Even though the book didn't have much good to say about Pinotage or Chenin Blanc (and made me worry that these varieties will soon be extinct), we did enjoy the unique taste of those wines. And look, we have a picture this time! They're even in order of drinking.
A. Mulderbosch Sauvingnon Blanc 2010 - more info
Appearance: White, pale
Nose: 4
Intensity: 3.3
Balance: 4
Complexity: 2
Finish: 2
Comments: Semi-dull, has a bite, fresh, minerals, tart finish. "Better than I thought, but I don't love it." "I can feel it more than I can taste it."
Michelle's favorite white
B. Indaba Chardonnay 2010 - more info
Appearance: More hay, less straw
Nose: 2.5
Intensity: 1.7
Balance: 3
Complexity: 3.4
Finish: 4.1
Comments: Finish is better than the sip.
C. Indaba Chenin Blanc 2011 - more info
Appearance: Pale, good legs, transparent
Nose: 4
Intensity: 1.3
Balance: 3
Complexity: 3
Finish: 2.6
Comments: Unassuming, apples and leather, gets better the more you drink it, biggest taste at mid-palate, could go well with red meats.
D. Kanu Chenin Blanc 2009 - more info
Appearance: fizzy, cloudy
Nose: 5 - "Oh!!"
Intensity: 2.6
Balance: 3.7
Complexity: 3.2
Finish: 3.1
Comments: Like champagne, more bold, it rises, has a lot of texture, wavy finish.
Andy's favorite, MV and Jen's favorite white, Michelle's other favorite white.
E. Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards Theta Syrah 2003 - more info
Appearance: Deep, chocolatey, opaque, leggy, dark
Nose: 5 - Chocolate, wood
Intensity: 4
Balance: 3
Complexity: 5
Finish: 3.8 - Dry
Comments: Smokey, beefy, earthy. "It's kinda like dirt... I like it." "Candlewax, campfires, and apples."
The only red Michelle has ever liked.
F. Goats in Village Shiraz Pinotage 2008 - more info (This link doesn't offer price, but it does have the story, which you will need to read to understand the comments.)
Appearance: Translucent, dark, angry, "I see a lot of AIDS, but not many goats."
Nose: 4 - Smokey
Intensity: 3.5
Balance: 5
Complexity: 4.2 - Bursts
Finish: 4 - Tasty but subtle
Comments: It has AIDS and goats. Highest entertainment value per dollar. Likely good with chocolate or steak.
Dan and Haley's favorite. Jen's second favorite red.
G. Barista Pinotage 2009 - more info
Appearance: Similar to the last one, cherry, not as viscous
Nose: 5 - Spicy and grassy
Intensity: 2.7
Balance: 4
Complexity: 5 - "What is that?"
Finish: 5 - "Long and luscious"
Comments: Grassy, coffee, mocha, cherry, meadow, open field, snakes and butterflies, staccato, sensuous.
Kerri's favorite. Jen's favorite red.
H. Graham Beck The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 - more info
Appearance: Purple, confident and sexy (in a Scottish accent)
Nose: 3.6 - Molasses, honey
Intensity: 2.4
Balance: 4
Complexity: 2.95
Finish: 4.2
Comments: Hippie wine, berry, vaguely smokey, chewy, round.
