An Informed Opinion… Number 12

These are showstopper wines worthy of their price tag, and something to invest in.

“While by no means this boutique estate’s most expensive wine, their Reserve range which includes a Cabernet Franc and a Merlot, is undoubtedly one of the true highlights of the entire red wine range were these world-class wines are made in a very focused but confident fruit-forward style that particularly appeals to drinkers looking for a bit more depth and breadth on their red wines. Indeed, Holden Manz winemaker Theirry Haberer, who studied at the Faculty d’Oenologie at the University of Bordeaux and at one stage worked with global superstar wine consultant Michel Rolland, undoubtedly brings a particular sensibility to his craft as well as a joyful philosophy that “less is not more, more is more!”- Greg Sherwood MW. 

94+ Points – Greg Sherwood MW 
“The colour is deep, dark and opaque and the aromatics plush, luxurious and expressive with rich layers of violets, rum and raisin pipe tobacco, opulent red and black berry fruits, sun raisined black cherries, stewed black plums and a melange of red and black berry fruits macerated in liquor with a sweet cedar spice undertone that points the mind firmly towards Cabernet Franc. The palate matches the aromatic opulence pound for pound, unfurling across the mouth with notes of cherry kirsch liquor, sweet molasses, bruleed coffee beans and a smooth, creamy mouth-coating depth. Undoubtedly an impressive expression with plenty of muscle and horsepower but also an admirably creamy, harmonious precision. The perfect fine wine winter warmer.” – Greg Sherwood MW.

A wine to elevate any random Tuesday without breaking the bank.

“The Marche’s most famous white wine, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, is grown in a vast area stretching from the west-facing hills West of Ancona, along the Esimo river past Jesi Arcevia, down to the Musone river. The zone extends South to Matelica and Verdicchio is grown and produced from the grape bearing the same name, with the permitted additions of up to 15% Trebbiano Toscana or Malvasia. The legend says that Verdicchio built its reputation back in the fourth century BC, when the Visigoth king, Alaric, encouraged his troops with treats of white wine before crossing the Apennines to conquer the Romans. As a mid-week drinker, you certainly won’t be asked to conquer any Roman armies, merely to try and match this delightful white with some delicious Mediterranean cuisine.”– Greg Sherwood MW. 

91 Points – Greg Sherwood MW 
“This Verdicchio is a mouth-watering gastronomic delight that shows a shiny crystalline luminosity in the glass and offers up attractive aromatics of spring flowers, white citrus, cut limes, dry thatch and subtle hints of white peaches and almond skins. On the palate there is a lovely classically constructed, chiselled mouthfeel that shines with a tangy fresh acidity, layers of tart green apple, summer pears, peach stones and a stony, bitter lemon finish. But it is exactly the wines salinity and gentle picante bitterness that makes it such a fabulous pairing with a wide range of Mediterranean dishes including white meats and seafood. Drink now while young and vibrant and over the next 2 to 3 years.” – Greg Sherwood MW.

A story wine worthy of its salt, and your cellar. 

“Visiting Spioenkop’s Belgian winemaker Koen Roose recently in March was particularly rewarding because we got to see that against all odds, Koen was recovering well from his scary car accident shortly after harvest 2022. While he was indeed almost back on top form, there was no doubting that his wines were on fire as usual, with his Riesling 2017 shinning particularly brightly with an electric freshness of liquid laser beams. Truly exceptional wines take just that little bit of mad genius to help the wines really impress. Spioenkop’s wines have it in spades!”– Greg Sherwood MW. 

94 Points – Greg Sherwood MW | 17 Points – Jancis Robinson MW | 95 Points – Tim Atkin MW
“You wouldn’t expect cool climate Riesling to excel at Spioenkop like it does, but when you consider the higher altitude vineyards and close proximity to the cold Atlantic Ocean, as well as the whole Elgin region being classified as second coolest on the Winkler climatic scale, then you begin to see how this temperamental grape has found a natural home in the valley. The 2017 Riesling is a beautifully aromatic expression brimming with notes of lime peel, honeysuckle, green apple, crunchy white peaches and delicate notes of kerosene and petrol rag over a limestone minerality. The palate shows a taut, powerful, exacting structure moulded around tart, crisp glassy lemon and lime acids but supported by a sleek mid-palate loaded with white peach, green apple, candied kumquats and crystalised green figs. Very Germanic in stature and expression, this wine must surely rank among the top Rieslings produced in South Africa. Drink now but absolutely no rush over the next 3 to 5+ years.” – Greg Sherwood MW.