Cape Wine Master Allan Mullins gives us his opinion on the drinkability of the winners of the 2011 Terroir Awards.
BEAU CONSTANTIA CECILY VIOGNIER 2010
The 900 bottles of Cecily Viognier 2010 make up Beau Constantia's maiden release. The nose and palate are a delight of orange blossom, violets and white peach with a skillful balance of the fruit, oak and acidity.
It will grow in complexity for another four years and is a great partner for lightly spiced Asian dishes.
CELLAR PRICE: R120
DAVID NIEUWOUDT GHOST CORNER SEMILLON 2009
David Nieuwoudt makes brilliant cool-climate wines in Elim and the Cederberg. Striking flavours of lime, nettle, fig and dusty dry fynbos burst through on the nose of his Ghost Corner Semillon.
The palate has a distinct minerality and will develop superbly for the next three to four years and is a perfect match for freshly caught yellowtail cooked over sizzling coals.
CELLAR PRICE: R160
HERMANUSPIETERSFONTEIN SWARTSKAAP 2009
Sauvignon Blanc specialist Bartho Eksteen has garnered many followers for his quirkily named wines, such as Swartskaap (black sheep).
The wine is 100 percent Cabernet Franc and has a deep ruby sheen and a nose of blackcurrant, black olive, spice and liquorice.
It can be cellared for five years or longer and, as heartless as the pairing may seem, would be a perfect accompaniment to roast lamb with rosemary.
CELLAR PRICE: R164
Note: prices correct for October 2011 and wines available from selected Woolworths stores while stocks last.
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