Mulderbosch “Faithful Hound” 2011

mulderbosch fh11A clear, deep, ruby wine with a few thick legs developing. Medium+ intensity nose clean and developing with a cassis, black currant leaf, hint of liquorice and cedar.

Dry on the palate with medium+ acid, alcohol (14%) and high chalky tannins. Full bodied, with medium+ flavour and long finish. The palate is a little overweight in acid and tannin but blackberry, mulberry fruits evident with vanilla and hint of spice (pepper?).

This is a very good wine (92 points), a Cabernet Franc dominated Bordeaux blend (a nod to Fronsac perhaps?) that punches about its mid-priced category (ZAR 150 but around AUD 22 locally). Can drink it now but it has the potential for aging 5 to 10 years.

Backsberg “Klein Babylonstoren” 2013

A clear, dbacksberg kb13eep, purple wine. A medium intensity nose clean and developing with a black fruit, cassis, hint of smokiness and dried herbs.

Dry on the palate with medium+ acid, alcohol (14%) and tannins. Medium+ body, flavour and finish. So pretty consistent in that medium+ range. I thought that the acid slightly overpowered the balance of the wine (youth?) and the alcohol was clearly evident in the finish. Blackberry through and through, perhaps a hint of dark chocolate.

This is a good wine (90 points) that integrates the Bordeaux varietals well and offers value for money in the mid-priced range (ZAR 119 but around AUD 25 locally). Can drink it now but it has the potential for aging 10 to 15 years.

Kalleske “Clarry’s” GSM 2015

A cleClarrys GSM 2015 1ar, medium, purple wine with thin pale legs. On the nose clean and developing with a medium intensity of raspberry, backed plum and cloves. Some oak treatment evident.

A dry wine with medium+ fine tannins, medium acidity and a medium body. The finish is a little longer than the body would suggest. Flavours on the palate support the nose, crushed red spectrum berries (raspberry) and plum, and some savouriness in the mix. Medium+ alcohol (14%).

This is a very good wine (92 points) that integrates the three grapes well in the Southern Rhone style and drinks better than its price (mid-priced) would suggest. Can enjoy it now but it has the potential for aging 5 to 7 years.