2019 Quinta Essentia Chenin Blanc, South Africa, Cape of Good Hope, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$44.00USD

Silvery gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with limes, slight orange peel, and a slightly burnt note.  Nice, slightly oily texture.  This is dry.  On the palate, limes and a slight bitter almond note.  There is a bit of depth here.  It needs to food to show its best.  Goat cheeses would work well, say a Goat Cheese and Beet salad.  Drink over the next three to five years.  

2018 Ken Forrester Pat's Garden Reserve Red, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

From South Africa, this is a blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot.  Deep purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, chocolate, slight tobacco, a hint of bell pepper and spice.  Medium to full bodied.  On the palate, the black cherries come thru along with some cherries and a bit of chocolate.  Some depth.  Good balance.  Nice finish.  This will drink nicely on its own but better with food.  Drink over the next three to five years.  It will work well with meatloaf or a burger.  

2018 DeMorgenzon Chardonnay DMZ, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

Yellow Gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose has seltzer and lime.  On the palate, the limes come thru.  There is also a bit of vanilla.  Flat on the finish.  This drinks easy and forward.  Drink on its own or with lighter foods.  Chicken salad would be a nice choice.  Drink over the next few years.  

2020 Aslina Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
85
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$18.00USD

This comes off very much like a Loire Sauvignon Blanc.  Silvery gold in color.  The nose has cat pee/alfalfa/grassiness or whatever you want to call that quality.  Also some lemon candied notes.  On the palate, there is moderate acidity but a nice texture.  Grassy with lemons.  Shorter finish.  Easy drinking this will work better with food.  Crab or Tuna salad would be a good accompaniment.  Drink now.