Allan Mullins asked 10 well-known wine personalities for the one South African wine they would most enjoy to drink if marooned on a desert island.
JOHN LOUBSER (CELLAR MASTER, STEENBERG VINEYARDS)
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 1992 Méthode Cap Classique – complex, sophisticated, elegant – it embodies everything a great bubbly should be and fundamentally forged my journey in wine and life.
KEVIN GRANT (WINEMAKER, ATARAXIA)
An easy choice: Bouchard Finlayson’s Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2001 for its balance, texture and sumptuous primal aromas. 2001 was a great vintage for South African Pinot Noir.
CHRIS MURPHY (WINE BUYER, MARKS AND SPENCER)
Babylon’s Peak Chenin Blanc 2009. Such purity and balance, it’s a super alternative to posh French classics, like Sancerre and Chablis.
ROLAND PEENS (WINE CELLAR OWNER, CAPE TOWN)
GS Cabernet 1968. Picked up at a retailer in the bargain bin for a ridiculous R10, its freshness, purity of fruit and depth brought a silence to the dinner table. Why is it not more revered?
PIETER FERREIRA (CELLAR MASTER, GRAHAM BECK WINES)
Etienne le Riche Cabernet 2005 (in magnum). Beautifully structured, well rounded and with satin velvet texture – as I presume that I will be alone on my island.
LYNNE SHERIFF (WINE MASTER)
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. In 2005, when you had meningitis, I asked you whether Gyles Webb, the winemaker, should send you a 2002 or 2003 vintage. You answered 2003 and I knew you hadn’t totally lost your marbles.
KEVIN ARNOLD (CELLAR MASTER, WATERFORD ESTATE)
Rustenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 1982. This absolute classic – still alive and well – shows us all that less is more: wines with lower alcohol levels age better.
RONELL WIID (WINEMAKER, HAZENDAL)
Villiera Brut Natural Méthode Cap Classique. It is natural, like an island, the healthiest drink around and great with sashimi. Wish it came in magnums!
KEN FORRESTER (CELLAR MASTER, KEN FORRESTER WINES)
Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2005. The oak is tightly interwoven into the wine, which has beautiful minerality and taut, bright acidity, with great ageing potential.
DR DAVE SWINGLER (JUDGE, PLATTER WINE GUIDE)
Sadie Family Palladius 2008. Sublime, fleshy interest with a mineral spine, for my dreams.