The last day in South Africa, at least for a few weeks. Lunch with a nice crowd at Gabriëlskloof. Gathered were Brian and Marion Smith (Elgin Ridge), Peter-Allan Finlayson (Crystallum and Gabriëlskloof), Marelise Niemann (Momento), MC Lauriault (Norman Hardie Wines), and John Seccombe (Thorne and Daughters).
Peter Allan Finlayson
Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2016 Hemel en Aarde, South Africa
Made in a 2600 litre foudre, this is a lovely, textured Chardonnay. Pear and citrus fruit with a bit of depth, some silkiness in the mouth, and pretty tangerine detail. Subtle, elegant and lovely. 94/100
Crystallum Mabalel Pinot Noir 2016 Kaimansgaat, South Africa
115 clone. Sappy with nice integrated greenness and fine red cherry fruit. Supple and detailed with real finesse and purity. There’s a balance between richness and freshness here. 94/100
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2016 Hemel en Aarde, South Africa
Fresh and vital with lovely red cherries and plums. Lovely finesse to this wine, which is juicy and lively but also has a silkiness to it. 94/100
Gabriëlskloof Landscape Series Magdalena 2016 Western Cape, South Africa
This is 70% Sauvignon and 30% Semillon (30 year old vines from Franschhoek), and was first made in 2015, which was Pieter-Allan Finlayson’s first vintage here. Very fresh and pure with lovely citrus and pear fruit, and a subtle waxy edge. Fine, expressive personality and lovely balance. Matured in old oak. 93/100
Gabriëlskloof Landscape Series Elodie 2016 Swartland, South Africa
This comes from two old Chenin vineyards in the Swartland, one on sandstone and one on schist. So delicate with very pure citrus and white peach fruit. Fine grained with lovely tangerine and spice hints. A serious wine that’s perfectly in balance. 95/100
Gabriëlskloof Landscape Series Syrah on Sandstone 2015 Bot River, South Africa
This is from very sandy, rocky soil, and the grapes were picked early. Very peppery and textural with a silky edge. Elegant with lovely fruit purity. Really expressive and pure, this is a beautiful wine. 93/100
Gabriëlskloof Landscape Series Cabernet Franc 2015 Bot River, South Africa
Supple and leafy with a nice green, chalky edge to the smooth blackberry and cherry fruit. This has smoothness and a lovely textural, rounded quality, with real finesse. Finishes fresh. 93/100
Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2016 South Africa
This vintage has 22% Verdelho from the Swartland in the blend. Fresh and spicy with ripe apple and citrus, as well as a tint hint of nuttiness. Rounded but fresh with a citrus edge and a long finish. 93/100
Momento Chenin Blanc Verdelho 2015 Bot River, South Africa
This has 9% Verdelho in the blend. Fresh, lively and transparent with juicy lemons and tangerines. There’s an appealing stony freshness to this wine which also has some pear skin character. Very pure. 94/100
Thorne and Daughters Rocking Horse 2016 South Africa
One third Rousanne with Semillon and Chardonnay, as well as a dollop of Chenin and Clairette. Very aromatic and taut with spicy grapefruit character, a fresh palate and great concentration of complex citrus fruits. There’s richness here as well as freshness. Lovely stuff. 95/100
Momento Grenache 2015 Swartland, South Africa
From decomposed granite soils. Elegant, supple red berry fruits with a fine peppery spiciness. Lively and juicy with a red fruit focus and great precision. Such purity to this wine with good acidity. 93/100
from jamie goode’s wine blog http://www.wineanorak.com:/wineblog/south-africa/lunch-at-gabrielskloof-with-some-lovely-sa-wines
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