Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
Anthonij Rupert South African Wines
Denise Tanglin
Tasted September 28, 2008 by Alex H with 360 views
Introduction
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...
Flight 1 - The Whites (3 notes)
White
2006 Anthonij Rupert Nemesia
80 points
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.
White
2007 Anthonij Rupert Chardonnay L'Omarins
79 points
A much sweeter pearish nose framed by citrus. Some osthmanthus action. This is okay.
White
2006 Anthonij Rupert Chardonnay Serruria
77 points
Butter mixed with nail varnish and finishing with bitter pith.
Flight 2 - The Reds (3 notes)
Red
2005 Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Sauvignon
81 points
Wet soil and twigs. Dusty black cherries with quite old world approach.
Red
2005 Anthonij Rupert Merlot
84 points
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.
Red
2005 Anthonij Rupert Syrah
83 points
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.
Closing
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.