Did you wake up this morning in a cold sweat, realising that you’d forgotten the big V? Panic not! WCellar’s wine experts have put together a list of top 10 wines worth uncorking. They all make top-drawer gifts of lurv, or, alternatively, very good accompaniments to that grand, romantic meal you’ve been plotting for weeks.
That said, if, like us, you think that Valentine’s Day is a racket, then presumably you don’t need it as an excuse to nab a fine bottle. Over the years we’ve picked up some really good tips from the WCellar team about what we should drink and reckon that this selection is worth paying particular attention to.
1. Kanonkop Paul Sauer
R999.99
One of South Africa’s truly iconic wines, and the first to ever score a perfect 100 points from international wine judge, journalist and critic Tim Atkin in his South Africa Report, for the 2015 vintage. This is a full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc.
2. L’Ormarins Private Cuvée
R499.99
This vibrant blend of 92% chardonnay and 8% pinot noir achieved a score of 93 points from Atkin, the highest for a Cap Classique, and at an accessible price point. Seven years on the lees gives it lovely complexity and it rivals, if not surpasses, the elegance and sophistication of Champagne.
3. Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc
R289.99
Made by David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg Wines, Ghost Corner has always offered a standout sauvignon blanc. The grapes are grown near the southernmost tip of Africa, and this vintage delivers coastal scrub aromas offset by salty sea notes of crushed oyster shells, fig leaf and ruby grapefruit.
4. Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
R999.99
Recently recognised as one of the top 50 wines in the world at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the Le Riche Reserve is a powerful, elegant cabernet sauvignon. Expect classic aromas of fresh plums and blackberries, cherry, violets and cassis, firm acidity, fine-grained tannins and a long, lingering finish.
5. Bellingham Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc
R249.99
This wine has been in the race for best chenin in South Africa for many years, with a string of serious local and international accolades under its screw top, and it’s great value. A luxurious blend of ripe pear, tropical pineapple and a hint of honeyed almonds is elevated by a creamy oak finish.
6. Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rosé
R219.99
The competition for the best rosé in South Africa is fierce, and this is leading the way in the category. It’s made in the same style as sauvignon blanc to maintain its fresh fruit character but uses 100% cabernet franc juice. The flavours of ripe strawberries, cassis and candyfloss are simply delicious.
7. Thelema Merlot Reserve
R549.99
Thelema is a specialist in both cabernet sauvignon and merlot, and this merlot reserve comes highly rated for the vintage, achieving an outstanding 94 points from Platter’s. Only the top 5% of the grapes picked and sorted by hand make the grade for this very small bottling. The result is a wine that’s lush and textured on the palate with a very smooth finish.
8. Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay
R319
This is a top-rated and outstanding wine from one of Woolworths’ longest-standing suppliers. The wine has an attractive bouquet, bringing together aromas of citrus, acacia blossoms and flinty mineral aromatics.
9. Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir
R599.99
Who doesn’t love a pinot noir? This particular one is highly regarded around the world as a standout wine from the southern hemisphere. A combination of Newton Johnson’s four best and most mature pinot noir vineyards, it offers a lovely weight and freshness.
10. Hartenberg The Stork Shiraz
R1,399.99
Hartenberg is a shiraz specialist, and The Stork has a legacy spanning more than 20 years. It’s a limited-volume wine, crafted to be a showstopper, which is drinkable straight away, but also has the potential to age beautifully. It lives up to expectations, having won various awards, including best shiraz in the world at Syrah du Monde.
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