Hell hath no fury like the morning after a day that started with five winery stops, was followed by sundowners,  and ended with sunrise.

After way too many glasses of wine, and far too few hours of sleep, I awoke Tuesday to a blinding sun and pounding headache.  I felt like the great wildebeest migration was thundering across my skull,  and I was so thirsty, you’d think I had contracted rabies.  My stomach might as well have been savaged by wild dogs.  A suitcase full of aspirin and every cup of rooibos in South Africa wouldn’t have wagged this dog’s tail out of its agony.   All things considered, I was relieved not to find myself sprawled out under a bush sucking empties like a malnourished calf.

Struggling to escape the primordial slime of Monday night’s excesses, I pulled the thick crusts off my eyes, then squeezed an industrial-sized tube of whitening toothpaste in my mouth, hoping to cover my purple tracks.  Lurching to and fro like a constipated cape buffalo, I stumbled into the shower and tried in vain to steam the evil spirits out of my system.   I felt one hell of a lot better when I was done, but I still smelled like a brewery.

One look in the mirror might have given a more sober individual pause. But there was no time for wallowing in my sorrows.  With so many more wineries to plunder, and another day ahead to accomplish that mission, there was nothing to do but push on.  I glugged down an Alka Seltzer, threw on my clothes, gathered up the few wits I had about me, and headed out with my wenchfest partner-in-crime for yet another consecutive day on the wine circuit.  While my body was a bit worse for the wear, once I hit those red clay winery roads, my brain was well on the way back to happyville.

Having already polished off some old favorites and visited new haunts in Contantia, Stellenbosch, and Hemel-en-Aarde (Hermanus/Walker Bay) over the past few days – and desperate to let the open windows and fresh air accomplish what my long shower didn’t – I decided to head out to the up-and-coming Robertson wine route.  It was a bit of a haul, and compared to the other routes, it seemed like it was out in the middle of nowhere.  But the trek there was worth the effort, as I finally made my way to what will now be Graham Beck’s primary winery, and Springfield estate.  Not only did I score some top-rated sauv blancs from these powerhouse producers, but I learned that Springfield is producing reds that are every bit as good and then some.   The good news is many of the wines from both estates are available in the states, and in my opinion, it’s hard to go wrong with either of these labels.

I also should add here that of all the amazing wineries I’ve been to so far, I still think pound for pound, Walker Bay’s Creation winery is one of the best – not just because of its outstanding wines, but because of its ambience.  I’ve visited there often over the years, and it just seems to get better every time.  The latest additions are the food and wine pairings – so good that owner Carolyn Martin has had to patent them to keep the copycat competitors at bay. Probably one of the hippest wineries in ZA, it is also one of the most warm and friendly ones. The great news out of Creation for Americans is that the first shipment of their wines arrived in the states this week, and will now be available to us.  Get ready, red wine drinkers, to put aside your “Sideways” sensibilities, and  fall in love with merlot again, and sauv blanc fans, hold on to your pasties, because Creation’s amazing SB/semillon blend is going to blow you away.

With all this week’s tastings under my belt (the other fortunate non-driving wench even moreso), it was time to head back to wine mecca central, Stellenbosch.  Our five-winery-a-day clip had taken a toll on both of us, and we were ready for an evening of catch up.   Of course, all that we really accomplished was finding a place to eat – the Institute of Culinary Art’s “Apprentice” restaurant and – you guessed it – drink even more wine.

I know it sounds like I’ve been doing far too much drinking and driving, but don’t go getting all M.A.D.D. Max on me – the truth is that I’ve been doing mostly sipping and spitting out on the wine trail.  It’s only when I get home with my haul from the day that I really get down to drinking wine, and even then, it’s not every night that leads to days like Tuesday morning.  I am a well-honed marathoner, after all!

Back in Stellenbosch, and well within easy reach of hundreds of centrally located estates, it was yet another glorious day of eating and drinking – and fortunately, for once, much more of the latter on Wednesday.  Among the many delights of the day were the wine and chocolate pairings at Waterford Estate, and then Bilton – both worth a try if you’re carousing ZA wine country.  Chocolate lover or not, you’ve never tasted chocolates as unusual as these before – they are definitely an experience.  And I might add that our tasting host at Bilton was probably even sweeter than all the chocolate in this country – totally hot; he was major chick eye candy.

We capped off the night with dinner at one of ZA’s most reknowned estate restaurants, Rust en Vrede.  I’ve had more high end gourmet experiences in South Africa than I can count, but this place was something else entirely, and more than lived up to its reputation.   They don’t just serve food; they serve art.   Actually, too bad it wasn’t only art, because with a few more meals like this, I’m going to be buying undies in the big dogs section of Lane Bryant.

Today, it’s off for another round of tastings, likely including some in Franschoek.  It’s a rare day when we have a set agenda, so there’s no telling where we might end up, or, at the end of my day, how I might end up.  But you can be sure there will be some more stories before the week is done.  Until then, cheers!

There I go again. What I meant to say was “does this wine make your glass look big?”   This is the kind of stuff that comes out of the mouths of those who have a taste for fine (and not so fine) wine in their blood.   Nothing personal intended.

One day into this Cape Town venture, and God knows how many wine tastings later, I’m full of big (literally!) thoughts and suffering from double vision.  Maybe I oughta put my purple tongue away, turn on the brain filter and let my laptop do the talking.

It was a long, bloody, 24-hour transit to the Mother City, but I arrived alive, and without incident.  I came within a hair of missing my flight out of Dulles, thanks to a little too much bubbly bon voyage’ing in the Admiral’s Club lounge.  Other than that, the journey across the pond went like clockwork.  The babies onboard must have been benadryl’ed up to the high heavens, there were no apparent manic passengers or crew onboard, and the wine was flowing all of our waking hours.  These may not sound like great accomplishments, but small victories go a long way in confined spaces.

The next morning and a few zzzzs later, the wenchfest WOW-ZA (women expedition, no children or husbands fest/Wild Life Odyssey for Wine – South Africa) crew was off to the races!  I was up and out the door at 9 a.m. – wine o’clock for me here in South Africa  -  and before long, headed out to the Constantia wine route.  Back in Cape Town, and out on the wine prowl:  I was giddier than a group of pre-tweens with front row seats at a Justin Bieber concert.

Giddy must have made for some crazy ideas, because we started out with an agenda fit for a border collie.  I confess that there’s no one to blame for that but the tree sloth that designed and executed it:  me.  We didn’t hit all my intended targets, but we still managed five estates in one day, and made an impressive dent in the local stock. The weather wasn’t completely cooperative, but a little thing like that was not about to rain on our parade.

Our first stop was at Constantia Glen, a charming, homey little place with a stunning mountain view.   While the Constantia wine route is known for its fine sauvignon blancs (SB) – I have lots of favorites here – Constantia Glen’s SB/semillon blend, a dry white wine lover’s dream, remains at the top of my list again this year. The good news is that it is exported to the States; the bad news is the distribution is still a little weak, so getting your hands on it outside of the midwest is a bit tricky.  But that could change soon if a new import deal goes through, so it’s worth a watch down the road.

Next, we headed to Constantia Glen’s new, ultra-chic sister winery, Beau Constantia, and then on to some of my other faves from the Constantia hit parade, where we tasted (in my case, sipped and spit) yet more wines.  In spite of my amazing restraint, madness still managed to get the best of me.

After learning that a tasty semillon came in a full liter bottle, I took the bait like a snapper and grabbed one to go.  I’m still  not sure what possessed me to do something that crazy, but I will say that the thing has already taken on a life of its own.  That, and thanks to one ginormous horse’s ass, there are going to be some mighty big glasses in our future.  Three cheers to that!

Good night, sleep tight.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Today’s Find:  Excelsior “Hands” cabernet sauvignon 2009

Excelsior winery has made its name with a cabernet sauvignon that’s not only a rock star on the “Top Ten Wines Under $10” circuit, but it’s South Africa’s top selling cab in the U.S.  This powerhouse estate in the up-and-coming South African wine region of Robertson, once known for its world-class thoroughbred horses, is now recognized as a champion producer of “best value” wines.  Apparently the vintners aren’t content to rest on the laurels of their highly respectable house label wines (which include chardonnay and syrah).  Buoyed by the many victory laps behind them, they are now striving for even greener pastures with the U.S. release of their “Hands” cabernet sauvignon.

Like the Excelsior cab, Hands is full of rich, black berries, and has a nice, deep color.    But taste the two wines side by side, and right away you’ll notice a difference.  Aside from the subtle differences on the nose, Hands is noticeably smoother, and a notch above its predecessor in flavor and balance.  Bold, yet somehow lighter than the house cab, it hints in the direction of a cab franc.  Let it breathe and open up  a bit to really enjoy the fullness of flavor.

Every bit as food friendly as its predecessor, Hands is perhaps even more versatile.  To enjoy this wine in all its glory, my recommendation is to try it with a tomato-rich Italian dish.  That’s not to say it won’t work with beef or any other number of foods of substance – it’s just to say you’ll get a wild explosion of flavor with tangy tomatoes behind your drink.  No matter your choice in food, let it breathe a bit, and open up ,to fully enjoy all this wine’s got to offer.

For a nice cab in the $10 or just above (depending on where you buy it) range, Hands is my choice – hands down.  If you’re not serving a crowd, take a step above the Excelsior label now and then.  For only $2 – $3 more, you’ll have a thoroughly enjoyable cab experience without draining your daily drinking bank account.  Look for the big, red horse on the bottle, and grab yourself another South African wine bargain.  This one, like its predecessor, is destined to take lots of ribbons.

Today’s Find:  Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

  It remains a mystery to me how the pastime of drinking wine has earned the dubious distinction of being a guilty pleasure.  Call me a few strands short on DNA, but I don’t feel a bit bad about indulging in wine – the more, the better, and optimally, vice versa – not even on those rare occasions when it results in a hangover.  In my drinking dictionary, remorse is not a word, and wine is sandwiched right in between the words vocation and yes (!).

For most of civilized society, though, the art of serious “wining” is still reserved for special occasions – when only the best will do.  After many years sampling the vineyard spoils, I’ve found a wine that will tickle taste buds of those on both sides of the great drinking divide.  Whether your’re a grand event consumer, or a quaffer (regardless of guilt) who aspires to that occasional something special, few wines check many boxes better than Thelema cabernet sauvignon.

Brimming with bold, berry flavors, softened by hints of coffee and eucalyptus (the latter a byproduct of trees planted near the vineyards) , this is a rich, velvety cab that goes down smoother than silk.  Powerful, yet elegant, it is stunning on its own, but an ultimate pleasure with a rare steak or red meat meal.  It’s my ultimate red wine “nuke” – da bomb I count can on to wow guests – especially the wine enthusiasts.  

 The ’08 vintage was another in series of top scoring cabs for Thelema – which have netted 90+ ratings from the top wine pros for twelve years running.  That many critics can’t be that wrong for that long - check it out yourself, and you’ll see why.  Prices can vary widely on this wine – ranging anywhere from $34 – $48 a bottle. With a little detective work locally or online, you may just find the bargain-priced bottles.  But either way, you will still have found yourself an ultimate red wine steal, and a memorable cab for whatever your occasion.

Today’s Find:  Graham Beck Brut NV Methode Cap Classique (MCC)

It’s the holiday season, and corks have been popping everywhere.  But with 2012 just hours away, the bubbly best is yet to come.  Nothing summons up the sparkling spirits quite like New Year’s Eve.   And nothing  says “celebration” quite like South Africa’s Graham Beck (GB) brut.

This legendary Methode Cap Classique (South Africa’s unique designation for its sparkling wines) made its first splash on the international stage when Nelson Mandela selected it to be served at his inaugural festivities.  Then, according to the Chicago foodie press, it became a favorite of the Obamas during their Windy City dinner date days.  In spite of all its’ star power cache, this spectacular little sparkler has managed to remain an insiders’ secret here in the States.

Those who regularly drink champagne, and those who rate it for a living have had the downlow on this amazing value bubbly for years running.  It’s consistently grabbed ratings in the late 80s and early 90s, averaging 89 points from the grape gurus. With its classic tart fruit and mineral flavors, a yeasty kick and elegantly creamy mousse topping, this new world sparkler can readily compete with many an old world champagne label.   But the best news is that it does so at a fraction of the cost:  running anywhere from $12 – $18 a bottle, depending on your locale, this quality bubbly is a great value, and the perfect choice for an elegant celebration with a large group.

So, if you want the last laugh of 2011, and to start 2012 in style, let the pretenders have their Cristal and second mortgage bottles of champagne.  Ring in the new year raising a glass of the real power players’ bubbly, the drink of presidents and Nobel Prize winers:  Graham Beck Brut.   As they say in South Africa, “Cheers!” ……….and best wishes for a bubbly New Year from the Wild Life.

 The Everyman’s Guide to South African Wine

Today’s Find:  DeMorgenzon “DMZ” Syrah 2010

November is the month for pumpkins, spice and everything nice. Nothing goes better with these bounties of the season than a great bottle of wine –  and nothing teams up with the spices like a syrah. Whether it’s a nice, rich, fall harvest soup, red meat, or a spicy dish you’re planning to serve, you can count on this lush, peppery red wine to put the perfect finishing touch on your meal every time.

If you’re looking for a great syrah, and lots of “bang for your buck,” then look no further than DeMorgenzon “DMZ” syrah 2009.  After putting lots of syrahs through their paces this past month, I’m here to tell you this wine’s a beaut.  It’s an exceptionally well-balanced wine, brimming with dark, bold berry flavors that are perfectly complimented by the cinnamon and pepper notes at the back end.  Given their spicy “kick,”  lush is not a term I would typically use to describe syrahs, but in the case of this vintage DeMorgenzon, it applies.  That spicy ending is a lot like a vampire bite:  it gets your attention, but the whole experience is beyond soothing.  If you’re a syrah fan, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

You’ll look long and hard to find another $15 syrah that packs so much punch. So save yourself some time, and start stocking up now for the holiday herd.  But don’t wait for the biggest feast of the season to savor a sip – indulge yourself now!

It’s a rare event when I can’t find a way to like something about most wines, but on this mission, I was looking for love.  And thanks to power tasting, I was able to separate the good from the great, and find it in lots of places (and to think I got all that and the health benefits that come with drinking lots of red wine, too!)

The blowout’s over, the votes are in, and all thumbs are pointing up on these wines – so much so that I’ve decided to offer up my “Best of 2011″ SA wine list this month, instead of waxing on one wine. Included on this list are some of the country’s top-ranked wines, as well as my favorite “superquaffers,” which offer up amazing quality for their price. Read up, drink down……….and until next month, you’ll have plenty to cheer about!

Included on the list are a few wines only available in SA that I brought back on my Wild Life winery tour. They are there because a) they belong on the “best of” list and b) if I’m doing my job, you’ll get to SA yourself and give them a test drive someday!

SAUVIGNON BLANC

SA has an ideal climate for growing these grapes, but only in the past decade has the country really gotten off the porch and started running with the big international dogs in this market – notably as New Zealand struggled to meet the demand for top notch SBs on the world market. Generally, SA SBs are a bit less acidic, more grassy, and full of minerals than their New Zealand counterparts. Every vintner in SA will tell you that growing conditions were absolutely perfect for SB in 2009, and then again in 2010, so when you see those bottles on the shelves, grab them fast if you like dry whites. They are still a great bargain.

Graham Beck Pheasant’s Run 2010 (SA only)

Sauvignon blanc Heaven on Earth(y) – featured in Back to the Wild Life. SB lovers, beware: one sip and you’ll be proposing to this wine. You won’t want to live without it.

Buitenverwachting Hussey’s Vlei 2010 (SA only)

Another single vineyard wine with a style true to its’ Hussey name – sexy!

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate: 91+ points.    Wine Spectator: 90 point

Southern Right 2010

Named after the whales on the estate coast, this wine is one of the most consistent and solid SBs year to year.  A huge international seller, it is widely available.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate: 86 points

*Superquaffer Buitenverwachting “Beyond” 2010

Another Wild Life favorite. Using the English meaning of its tongue-twisting Dutch name, the winery created an American marketing miracle.  Lip-licking good any day, but at $9.99 a bottle locally, (several stores), it’s also a gobsmacking great deal.

Wine Spectator: 86 points

Trizanne (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon) 2010

Just a kiss of drier-than-dry semillon in this mix makes for an unexpectedly elegant wine. So soft and intoxicating, yet rich, it feels like it should be coming out of a perfume mister.

Groot Constantia 2010

Straight from the oldest winery in South Africa and Capetown’s Constantia wine route comes another solid performer sure to pluck SB lovers’ heartstrings.  Rare in US.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate:  87 points

CHENIN BLANC

SA is king of the chenins, or as the locals call it, “steen.”  These grapes now dominate production, claiming 20 percent of their market.  Right behind quantity has come quality, with intense competition among vintners making SA one of the few places that can rival the world famous Loire for top-notch chenins.

Stellenrust “45” Barrel Fermented Chenin ’09 (SA only)

Twenty-something accountant and dentist chuck it all to make wine, and break through the pack with this stunning blend of barrel and tank fermented wine called “ageworthy.”

Douglas Green 2010

Uncomplicate your life, or at least your wine. This one’s simple, but it’s a nice, goes-down-easy and pleasant wine – and yours for under $10.

*Superquaffer Pieter Cruythoff  2010  (Unrated – made for export only)

Back the trucks up to the docks, move the cases in, and put the pedal to the metal – whatta steal!  This new arrival from Riebeek Cellars is a light, peppy little wine that’s making waves with its frisky, fruit flavors and market-entry pricing.  At $7 bucks a bottle, (by the case, Unwined, Alexandria) it’s the perfect wine for a party, or a group sundowner.

CHARDONNAY

SA has had limited production of this grape in the past, so the country is still clawing its way up the ladder in this intensively competitive international market – but they’ve turned out some eminently respectable chards in the process.  Robert Parker has called call them SA’s most consistent wines, and its’ top lines world class.  Forget the big, buttery chards you grew up on – SA’s niche is a much more crisp, mineral-driven wine.

Rustenberg Five Soldiers 2007

A lemon-limey chard, it’s been one of SA’s top performers, and probably one of its better known examples of the “breed.”  Don’t drink it too cold – you might miss all that luscious fruit!

Wine Spectator: 90 points

Hamilton Russell 2010

Legendary winemaker Kevin Grant made a huge splash with this “great white” in the 90s,  and continues to be recognized as one of the top producers of fine whites in the country.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate: 93 points

*Superquaffer Excelsior (unwooded) 2010

It’s tough competing with so many stars and 90+ ratings, but pound for pound and price point, this is the little engine that could.  This estate from the up-and-coming Robertson region is hitting our shores with fine, simple wines that you’d be proud to serve to guests at prices you’d forgotten existed.  This little number goes for $8.99 a bottle (Wegmann’s – VA).   Wow-SA!

Robert Parker: 88 points Wine Spectator: 82 points International Wine Cellar: 87 points

METHODE CAP CLASSIQUE

MCC is SA’s way of saying champagne, and it’s the time-honored tradition of bubbly-making that the French Huguenots brought to the Cape. The only thing missing is Champs-Elysees pricing. Very few MCCs make their way to the US, but SA wine powerhouse Graham Beck has several varieties that are widely available here.

Graham Beck Brut NV

This MCC set the SA industry standard, and became famous when Nelson Mandela served it as his inaugural festivities. According to the Chicago food press, it’s also a dinner date favorite of the Obamas. You’ll never be embarrassed to serve this to guests – unless they are Francais – and the $15 – $17 price is right, too.

Robert Parker: 89 points Wine Spectator: 83 points

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs NV

Pop the cork and let this creamy, mousse-laden bubbly loose. 100 percent chardonnay grapes.

DESSERT

These “late harvest” wines run the gamut, but are always sweet, a little syrupy, and an easy-going alternative to stronger liquor nightcaps.

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2005

This wine, first made in 1685, was a favorite of European Kings and Emperors – Napoleon kept the royal rack stocked, and even ordered it in exile – and the subject of musings by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.  Think honeysuckle on steroids.  This special elixir is the way to take your dinner party from standard to snazzy, or to end holiday meals.

Wine Spectator: 94 points

PINOT NOIR

Thriving in cooler climates, pinots have found the perfect home in the mountainous, coastal areas of the western Cape.   The country has produced some top-drawer stuff,  but US  availability has varied over the years.  According to many a frustrated Cape vintner, the local baboons have developed quite a taste for pinot – which just  goes to show that despite their bad behavior, the fanged little F***s don’t lack for good taste.

Hamilton Russell 2009

Located right off the Hermanus coast, the winery is an ideal, year-round cool spot to take pinot grapes to their outer limits.  This wine, now 30 years in the making, put Walker Bay on the vintners’ map.

Robert Parker:  93 points

PINOTAGE

Pinotage is a SA specialty – a cross between a pinot noir and cinsault grapes, developed at Stellenbosch University.  It’s a very unique, rich red wine that generates strong opinions. Give it a try, if for no other reason than so few pinotages ever see the light of day in the states.

Southern Right 2010

Don’t be afraid of the urban legends on gritty Pinotage.    This brand does it as right as it can be done.  Drink like a giraffe at the watering hole, and let it go down real slow.  Savor the flavor.

Simonsig 2010

Drink out of the box – and I don’t mean a carton.  This middle range line from a top-drawer pinotage producer is a pleasing, off-beat red, and good example of the distinctive pinotage flavor.

MERLOT

Creation 2010 (SA only)

Put your Sideways prejudices aside, and indulge in a nice, smooth, soothes-the-nostrils red.  This young, hip Walker Bay winery is producing more impressive wines every year.

SHIRAZ

You say Syrah, they say Shiraz. Most of the time, anyway.  A SA smackdown of the Aussies’ offerings in a late 90s international competition set plantings on fire, and the motherland on the shiraz map. Production has increased almost tenfold since then.Boekenhoutskloof 2007

Boekenhoutskloof 2007 Leaping Cape leopards!  Or as they say in text-speak, OMFG.  Even the snappy spices melt provocatively into this alluring red that sits on top shelves world-wide – routinely hauling in 90+ ratings.  Robert Parker has called Boekenhoutskloof SA’s top(notch) wine producer.

Wine Spectator: 93 points

Rudi Schultz 2006

Bring out the stogies.  Smoky, spicy, rich, and exotic.  Thelema Mountain Vineyards’ famous winemaker created his own boutique shiraz label, and has been getting 90+ point ratings from Wine Spectator every year since 2002.

Wine Spectator: 93 points

DeMorgenzon DMZ 2009

Bite me – in a vampire kind of way.  Arresting, but very soothing. Berries, spices, lots of tannins.  Lots of red, for surprisingly few greenbacks.   The price is right, shiraz lovers.

International Wine Cellar: 90 points

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Great bang for the buck.   SA top shelf cabs beat a huge chunk of their international competition into the dirt on price.  Cab wine production ranks second in the country.

Boekenhoutskloof  2007

Wine snots will be wiping their eyes, not their noses, when they hit these bottles.  From the makers of the wildly popular Chocolate Block red blend comes this even more elegant cab that will bring tears to the highest wine brows’ eyes.

Thelema Mountain 2008

“The Nuke.”  My secret, red wine weapon for special dinner parties – soft, smooth, and a superstar with rare, red meats and spicy dishes, but equally crowd-pleasing straight up.  I’ve seen this one trump far bigger names and reputations hands down, and all thumbs up.

Robert Parker: 91 points

*Superquaffer Excelsior 2009

Load up the liquor locker and laugh all the way to the bank.  This respectable cab probably takes the gold for most times included on Top 10 under $10 wine lists.  Wegmans’ is the local league leader on price, at $6.49 a bottle.

Wine Enthusiast:  “Best Buy” award three consecutive years, 2006-2008

Robert Parker: 85 points Wine Spectator: 84 points

RED BLENDS

Vergenoegd Estate Reserve 2003 (SA only)

“Fair-ga-nukt” is how they say it, but you won’t need an interpreter to pronouce this velvety red a world class wine. The blend is the ultimate in elegance from this estate known for its trophy reds and 500 working ducks (they eat slugs off the grapes).

Graham Beck Ad Honorem 2007  (SA only)

All eyes on the catwalk for this long-legged ZA supermodel.  Poised, elegant and designed to impress. Strike a pose with this drink in your hand.  Yeah, bab-ee!

Englebrecht-Els 2003

SA golf pro Ernie Els (“The Big Easy”) is not only a master of the links, but the big reds, too.  Turning a chunk of his championship spoils into a Stellenbosch estate in 2000, and teaming up with old establishment red winemaker Jannie Englebrecht of Rust en Vrede has made Els a big winner yet again.

Wine Spectator: 89 points

*Superquaffer Kanonkop Kadette 2009

This pinotage blend will make you happier than a laughing hyena, and leave you scavenging every last drop.  I wish I had a nickle for every “what was that wine you served, and where can I get it?‘  Well-matched and priced for a small, fall-winter dinner party.  At $15 a bottle,  keep’em coming back for more.  Nice price for quality that will impress.

International Wine Cellar: 89 points Wine Enthusiast: 88 points Robert Parker: 85 points

Today’s Find:  Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2008

Lately, I’ve spilled plenty of ink on light white wines, and for good reason:  they are the perfect antidote to the dog days of summer. But it’s time to give red wine drinkers their due, and to serve up some alternatives to my beloved South African  ”great whites.”  As I discovered by accident last week, one of the best places to start on summer reds is with pinot noirs.

Regardless of the season, Hamilton Russell, for my money, is one of the best pinot noir bets going.   This Walker Bay winery, nestled between the mountains and located only 3 kilometres from the Atlantic ocean, is blessed with some of the coolest breezes in South Africa. Not surprisingly, the Walker Bay region boasts a number of acclaimed pinots. But it is Hamilton Russell that has stood the test of time, and put the estate in a league all its own. Producing only two types of wine since the mid-90s – pinot noir and chardonnay – the vineyard has made an art form of turning out both.  Still,  it is the pinots which have consistently caught the attention of the pros, hauling in 90+ ratings internationally for several years running.

I’ve had several vintages of the Hamilton Russell pinot, and have yet to find one I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.  But the 2008 vintage gets my vote as the best summer red among the lot.  Medium-bodied, with just the right hints of spice and oak, it is notably smooth and elegant – making it a perfect summer soother.  Lacking the overbearing presence of many other reds, this pinot provides the perfect compliment to light summer fare – especially grilled fish and chicken.  Mix the menu up, and find your perfect pinot food groove, but be sure not to miss this one “straight up.”  Whether you savor this one under the summer stars or by the winter fire, it will be an experience you won’t forget.

($25 – $40) Be sure to shop around for this delicacy, and don’t overlook online options.  Prices on this wine can vary widely, depending on where you buy.

Today’s Find:  2010 Southern Right Wines

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over many years of drinking wine, it’s that you can’t go wrong drinking Southern Right.  Aside from the splashy whale logo on its labels, this winery is best recognized here in the states for its sauvignon blanc (SB) – not only is this international best seller widely available in liquor stores nationwide, but befitting its reputation, it’s increasingly showing up on finer restaurant menus coast to coast.   There’s good reason for that in both cases:  it is a nice, earthy SB of substance, and it’s been a consistent performer for many years running.  Not only does it lack the watered down consistency of many well-priced SBs, but its minerality keeps it refreshingly free of the shrill, acidic notes that so often dominate the “breed.”  This may not be your cheapest SB alternative – it runs retail in the $12 – $14 range – but it’s so reliably good, no matter the vintage, that it’s not just a safe choice, but a smart one to please your palate and impress your guests.

If it’s red wine you crave, Southern Right has an equally impressive offering in its pinotage.  It is the only other wine produced at the estate, the winery’s foundation product and its’ winemakers’ specialty. The owners’ focus and drive toward international excellence have paid off here as well, because this wine has also been reeling in rave reviews and high ratings since its first release in 1995.  Rich and complex, yet surprisingly smooth for this distinctly South African varietal, Southern Right is the perfect choice to begin learning the art of the pinotage.  I’ve seen many a pinotage skeptic enjoying this wine – although I’d highly reommend blind tastings to avoid the common pinotage prejudice – and  coming back for more.  One taste and you’ll understand why this estate’s pinotage is well on its way to becoming a world class wine.  Retail ranges from $21 – $23, depending on region.

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