South African Wine Tasting at #LyssesHouseHotel with #Neethlingshof #uitkyk #jordanwine #altoestate #winetasting #winenotes #fountainpen (at Lysses House Hotel)

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Neethlingshof 'The Caracal' 2010, Stellenbosch, South Africa The New World generally does Old World, but bigger; Marlborough Sauvignon can be like Touraine on steroids, Australian Shiraz like the Rhône with a turbocharger. That's not to say they lack finesse, but big fruit is the rule rather than the exception. South Africa has the climate to be big, if they want to be, but frequently producers want a more European character to their wines. The result can be wines which sit as a halfway house between the power of the New World and the elegance of the Old, with, with accessibility in youth. 'The Caracal' is a blend in the style of classic left bank Bordeaux, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The 2010 has had some time in oak barrels to mature, and is already very drinkable. The fruit is still youthful, blackcurrant and damson, with plenty of oaky aromas and plenty going on when you swirl it around. It's well balanced, medium bodied, and the tannins are already soft and ripe, but still firm. There's structure here to age over the next 4-5 years, but this is drinking well now. Good partner for roast beef, or a rack of lamb. Or if you're me, a book on Sherry. Naturally. This sleek beast can be found at your local majestic wine for £11.98 on their very special 25% offer on South Africa (until Monday 23rd September). Money well spent.

FCB (South Africa)