South Africa at Thames Lido

Thames Lido, Reading
Tasted Tuesday, April 28, 2026 by Petew180 with 24 views

Introduction

Great evening sampling a range of South African wines with the Reading posse

Flight 1 - Whites (3 Notes)

  • 2021 Paulus Wine Company Chenin Blanc Bosberaad 90 Points

    South Africa, Coastal Region, Swartland

    Initially reticent nose, citrus with a hint of something like hay. Savoury palate, super dry finish. Relaxed a little with time in the glass, tasty wine, bone dry and appetising, missing some complexity against the blended whites in the flight.

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  • 2019 Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bushvines 91 Points

    South Africa, Western Cape

    Bright, fresh citrus nose with some richness apparent. Broader and rounder than the Bosberaad tasted alongside, with more complexity. A herbal touch alongside the citrus. My 3rd favourite in a tight field.

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  • 2013 Thorne & Daughters Rocking Horse 92 Points

    South Africa, Western Cape

    Complex mix of fruit aromas, citrus with quite strong tangerine note out front. Broadening with air, this shows a complex fruit salad of flavours with something fudgey binding it together. Really good and my favourite by a short head on the night.

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Flight 2 - Lighter Reds (3 Notes)

  • 2019 Naudé Grenache 88 Points

    South Africa, Western Cape

    Very light, bright red fruit with strawberry and cranberry. Appealing nose but the palate is quite tart, even sharp. Remains austere with time in the glass. Not sure what to make of this as it promises pleasure on the nose but is just a bit too angular to deliver it.

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  • 2020 Rall Cinsault Flawed

    South Africa, Coastal Region

    Clear TCA on the nose when first poured. This did reduce a little in intensity over time but never went away. A nice fudgey, hedgerow fruited wine underneath it seems.

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  • 2021 Storm Wines (South Africa) Pinot Noir Ridge 92 Points

    South Africa, Cape South Coast, Walker Bay, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

    Light, bright red fruits, strawberry, cherry, plum. Light texture, long finish. Broadening with air and gaining some more body while remaining quite floaty. Seems to get better and better with time in the glass. Lovely wine, and 2nd on the night for me in a photo finish with the Rocking Horse '13

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Flight 3 - Fuller Reds (3 Notes)

  • 2014 Wessels Family Restless River Cabernet Sauvignon Main Road & Dignity 89 Points

    South Africa, Cape South Coast, Walker Bay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

    Cassis and mint with a distinct greenness on the nose. Quite light texture, minty and green on the palate, dry. Remains quite standoffish and the green note is a bit too much for me.

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  • 2011 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 91 Points

    South Africa, Coastal Region, Franschhoek Valley

    Nose of rounded, gently stewed fruits. Warm, spicy, tarry mouthful, fully resolved. Note of cinnamon on the finish. Reminiscent of Southern Rhone for me. Enjoyable and comforting.

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  • 2010 Sadie Family Columella 91 Points

    South Africa, Coastal Region, Swartland

    Pepper, primary dark fruit, tight and dry on the nose. No fun when first poured! With time it relaxes to show a warm, quite rich, savoury wine. Have to wonder how long you'll need to wait for this to fully resolve but it feels well balanced and fit for the journey.

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Closing

Many thanks to Mark C for organising and my table mates for their wines and company

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