1st September 2002Best wines tasted by the Decanter tasting team this month:
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Journalist: Tom Cannavan Publication: www.wine-pages.com1st September 2002Wine of the week - This is the Cape's unique Pinotage grape made in a ripe, modern style.
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Journalist: Julie Arkell Publication: Daily Express31st August 2002Tesco is now offering 20% off all South African wine (until September 8) – a deal well worth taking advantage of considering the fact that South African wines are brilliant value for money.
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Journalist: Laurence McCoy Publication: Birmingham Evening Mail24th August 2002South Africa’s trademark grape, Pinotage, is also well represented.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express11th August 2002This peppery, spicy Shiraz from the Cape is packed with juicy, summer-fruit flavours and has a smoky, earthy finish.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express4th August 2002Land's End Sauvignon Blanc 2001, South Africa South Africa is doing the Sauvignon variety and this is a good example.
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Journalist: Patricia Langton Publication: Off Licence News26th July 2002Raisin Social moves up the premium ladder for South Africa. Keen to build a branded presence at the £5 level for South Africa, Raisin Social has gained some important new listings for its Leopard’s Leap wines.
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Journalist: Derek Kingwell Publication: Westmorland Gazette26th July 2002Freshly mown grass and lemon zest aromas offer a lively gooseberry-ish fruit with a honeyed edge and an almond backdrop that dries off to a slightly mineral finish.
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Journalist: Peter Nixson (Wine Buyer for British Airways) Publication: Hello Magazine16th July 2002Kanonkop is one of the country's most highly regarded wineries and their winemaker, Beyers Truter, is arguably the best red wine maker in the country.
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Journalist: Bill Clapperton Publication: Business Am12th July 2002Wine genius Neil Ellis’s Sincerely is a mix of nettle flowers and tropical fruits that hints more at Loire gentility than the most austere Chilean green pepper and asparagus Sauvignons.
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Journalist: Anthony Rose Publication: The Independent Review6th July 2002Beyond the golden triangle of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, new styles are emerging from cooler areas like Elgin, Darling, Cape Agulhas and Elim.
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Journalist: . Publication: Essentials Magazine1st July 2002A complex, spicy blackcurrant and woody wine.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express Magazine23rd June 2002With its just-mown grass aroma, this crisp and concentrated Sauvignon Blanc is very popular in South Africa.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express Magazine23rd June 2002Mainly Cabernet (85%), this intense, oaky wine has deep blackcurranty concentration.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express Magazine23rd June 2002The great grape varieties of red Bordeaux, (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot) combine to create a supers savoury, spicy taste-alike, with delicious cassis fruit, a distinctive herby quality and smoky oak complexity. Take your time over this one.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph16th June 2002A stunning Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa with intense colour and extraordinary complexity that will age well.
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Journalist: Tim Curran Publication: The Mirror15th June 2002A blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc sounds like a white wine to suit everyone but it’s a hard trick to pull off.
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Journalist: Tim Palmer Publication: The Grocer15th June 2002Rapid growth in the wine box market will be fuelled this summer by the first national advertising campaign for major South African brand, Namaqua.
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Journalist: Julie Arkell Publication: Express1st June 2002Julie recommends the Beyerskloof Pinotage, Swartland Pinotage 2001 and Tesco Finest Beyers Truter Pinotage 2000 as light, juicy, tasty and affordable examples of South African Pinotage.
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Journalist: . Publication: Wine World1st June 2002Van Loveren Blanc de Noir 2001 (tasting of various rosés) Translucent onion-skin colour, attractive fruit and floral aroma, whiff of elderflower, seductive feminine long finish.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk, The Guardian18th May 2002It is a vibrant, gooseberry/peach/pineapple wine, built like a Sancerre in some respects but with a gentle mango uplift on the finish.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail4th May 2002Neil Ellis makes fantastic Sauvignon Blanc.
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Journalist: Andrew Catchpole Publication: The Telegraph,4th May 2002There’s an elegant wealth of blackcurrant, berry-rich, plum-ripe fruit with firm, integrated tannins, edged with cedary characters that bodes well for future development.
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Journalist: Tom Cannavan Publication: Winepages.com2nd May 2002I have just returned from a fantastic trip to South Africa (Cape 2002), where I visited dozens of producers and tasted many hundreds of wines.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express28th April 2002This is a New World version of Sancerre.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph14th April 2002A big, spicy red from South Africa - excellent value for money.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Woman & Home1st April 2002Bordeaux-style at a fraction of the price. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is oak-aged for a dreamily smooth, mellow palate with suberb notes of cassis, leather, cedarwood and dark chocolate.
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Journalist: Simon Woods Publication: First Taste, Wine Magazine1st April 2002Neil Ellis has been making some of South Africa’s best Sauvignon Blanc for several years, but never with such a cheeky label.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine1st April 2002This is the kind of red that South Africa does so well - big and ripe, velvety and full-bodied, with plenty of dark fruit flavours.
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Journalist: Giles Kime Publication: Sunday Telegraph31st March 2002A delicious South African white with a style and label that sets out to imitate the wines of Sancerre.
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Journalist: Kitty Johnson Publication: Sunday Express17th March 2002Made from the Muscat de Frontignan variety, this pretty, peach-coloured wine is grapefruit-scented with ripe fruit, floral flavours and soft acidity. Though some drinkers may feel they’re being short changed by the 11% alcohol content, it does mean you’ll have a clearer head the morning after. The elegant label is adorned with a pink, spring flower – definitely one for the ladies.
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Journalist: Tim Curran Publication: The Mirror16th February 2002A good example from a top producer. Soft and smooth with curranty, tobacco fruit, its warm sweetness is balanced by good acidity. Try it with bangers and mash or toad in the hole.
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Journalist: John Stimpfig Publication: Oxford Times15th February 2002A classic Kanonkop Pinotage with punnets of raspberries and blackberry fruit, vanilla oak, tar and leather, buttressed by some weighty tannins. Plenty of ageing potential.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer10th February 20021999 was a good year to buy wines from cooler areas like Hautes Côtes. This lively, smoky, oaky Pinot with its fresh acidity and medium-weight tannins is one of the few sub-£10 supermarket Burgundies worth buying.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: The Guardian2nd February 2002Swartland Pinotage is suberb, whichever angle you look at it (acids, fruits, tannins).
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: The Guardian2nd February 2002Delightfully well-balanced, with firm, well-grained tannins tightening the screw, elegantly, on the plumy hedgerow richness.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail26th January 2002The wonderful 2000 vintage is gradually being replaced on shelves around the country by the brand new 2001.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail26th January 2002The wonderful 2000 vintage is gradually being replaced on shelves around the country by the brand new 2001.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Guardian26th January 2002Landskroon Merlot Reserve, from the Cape, having proved seductive on the nose, engages the tastebuds with enthusiastic hedgerow fruitiness.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail19th January 2002There is an awful lot of wine behind this bottle’s unassuming label.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine1st January 2002Here’s a lovely zesty white that’s good with turkey leftovers. A deserving winner of a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: Daily Mail18th December 2001This wine’s name is a cheeky play on the word Sancerre – the spiritual birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc. It is extremely dry, racy and zesty, with mouth-tingling acidity and fresh, lively citrus fruit.
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Journalist: Malcolm Gluck Publication: Superplonk15th December 2001Stormberg Cabernet/Shiraz 1998 has lovely, ripe tannins coursing through lively plums and berries.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer9th December 2001The name may sound like a Bob Monkhouse programme, but this is a Cape wine to rival the best Kiwi and Loire Valley Sauvignons. Mouth-watering acidity and clean, fresh, lemon and grapefruit flavours predominate on the palate.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List1st December 2001Neil Ellis continues to produce some of the most beautiful wines in the Cape.
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Journalist: Matthew Jukes Publication: The Wine List1st December 2001Neil Ellis has a careful touch when it comes to oak barrels
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Journalist: Tim Atkin Publication: Observer Food1st December 2001Another excellent value New World red. The combination of Shiraz and Cabernet gives this minty, oaky wine more bite and tannin.
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Journalist: Sarah Jane Evans Publication: BBC Good Food Magazine
Friday night red.
Why buy? For those occasions when you want a deep, dark, wintry wine.
The taste? A harvest of plums and dark skinned fruit, not too hefty but with a firm structure. Finished with long-lasting savoury flavours.
Eat with? Bring on sausages in red wine and hearty casseroles. -
Journalist: Joanna Simon Publication: The Sunday Times
Vibrant gooseberry and elderflower flavours: textbook New Zealand Sauvignon.
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Journalist: Tim Atkin MW Publication: Observer
Pinotage isn't to everyone's taste (think flame-throwered summer pudding when it's bad), but this example form the rugby-mad Beyers Truter is a lovely red, with soft raspberry and liquorice notes and subtle oak.
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Journalist: Victoria Moore Publication: The Guardian
A rich, Grenache-based wine with a spicy, bolstering herbaceous edge.