I’ve just written a lengthy feature for a wine trade magazine on black economic empowerment (BEE), a government-led initiative designed to redress the balance of South Africa’ s racially skewed wine industry. As a result of these initiatives slowly but surely more black people are participating in the industry, whether through ownership of land, cellars or brands or as winemakers or other skilled workers. This report focuses on my best of the bunch BEE wines (most of which have yet to find listings in the UK).
Click here for my report with my best of the rest from this tasting, including the latest Platter high fives (5 star wines).
Mia Cara Pinotage 2003 – super spicy, richly fruity (plums, cherries) Pinotage with a mineral undercurrent – very good.
Mia Cara Shiraz Reserve 2003 – Good depth of red and black fruits, polished oak and nice balance – very good.
Lindiwe Chenin Blanc 2005 – classic, honeyed Chenin, rich but well-balanced wine.
Lindiwe Chardonnay 2004 – citrussy style with good fruit weight, a touch of toast and a lively thread of acidity.
Vunani EKASI Chardonnay 2005 – good depth of melon and pear fruit with lemony acidity and biscuity, leesy notes.
Vunani EKASI Merlot 2005 – my kind of Merlot with both curranty, spicy fruit and succulent, perfumed blueberries.
Vunani EKASI Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2005 – firmly structured with a good concentration of cassis and more than a lick of cedar – good food wine.
Woman in Wine Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc – lifted floral nose with a lively palate of fresh pear and juicy fruit – good straightforward quaffer.
Woman in Wine Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – super spicy black fruits with soft tannins – well done quaffer.
Thandi Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2005 – fresh, juicy wine with bright fruit with an attractive apricot and peach tang.
Thandi Chardonnay 2005 – lively lemon and greengage with a nice touch of chalk; well-balanced.
Thandi Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2005 – cool climate style with fresh blackberry and blackcurrant, a hint of stalkiness and a well-judged touch of toast – great VFM at £4.99 (Co-op).
Ses Fiklile Rainsong Chenin Blanc 2006 – lovely weight of honeyed pear and
Grapefruit; nicely balanced.
Ses Fiklile Folklore Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – elegant with bright red and black fruits and lifted cedar notes. Very good.
Stellekaya Hercules 2005 – this Sangiovese dominated blend has good varietal character with its cherry fruit and earthy, savoury character – great food wine.
Sarah Ahmed
The Wine Detective
September 2006
