Michael Hepworth
HOLLYWOOD(Spiritsman)8/26/13/–Here are a few new ones to try that are excellent value specially imported by the Alabama based Vineyard brands. They list over 60 hand-picked producers from France, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. They have been virtually solely responsible for introducing South African Chardonnay to the USA market such as the highly rated Hamilton Russell 2012 ($32).
The 2012 Cono Sur Bicicleta from Chile is well balanced, very fresh and a good deal at $12. With pale yellow coloring this wine goes with seafood, chicken, spices, cheeses and vegetables and was hand picked in the spring of 2012. The ageing process can last anything between four and twelve months in stainless steel tanks, and the area where the grapes are has a gentle climate with cool nights and foggy mornings.
Moving on to South Africa we have the Neil Ellis 2012 Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape for $18.99. The bushvines are low yielding with no supplementary irrigation and the soil is mainly decomposed granite and clay. Harvesting was 2 weeks in February 2012, and bottling took place in July 2012.
Staying with South Africa the 2013 Fairview Darling derives from grapes harvested from unirrigated vineyards that are planted in deep red oakleaf soils. Priced at $13.99, the taste of grapefruit comes into the mix here, and at harvesting only the free run juice was used. The juice is then settled and fermented in stainless steel tanks and left on its fine lees for two months before bottling. Fairview was established in 1693 with a wonderful view of Table Mountain.
M A N Sauvignon Blanc 2013 at $10.99 is also from the Western Cape but from the higher and cooler vineyards in the region of Stellenbach.The other grapes that make up this wine are from the Agtar-Paarl vineyards which is quite warmer. Whirlwinds are apparently quite common during the summer. This wine pairs with oysters, Thai Food, sushi, salad, lemon garnished fish dishes and salads and it should be served chilled.
The 2012 Mohua Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand is outstanding value at $13.99 and has a tasting buzz of lime, citrus, melon and lemongrass.
The sub growing region is in the Southern Valleys of Lower Wairau in Rapaura. When it comes to the palate the flavors are passion fruit, white peach, lemon and fresh herb. I found it slightly more acidic than the South African wines, and although not quite in the same league as the Cloudy Bay’s of this world still a strong buy.
For more information on these wines and where to find them in your area, please go to the web site below. www.vineyardbrands.com
205-980-8802
Michael Hepworth
287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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