Anthonij Rupert South African Wines

Been invited to taste test a new range of South African wines from Franscheok Valley that Denise wants to bring in. Pl visit www.wadadvocate.blogspot.com for more. Here goes...

• 2006 Anthonij Rupert Nemesia 80 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

  Kind of closed up with singular grapey-ness. Detected some osthmanthus and orange peels on the fore and mid with bright and decent pleasant finish. The label doesn't tell much but I think it is chardonay with some chenin and viognier, which is supposed to give it a lifted nose but did not do so in this effort. However, this was the best of the lot among the whites.

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• 2007 Anthonij Rupert Chardonnay L'Omarins 79 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

  A much sweeter pearish nose framed by citrus. Some osthmanthus action. This is okay.

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• 2006 Anthonij Rupert Chardonnay Serruria 77 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

  Butter mixed with nail varnish and finishing with bitter pith.

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• 2005 Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Sauvignon 81 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

  Wet soil and twigs. Dusty black cherries with quite old world approach.

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• 2005 Anthonij Rupert Merlot 84 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

  My favourite of the bunch with suprisingly "Left Bank" aromatics of dried fallen leaves, earth and slightly dark soy nuances. Lucious and thick for a merlot with teeth coating tannins. Very rooty and potrays more left bank strenght than right bank opulence. Interesting for a South African.

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• 2005 Anthonij Rupert Syrah 83 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

  Although some green steminess detected, there is underlying a robust nose of dried raisins tainted with dark soy sauce. In fact, up to now, it reminds me very much of touriga nacional. Elegant floral violets and sweet cassis fills the mouth with interesting bitter roots on the finish. Another good effort.

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The Verdict

Pretty decent stuff. The Reds tend towards old world but with South African robustness. The whites are okay for everyday drinking. If prices are below $40 for the reds and $30 for the whites, I would give these wines serious consideration.