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Juno                          (view available wine selection on winelist)

2008    Rosé

87

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BEST BUY

"An elegant nose of strawberry, raspberry and lemon is the start of this poised rosé. Unfolding fruit and citrus flavors keep the wine balanced and clean, but the overall character is feminine and soft. A very pretty wine with a classic touch."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 2009

2007    Rosé

85

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BEST BUY

"Fresh aromas of strawberries and toasty spice lead on this friendly rosé from Juno. On the palate, it’s soft and subtle, with vibrant fruit flavors and a delicate finish. A great everyday wine that will pair especially well with seafood and summer fare."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 1, 2008

2008    Chardonnay

86

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BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast Magazine

2007    Chardonnay

95

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"One tasty chardonnay for the money. The prudent use of oak allows the vibrant fruit flavors to shine. Papaya, lemon, lime, and melon tones create a fabric of ripeness. A touch of allspice and anise weave an interesting facet. The acidity lasts through the finish. A refreshing, classic style priced well below its quality."

RedWhiteandRose.com, December 2008

2008    Sauvignon Blanc

84

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Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June 2009

2006    Sauvignon Blanc

ACCOLADE

"Particularly mouth-popping, with layers of taste and a lime kick, with some mouthfeel and weight. Charming and sophisticated."

Wall Street Journal (“Easy on the Wallet, Lovely on the Palate”), December 27, 2008

2006    Sauvignon Blanc

85

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BEST BUY

"Zippy tropical fruit and gooseberry aromas lead, with a touch of green grass adding freshness. A clean acidity cuts through the fruit, keeping the wine light and clean, and the finish is long. A typical South African Sauvignon Blanc at a very nice price." (March 1, 2008)

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 1, 2008

ACCOLADE

Best Value (Very Good): "Particularly mouth-popping, with layers of taste and a lime kick, with some mouthfeel and weight.   Charming and sophisticated."

The Wall Street Journal online, April 25, 2008: "Out of Africa" article.

2004    Sauvignon Blanc

88

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VERY GOOD: A WINE WITH SPECIAL QUALITIES

“A nice live-wire version, with gooseberry, lime, flint and chive flavors that crackle through the finish.  Well done.  Drink now.”

Wine Spectator, April 30, 2005

2004    Sauvignon Blanc

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT, RECOMMENDED

“Slightly high-toned, exotic aromas of fruit salad, melon and honey. Supple, round, ripe and nicely concentrated, with hints of tropical fruits and lime and a floral lift. …… clean, pure and balanced to give early pleasure. At once ripe and dry, with firm-edged acids framing the fruit.” 

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2005

2006    Shiraz

94

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A black raspberry elixir with hints of balsamic reduction, burnt caramel, and roasted coffee bean. The mid-palate offers flavors of plum and a hint of vanilla. Smoky, with gun metal nuances on the finish. You would expect this quality in a wine at twice the price."

RedWhiteandRose.com, Dec 2008

2006    Shiraz

85

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Wine Enthusiast Magazine, June 2009

2005    Shiraz

87

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BEST BUY

"An elegant nose of strawberry, raspberry and lemon is the start of this poised rosé. Unfolding fruit and citrus flavors keep the wine balanced and clean, but the overall character is feminine and soft. A very pretty wine with a classic touch."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 1, 2008

2007    Cab/Shiraz/Merlot

87

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BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast Magazine

2006    Cab/Shiraz/Merlot

95

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A blend of shiraz of 50%, cabernet sauvignon of 30%, and merlot of 20%. Black tea, vanilla bean, plum, tobacco, hibiscus flower, and black cherry skins create a complex canvas of flavors. This red blend is dense, sultry, and hints at a little pencil lead minerality on the finish. An incredible value for the money."

RedWhiteandRose.com, December 2008

Le Riche                                (view available wine selection on winelist)

2003    Cabernet Sauvignon  

90+

 

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OUTSTANDING

Full ruby-red. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, cassis, violet and spicy oak. Densely packed, suave and fine-grained; the primal flavors of black fruits, menthol, mocha and brown spices are framed and extended by brisk acidity. Finishes vibrant, firm and long. ”

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

2003    Cabernet Sauvignon

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT, RECOMMENDED

Subtle smoke, mocha and cassis on the nose lead into an elegant balance of berry, vanilla oak and mineral.  An assertive wine with tannins that can use aging, the wine has a masculine, complex character and a savory finish, but is not overpowering. Overall, a choice with finesse."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, November 2008

2001    Cabernet Sauvignon  

90

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The Wine Report, 2007

2002    Cabernet Reserve  

89+

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Loads of wonderfully ripe black fruits are interspersed with roasting spices in the aromatics of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. This broad, deep, medium-bodied wine is crammed with flavors reminiscent of candied dark berries, asphalt, mint, and spices. Its long, seamless finish exhibits copious quantities of fine, supple tannin. Projected maturity: now - 2012."

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate 

92

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The Wine Report, 2007

2002    Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 

88+

 

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

Bright ruby-red. Ripe but tight nose hints at spicecake. Broader and sweeter than the regular bottling, but a bit chunkier too, with roasted and liqueur-like aspects to the medicinal dark berry and menthol flavors.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

2001    Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 

88

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT, RECOMMENDED

Cassis, graphite and minerals on the nose, along with fresh herbs and bitter chocolate; I would have picked this as Bordeaux. Supple, grapey and dry, with distinctly cool flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, herbs and licorice.....A juicy, firmly structured wine, finishing with solid tannins and a slight greenness. This should reward four or five years of aging.”

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2005

2000    Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT, RECOMMENDED

Bright, deep red. Nuanced nose combines redcurrant, plum, tobacco leaf and mint. Intensely flavored, bright and nicely focused, with varietally expressive redcurrant, tar and tobacco leaf notes. Distinctly riper than the basic cab/merlot and cabernet bottlings. Juicy and suave, with restrained sweetness, fine tannins and very good length.”

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2005

1999    Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 

89+

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT, RECOMMENDED

Ruby-red. Complex aromas of cassis, cherry, green pepper, cedar, violet and cassis leaf, along with tangy oak spices. Dense and peppery on the palate; offers a claret-like penetrating sweetness without excess weight. Youthful flavors of red berries, mint and cedar. Finishes with rather fine tannins and subtle persistence.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2005

(A “+” after a score from Stephen Tanzer denotes a wine that is likely to merit a higher rating in time.)

2005    Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"A soft plum, berry, and pepper nose leads this elegant wine from Le Riche. On the palate, restrained but expressive layers of spice, tobacco, and berry, balanced by good acidity offer character and ageability. A very pretty wine for a good price."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, November 2008

2005    Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Full ruby-red. Aromas of dried berries and woodsmoke complicated by a leafy nuance. Ripe, smooth, and approachable, with rather gentle but deep flavors of redcurrant, plum, smoke, and tobacco. The broad finish features a fine dusting of tannins."

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2003    Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 

88

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

”A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, the 2003 Cabernet/Merlot bursts from the glass with candied red as well as black fruits. Its highly expressive, fruit-forward personality is medium-bodied, supple, and displays oodles of sweet blackberry as well as black cherry fruit. This lush wine would have received a more exalted review if not for a somewhat clipped finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2009."

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

2003    Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

“Medium ruby-red. Aromas of currant, singed plum, licorice, herbs and flowers, with a suggestion of exotic fruits. A juicy, leanish midweight and a very successful blend, with complex blackberry, mineral and mint flavors. Elegant and nicely delineated wine, finishing with firm tannins and good lift and persistence.”

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

2001    Cabernet/Merlot Blend 

89

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Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 2007

2001    Cabernet/Merlot Blend 

BOUQUET

“Recommended” Among 21 favorite South African red blends of all those tasted. 

Michael Franz, Washington Post, June 15, 2004

Oak Valley                                                            (view available wine selection on winelist)

2007    Chardonnay

90

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"Bright straw-yellow color. Sexy aromas of peach, butter, iodine, brown spices and nutty oak. Broad, spicy, rich and full, with a lovely silky texture enlivened by a surprising spine of acidity. Has the intensity of stone fruit flavor to support its spicy oak component. This dense, sweet chardonnay offers serious texture and concentration, and excellent length."

Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2006    Chardonnay

90

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“Maturing, with broad, rich melon, apple, warm brioche and butter notes that glide through the soft, but lengthy finish.  A crowd-pleaser.  Drink now.”

Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2007    Sauvignon Blanc

91

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"Pale, bright yellow. Pungent aromas of candied citrus peel, lemon blossom, gooseberry and smoky pepper, with suggestions of flint and tropical fruits. Broad and rich but juicy, with complex, dusty flavors of pineapple, minerals, and smoky herbs. The texture of this intense wine reminded me of a brisk chardonnay. The lingering finish features smoky and flinty nuances. Impressively concentrated and structure sauvignon."

Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2007    Sauvignon Blanc

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

“Bracing and open, with lots of lime, fleur de sel, chalk and sweet pea notes that linger through the lengthy finish.  Drink now.”

Wine Spectator, 2008

2005    Sauvignon Blanc

ACCOLADE

Regional Sauvignon Blanc under ₤10 – Decanter Trophy

2005    Red Blend

88

 

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Good dark red. Aromas of spicecake, pepper and tobacco with an oaky overlay. Juicy, intense and on the lean side, with firm acids framing the slightly green flavors of fresh herbs and tobacco leaf. With moderate mid-palate stuffing and an obvious oak element, the finish comes across as a bit dry. But there’s subtle lingering flavor on the back."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2004    Red Blend

91

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"Very complex and very impressive for the money, this blend of 88% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon seems more nuanced and intricate than one might expect with Merlot comprising such a large percentage of the overall blend.  Perhaps the wine is now mature enough to be showing a bit of bottle bouquet.  Dark berry and black plum fruit notes are expressive but not overwhelming, allowing a number of other accents to show themselves.  These include cocoa, tobacco leaf, fresh meat, and minerals, along with an undertone of smoky oak.  Very impressive!"

Wine Review Online (M. Franz), September 16, 2008

2004    Red Blend

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

“A polished, modern style, with a layer of roasted vanilla bean followed by notes of coffee, mocha and currant fruit.  slightly firm, toasty finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drink now.”

Wine Spectator, 2008

ACCOLADE

Best Bordeaux-style red blend over ₤10 - Decanter World Wine Awards 2007

Rietvallei                                                              (view available wine selection on winelist)

2008    John B White Blend

88

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BEST BUY (#5 of top 100 Best Buys for 2009!!!)

Wine Enthusiast

2007    John B Red Blend

84

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BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast, June 2009 

2004    1908 Muscadel

92

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"Pale reddish-copper color. Exotic dried rose, woodsmoke and raisin on the very sexy nose; reminded me of Philip Togni’s singular Ca’Togni sweet wine. Then concentrated and powerful but not particularly thick, with surprising acidity framing and lifting the fascinating flavors of ripe cherry, tea, mocha, molasses, and botanical herbs. Finishes very long and strong, with a compelling lingering perfume and a youthfully imploded impression that suggests there’s more to come. Utterly fascinating and easy to drink."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2007    Natural Chardonnay

89

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Wine Enthusiast, 2008 

2008    Unwooded Chardonnay

87

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Wine Enthusiast, June 2009 

2007    Unwooded Chardonnay

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Refreshing flowers and fruit lead on the nose of this impressive chardonnay, followed by flavors of flowers, layered fruit, and a clean acidic edge. The wine has class and character, and is a perfect food-pairing choice."

Wine Enthusiast, September 2008 

2008    Sauvignon Blanc

88

 

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Bright, pale yellow. Cool aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit, pepper and mint. Dense, chewy and saline, with good texture to the round but dry flavors of lime, melon and fresh herbs. Could use a bit more lift and intensity, but there’s intriguing minerality lurking. Finishes chewy and spicy, with a slight harshness."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2008    Sauvignon Blanc

88

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BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast, June 2009 

2007    Sauvignon Blanc

89

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Wine Enthusiast, 2008 - 2007

2008    Chenin Blanc

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"This exuberant Chenin, with its crisp aromas of apples and tropical fruits, offers a delicious balance of refreshing fruit flavors with a balanced acidity.  Full-bodied but easy-drinking, the wine has a lingering, clean finish."

Wine Enthusiast, September 2008

2008    Chenin Blanc

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Pale, bright yellow. Aromas of pineapple, citrus pith, honey and exotic flowers. Light, juicy, and quite dry, but with a chewy texture to the slightly tart-edged citrus flavors. This firm wine finishes with decent length."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2009

2007    Chenin Blanc

87

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BEST BUY

Wine Enthusiast, 2008 

2008    Juanita Rosé

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Bright, pale red. Pungent strawberry, cherry and cinnamon aromas. Offers a supple texture but also a nice light touch, with an edge of acidity keeping the fruit fresh. A serious, fairly dry rosé with plenty of body for the dinner table. Finishes brisk."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2009

2008    Juanita Rosé

ACCOLADE

Awarded best Rosé at Dutch Wine & Food Festival (Amsterdam). -- Prix du Sommelier 2008

2007    Juanita Rosé

88

 

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Fresh, fruity, and charming, this rosé offers full-bodied flavors of strawberry and spice that are balanced and complex. A step above the typical flirty rosé, the wine gives style and substance and will handle heartier dishes – think Moroccan tagine or grilled, spiced fish."

Wine Enthusiast, March 2009 

2007    Shiraz

87

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Wine Enthusiast, June 2009 

2007    Cabernet Sauvignon

89

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Wine Enthusiast, 2009 

2007    Cabernet Sauvignon

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Bright red-ruby. Very ripe berries, plum, smoked meat, tobacco and coffee on the nose. Supple and sweet, with a slightly stewed berry flavor complemented by smoky oak. Finishes with rather smooth tannins and a whiff of mint."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2009

2005    Cabernet Sauvignon

89

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Wine Enthusiast, 2008 

2004    Cabernet Sauvignon

87

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Wine Enthusiast, 2008

2004    Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon

87

POINTS

Wine Enthusiast, June 2009

2004    Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon

87

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Wine Enthusiast, 2008

2007    Muscadel

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

"Reddish-copper color. Pungent nose combines cinnamon, clove, rose, molasses and a hint of raisin. Sweet and silky on the palate, with lovely spicy acidity giving it lift and life. Not hugely complex but intensely flavored and brisk: a dessert wine with real energy. Finishes a bit aggressive but carries its 16% alcohol gracefully."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, March/April 2009

2007    Muscadel

PLATINUM AWARD

Muscats du Monde

Slaley                                                                           (view available wine selection on winelist)

Pinotage, Cabernet, Shiraz

GOLD MEDALS

SA Young Wine Awards 2007

2003    Pinotage

89

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

Dark, bright red. Smoky dark berries, baking spices and fresh herbs on the nose, with a lightly candied quality. Supple and broad but classically dry, with some sexy oak tones and a saline nuance adding to its appeal. Not a sweet style but boasts good power and underlying structure. Finishes with dusty tannins. This can be cellared.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

Stony Brook                                                        (view available wine selection on winelist)

2002    Ghost Gum

88

 

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

”Cab Sauvignon with bits of merlot, petit verdot, and cab franc; aged in new barriques for 30 months.  Ruby red. Dark fruits, tobacco and mint on the nose. A juicy, firm midweight, with brisk acidity framing the cassis, cedar and mint flavors. Finishes with dusty, slightly drying tannins and good length."

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 2007

2003    Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

88+

 

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

Deep ruby-red. Dark berries, mint, tobacco and nutty oak on the nose. Densely packed, fresh and a bit youthfully clenched, with ripe acids framing the claret-like currant and tobacco flavors. This serious cabernet displays a lovely subtle sweetness…”

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

2003    Syrah

87

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

Medium red. Inviting aromas of plum, currant, mocha, pepper and spice, with meaty and earthy nuances. Suave, warm and meaty, with good concentration and ripe, integrated acidity. Old school but with sweetness.

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

2002    Shiraz Reserve

91

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OUTSTANDING, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“… A black hole of a nose, hinting at cassis, dark chocolate, menthol, licorice, minerals, gunflint and smoky oak. … Rich, chewy, very dense flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, menthol and licorice, framed and intensified by lively acidity. Finishes with big, broad, dusty tannins and impressive length.” 

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2005

2002    Shiraz Reserve

87

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VERY GOOD: A WINE WITH SPECIAL QUALITIES

“Alluring dark blackberry, plum and chocolate aromas and flavors with fleshy fruit, mineral and cocoa powder. Nicely done. Drink now.”

Wine Spectator, May 15, 2005

BOUQUET

 

“Very ripe and overly fruity with blackberry notes accented by red-cherry undertones and subtle smoky oak."

Santé Magazine, October 2004

ACCOLADE

“I loved it from my first whiff and sip…The ripe berry fruit is very dense and deeply flavored, with soft texture and fine balance.”  TOP 5 list of South African Shiraz’s. -- Michael Franz, Washington Post, July 14, 2004

2004    Camissa red blend

86

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VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT

Also recommended

Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar,  March/April 2007

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