1694 Classification 2008

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose meaty, smoky, spicy, with some prunes. In the mouth very tasty with a bitter finish. The aftertaste last for a while.

This wine is made in the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa by Rust en Vrede. It is a blend of 57% Shiraz and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon. Continue reading “1694 Classification 2008”

The Chocolate Block 2016

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose at first closed. With some air, dark berries and smoky notes show up. Despite the name, no chocolate whatsoever. In the mouth velvety and fruity, with an enjoyable drying finish. The aftertaste is pleasant, but short.

The Chocolate Block is a barrel-aged red wine made by Boekenhoutskloof winery in the Franschhoek Valley (“French corner” in Dutch), a broad vineyard-lined valley that has been producing wine since the 17th Century, when exiled French Huguenots brought their viticultural know-how to their new home in South Africa. Continue reading “The Chocolate Block 2016”

Syrah/Shiraz

Last week I hosted a wine tasting event at my home. Three other wine enthusiasts joined me to taste blindly four Syrah/Shiraz based wines.

Since everyone brought a bottle of his choice, we ended up without any Syrah from the Rhône Valley. Continue reading “Syrah/Shiraz”

Klein Constantia 2013

In the 18th and 19th centuries “the sweet, luscious and excellent wine of Constantia” (South Africa) was recognized as one of the great wines of the world. Towards the end of the 19th century phylloxera arrived at the Cape, causing devastation in the vineyards and bankruptcy amongst the winemaking families. Continue reading “Klein Constantia 2013”