A Tour of Stellenbosch WIneries

The results of our 4 days of meeting winemakers and tasting great wines.

It will take a while for me to get all the wine notes in.

Pictures and details of the trip are noted at www.ballington.us.

• 2015 Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 84 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Cape Peninsula, Constantia

  (12/17/2015)

  Tropical guava

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• 2007 Klein Constantia Mme. Marlbrook 80 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Cape Peninsula, Constantia

  (12/17/2015)

  Glass potato - I think this was corked but Anton the guy pouring the wine at the estate didn't seem interested at all to even discuss the wine and what we were tasting.
  
  Very woody herbaceous with green wood throughout.

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• 2012 Anwilka Petit Frère Stellenbosch 86 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/17/2015)

  Syrah/cab/verdot with strong tannins 7/10

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• 2011 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 94 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Cape Peninsula, Constantia

  (12/17/2015)

  includes 2010 juice as well. There was no 2010 release.

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• 2012 Vilafonté Series M 91 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Paarl

  (12/18/2015)

  Light fruity nose although no fruit on the palate.
  
  Dark red color with a dry start which turns into a dark fruit with dry stone finish.
  
  R425

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• 2013 Vilafonté Series C 94 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Paarl

  (12/18/2015)

  Charcoal with a smoke nose. Very dark red almost carmenere like.
  
  Good strong tannins at 7.5/10
  
  R625

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• 2014 Rust en Vrede Merlot 86 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Moderate tannins 6.5/10 but a strong dry stone finish

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• 2013 Rust en Vrede Syrah 89 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Leather and black pepper on the nose.
  
  Tannins at 7/10 with a dry rock finish like the merlot.

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• 2013 Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyards 90 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  A hint of cheese and light chalk on the nose. Classic french dry style. Tannins at 7/10. This needs to warm up and age for a while (as do all of the R&V I believe - they all do better at closer to 10 years)

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• 2012 Rust en Vrede Estate Red Wine Stellenbosch 91 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  There is a lot more going on in this than the single varietals R&Vs. Tannins are strong at 7.5/10. Full bodied in the french style.

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• 2012 Rust en Vrede Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard 88 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Heavy tannins 8/10

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• 2007 Rust en Vrede 1694 Classification 94 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  The nose may have put me off had I not known what it was and thus continued to enjoy it. Dirty toes, dark brown dirt, cheese, mushrooms and asparagus. Powerful tannins 8.5/10

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• NV De Toren La Jeunesse 86 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Light party wine.
  
  Light strawberry nose and gently delicate.

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• 2013 De Toren Z 93 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Ruby red with tobacco leather. Strong tannins 8/10.
  
  The slight heat in the finish was concerning and I hope that is not the norm. This was from a small 375ml bottle so variation exists. There was a little wet potato in the nose. I have ignored that for this rating.
  
  I do have a slight preference for this over R&V and Vilafonte M (I think?)

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• 2013 De Toren Fusion V 92 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  This was of course very youthful. Very strong tannins 8 to 8.5/10. Full bodied and a light fruity cassis nose (in the french style)

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• 2013 De Toren Decade 88 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  De Toren's latest addition to the stable. A response to the successful first 10 years of De Toren Z their Merlot based blend.
  
  This is a powerhouse merlot and I would not drink for 10 years. The heat is immense and made the wine undrinkable to start. Only after 3 days of being opened and 10 hours of air, did the heat begin to dissipate. A merlot in the biggest Napa type style for a SA wine.
  
  I find this very difficult to rate (88-93)

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• 2014 Raats Chenin Blanc Original 92 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Initial nose seems concentrated and fresh. You expect it to hit with strong acidity. But it does not; it is smooth with a hint of sweetness.

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• 2013 Raats Chenin Blanc Old Vine 87 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Smoother finish than the Original Chenin Blanc but less nose and enticement.

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• 2013 Raats Family Red Jasper 89 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

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• 2013 Raats Cabernet Franc 90 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/18/2015)

  Lighter chalk than the Red Jasper. Tannins at 7/10. Full bodied but young and needs to lie down.

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• 2015 Bruwer Vintners Muscat B de Alexandria 88 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region

  (12/18/2015)

  Powerful fruity nose but very dry on the palate. 12%.

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• 2015 Kanonkop Pinotage Kadette Rosé 87 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  lovely outdoor drinkers - lightly sweet - beautiful picnic wine

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• 2013 Kanonkop Pinotage Kadette 90 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Nice rounded tannins. A long finish. This is outstanding value for price. R90

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• 2013 Kanonkop Pinotage 96 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Strong and tannic (9/10) - all new oak - this is big and bold - should last for at least 15 years.

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• 2011 Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Red fruit - 50 new oak and 50 2nd fill. Nice strong tannins 7.5/10.
  
  This is bold yet very drinkable. Heavy with a dry finish - It might even be work an extra point or two in the future.

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• 2012 Kanonkop Paul Sauer 91 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Bright red with light cherry on the nose. Tannins are moderately high at 7.5/10.
  
  The mid palate softens but it ends strong.
  
  This is 24 months in new oak and I thought I would feel the tannins more but they are integrated.

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• 2015 Tokara Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Collection Elgin 85 Points

  South Africa, Cape South Coast, Elgin

  (12/19/2015)

  Guava, green peppers and spring onion. Initial sweetness in the mouth with good acidity.

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• 2013 Tokara Chardonnay Reserve Collection 82 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Minimal nose with a hint of lemon

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• 2012 Tokara Syrah Reserve Collection 87 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Light nose. Dark fruits then goes dry. Heavy tannins 7.5/10

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• 2013 Tokara Sauvignon Blanc Noble Late Harvest Reserve Collection 89 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Nice nose with pears and apples. But the body does not continue with any strength. Nice but not Vin de Constance.

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• 2008 Tokara 5 year Old Potstill Brandy

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Made from chenin blanc. Starts with an initial hint of sweetness.

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• 2011 Tokara Director's Reserve 92 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Chalky dust and sweet feel on the mouth. The initial attack is sweetish yet dry on the finish. Very young with nice strong tannins 7.5/10.

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• 2013 Tokara Director's Reserve 83 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/19/2015)

  Less nose and oak and it has some bitterness.

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• 2012 Tokara Grenache Collector's Release 84 Points

  South Africa, Cape South Coast, Walker Bay

  (12/19/2015)

  Cellar on the nose. This is a totally dry wine.

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• 2010 Hartenberg Riesling Tenacity 91 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Bottelary

  (12/20/2015)

  Darker yellow than the standard riesling. There is initial sweetness which gives way to the fresh wine - and the palate and finish is long lasting.

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• 2012 Hartenberg Shiraz The Stork 91 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Although I understand this won the top Shiraz in France last year, it lost the first place for me to Hartenberg's own Gravel Hill (see separate tasting note).
  
  Fruity nose with tomato and subtle caramel. Far more fruit forward and extracted than the Gravel Hill. The palate is integrated and smooth feel overall on the mouth.

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• 2006 Hartenberg Merlot Tenacity 90 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Chalk and tomato on the nose. THe oak is beautifully integrated 7/10

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• 2013 Hartenberg Riesling 84 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Petroleum and not my favorite - preferred the Tenacity.

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• 2015 Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc 85 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch, Bottelary

  (12/20/2015)

  Guava and melon on the nose. Heavy melon on the palate as well.

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• 2008 Hartenberg Shiraz Gravel Hill 94 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  The nose is muted which was the only point holding it back. Strong tannins 8/10 with a very dry finish.

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• 2014 Hartenberg Chardonnay 92 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Clean linen nose.
  
  Very drinkable with light almonds

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• 2012 Hartenberg Shiraz 89 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Dark ruby red.
  
  Definitely young and needs time. 7/10 with tannins hitting the top palate.

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• 2012 Muratie Cabernet Sauvignon Martin Melck 93 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  This is a big tannic but not a fruit bomb Napa style cab.
  
  Fruity nose and initial front palate but dry and high tannins (8/10). - and as for the Ansela vd Caab, I am concerned my rating may be high - maybe a point or 2 lower

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• 2011 Muratie Wine Estate Ansela van de Caab 94 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  The Cab Franc provides a nice backbone in the finish. Tannins are already well integrated and the wine is a dark red. Its initial attack is somewhat smooth and feminine.
  
  Something tells me that I should not keep this beyond 2020? and I am concerned my rating may be high - maybe a point or 2 lower

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• 2013 Muratie Wine Estate Pinot Noir George Paul Canitz 83 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  classic pinot nose with strawberry and metallic/vegetal finish

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• 2013 Muratie Wine Estate Merlot Alberta Annemarie 87 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Earthy but very fruity. In fact too fruity for me today. Strawberries and body with tannins in the finish (6.5/10)

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• 2008 Muratie Wine Estate Shiraz a tribute to ronnie melck family selection 89 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Hints of raisin on the nose and then in the palate. Not necessarily what I like in a Shiraz.

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• 2011 Dornier Donatus 90 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  A hint of fruit upfront with very heavy tannins 8/10. Not a stunner for me.

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• 2013 Dornier Tempranillo 87 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  A hint of dark chocolate and strawberry. Dark ruby red with a very dry finish. Tannins 7/10

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• 2013 Dornier Malbec 88 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Purple with all 3rd oak fills. Clearly young and spicy but a light starts (probably the 3rd fills) with a peppery finish. Good tannins at 7/10.

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• 2012 Dornier Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 84 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Fruity pencil shavings on the nose. A dark but not bright red.

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• 2013 Dornier Merlot 85 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch

  (12/20/2015)

  Chalk nose with upfront fruits. One dimensional. Tannins 7/10.

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